Akai Professional MPD218 MIDI USB Drum Beat Pad Controller w/ Ableton Software

Building on the success of the original, the feature-packed MPD2 Series gives you amazing creative musical ammo with Thick Fat backlit MPC pads, improved controls and new bundled software.

The MPD2 Series is a product of over six years of detailed customer research and user feedback. Akai Professional asked what you wanted and listened closely. They took what the professionals wanted and turned it into the most capable and user-friendly line of pad controllers Akai Professional has developed to date.
Akai Professional MPD218 Pad Controller Features:

• 16 Thick Fat backlit MPC pads.
• 48 assignable pads accessible via 3 banks.
• 18 assignable 360-dgree potentiometers accessible via 3 banks.
• MPC Note Repeat and Full Level.
• iOS compatible using the Camera Connection Kit (sold separately.)
• 16 configurable presets.
• USB powered, no AC adapter required.
• Includes Ableton Live Lite, Akai Pro MPC Essentials, Sonivox Big Bang Cinematic Percussion and Big Bang Universal Drums.

Nitty-Gritty
The MPD218 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJs alike. Its intuitive blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production.

Experience the Difference
First, Akai stepped up their game by adding new, ultra sensitive Thick Fat MPC pads, creating an amazingly responsive user experience. The MPD218 also has an expanded control set of six knobs in three banks versus one control on the previous MPD18 model. This will enable you to maximize your sound and give you increased control over effects.

MIDI information is sent over its plug-and-play USB interface for use on Mac or PC, eliminating the need to install any drivers. The USB connection powers the MPD218 so the included USB cable is all you need.

Goodies
Along with the improved functionality, Akai has added iOS compatibility using the Camera Connection Kit (sold separately) and included over $400 of free software. Titles include: Akai Pro MPC Essentials, Big Bang Drums and Big Bang Cinema from Sonivox, Ableton Live Lite, and Software Preset. The aforementioned Software Preset Editor allows you to enjoy intuitive control editing right from the front panel of the MPD218.

The MPD2 Series marks an important evolution of the pad controller. Many years of research and customer feedback has led directly to some of the most capable pad controllers Akai has ever developed. These MPDs are the perfect bridge between your creativity and your computer-based studio.

MPC 2.0 Upgrade Ready (Optional)
Akai is pleased to announce that the critically acclaimed MPC Software 2.0 upgrade is now available to purchase for your MPD, greatly enhancing the capability and functionality from the included MPC Essentials.

MPC Software 2.0 is a cutting-edge production suite combining 128-track sequencing capability, real-time time stretching, clip-launch functionality, advanced MIDI editing capability, VST compatibility in controller mode, operation as a standalone application on Mac & PC, advanced sampling & audio editing/recording functionality, seamless DAW integration, a redesigned GUI, Ableton Link Compatibility and much more. Whether you're seeking freedom from computer based music production, or searching for the perfect controller for DAW-centric creative exploration, MPC Software 2.0 grants the ultimate in adaptive creative versatility.

VIP 3.0 Upgrade Ready (Optional)
Experience expanded control of your VST instrument and effect collection with VIP 3.0 (a $99.99 Value) for just $29.99. VIP3.0 provides you with unparalleled access to your virtual instrument and effect collection, seamlessly integrating the hardware / software experience and grants the unrestricted freedom to create in a user-friendly, intuitive format. The combination of VIP and MPD maximizes workflow and ensures a playing experience that feels natural and enhances creativity - the natural, tactile feel of hardware fused with the unrivalled processing capability of virtual Instruments. Quickly find sounds based on instrument type, timbre, style or articulation from your entire VST library; sculpt immersive, expressive sounds and textures layering up to 8 separate instruments and patches per VIP instance; load up to 4 different VST effects per instrument channel to sculpt the perfect sound; put power into your performance with Pad Chord Progressions and user-friendly Key Control processors; and much more. From live performance to studio production, VIP's user-friendly functionality coupled with a diverse feature set guarantees simple, seamless integration into your existing setup and provides the ultimate platform for unrestricted creative expression. Each MPD218 Retail Box Includes: (1) Akai Professional MPD218 Feature-Packed Highly Playable Pad Controller
(1) USB Cable
(1) Software Download Card
(1) User Guide
(1) Safety and Warranty Manual