Nitty-Gritty The MPD226 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, we stepped up our game by adding new, ultra sensitive Thick Fat MPC pads, creating an amazingly responsive user experience. The MPD226 has an expanded control set featuring four knobs, four faders, four buttons arranged in three banks for 36 total controls versus 12 on the MPD26. 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. Goodies 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 MPD226. Our 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 we've ever developed. These MPDs are the perfect bridge between your creativity and your computer-based studio. MPC 2.0 Upgrade Ready (Optional) We are 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. Includes: MPD226 Feature-Packed Highly Playable USB Pad Controller - USB Cable - 2x 1/8 -to-MIDI Adapters - Software Download Cards - User Guide - Akai 1 Year Limited Warranty Features: 16 Thick Fat RGB illuminated velocity and pressure sensitive MPC pads 64 assignable pads accessible via 4 banks 4 assignable faders, 4 assignable Q-Link knobs, 4 assignable Q-Link buttons 36 assignable controls accessible via 3 banks Classic MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, 16 Level, Full Level and Tap Tempo 30 presets total, with configurations for most popular DAWs iOS compatible using the Camera Connection Kit (sold separately) MIDI In and Out jacks for controlling external gear Dedicated Transport controls Includes Ableton Live Lite, Akai Pro MPC Essentials, Sonivox Big Bang Cinematic Percussion and Big Bang Universal Drums Specifications: Pads: 16x velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, RGB-backlit 4x banks accessible via Pad Bank button Controls: 4x 360 Degree assignable knobs 3x banks accessible via Control Bank button 1x 360 Degree encoder for display navigation and selection via push 4x assignable switches, amber-backlit 10x dedicated function buttons, amber-backlit 3x transport buttons 4x directional cursor buttons for display navigation Faders: 4x 45mm assignable faders 3x banks accessible via Control Bank button Display: 20x 4 characters, monochrome-backlit with adjustable contrast Connections: 1x USB port 1x power input (power adapter available separately) 1x 1/8 MIDI input (1/8 to MIDI adapter included) 1x 1/8 MIDI output (1/8 to MIDI adapter included) 1x Kensington lock slot System Requirements: Mac 1.25 GHz G4/G5 or faster (Intel Mac recommended) 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended) Mac OS X 10.4.11 (10.5 or later recommended) Windows 1.5 GHz Pentium 4 Celeron-compatible CPU or faster (multicore CPU recommended) 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended) Windows 8, 7, Vista, or XP Windows-compatible sound card (ASIO driver support recommended, QuickTime recommended) Power Source: USB charger (available separately) or USB bus Via power adapter, 6 VDC, 1 A, center-positive (available separately) Dimensions (L x W x H): 13.1 x 10 x 1.9 (33.3 x 25.4 x 4.8cm) Weight: 2.9 lb (1.3kg)