The Akai MPD218 is a highly intuitive, pad-based MIDI controller operating via a USB connection, perfectly suited for the needs of modern music producers, beatmakers, musicians, and DJs. This device successfully brings the classic workflow and ergonomic feel of the legendary MPC (Music Production Center) machines directly into the DAW environment on Mac, PC, and iOS mobile devices. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the MPD218 serves as an incredibly mobile tool, ready for action both in a home studio and while traveling.
The centerpiece of its interface consists of 16 red-backlit, ultra-sensitive "Thick Fat MPC" pads. These pads respond precisely to both strike velocity and subsequent pressure (aftertouch), allowing for highly expressive drum programming or sample triggering. With three independent pad banks accessible at the push of a button, the user gains instant access to up to 48 assignable sounds. A significant upgrade from its predecessor (the MPD18) is the addition of a control section featuring six 360-degree assignable rotary knobs, which also support three banks. This grants control over 18 independent parameters in your DAW, such as filters, volume levels, or send effects.
The controller comes equipped with legendary, built-in features borrowed directly from the MPC family, such as Note Repeat (complete with rhythmic time division and Swing configuration) and Full Level (ensuring maximum volume for every hit, regardless of velocity). The hardware is fully bus-powered and operated via a single USB cable thanks to its Plug-and-Play (Class Compliant) architecture, eliminating the need for any additional drivers. Bundled with the MPD218 is a massive software package, including titles like Ableton Live Lite and Akai's own MPC Beats application.
KEY FEATURES
- 16 ultra-sensitive, thick, and red-backlit classic MPC-style pads
- Full support for both impact Velocity and continuous Aftertouch pressure
- 3 dedicated pad banks offering a total of 48 instantly accessible pad assignments
- 6 assignable 360-degree rotary knobs with 3 banks (controlling up to 18 parameters)
- Iconic MPC functionalities built-in: Note Repeat (with Swing) and Full Level mode
- 16 fully customizable internal presets for personalized MIDI mapping arrangements
- Both power and seamless data communication are handled entirely via USB
- True Plug-and-Play operation without the need for downloading external drivers (Mac / PC)
- iOS compatibility for mobile music creation (requires Apple Camera Connection Kit)
- Comprehensive software bundle included (featuring MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Drum Synth 500)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Device Type: USB / MIDI Pad Controller
- Number of Pads: 16 (Red-backlit, velocity and pressure-sensitive)
- Pad Banks: 3 (access to 48 assignable pad functions)
- Rotary Knobs: 6 assignable 360-degree potentiometers
- Knob Banks: 3 (access to 18 assignable parameters)
- Function Buttons: 6 (including Note Repeat, Full Level, NR Config, Prog Select)
- Connections: 1 x Type-B USB port
- Power Supply: USB Bus-Powered (powered directly from the host computer)
- System Compatibility: Mac OS X, Windows (Class Compliant), and iOS
- Additional Features: Dedicated software editor for advanced MIDI custom mapping
