« Full sized pads in a small, super portable package »

What I love most about this unit is it is quite small and light compared to my MPD 24. I can put this in my laptop case with my MBP and still have room to spare. It also is much better when you are traveling (car/plane) to have this smaller unit as space becomes scarce. I also actually like the way you select presets. It is done by holding down the preset button and selecting the Pad that corresponds to the preset you need. It is a little tricky at first, but after you get the hang of it, you'll be swapping banks/presets with lightening speed. What I don't like about it is the same thing all Akai MPD's seem to have an issue with....sensitivity. It's almost a joke to use this controller without the "Full Level" selection enabled. It just doesn't offer any softer hits. The best thing you can do is either buy a "sensitivity kit" from the various sites that offer them or do the deed yourself with some electrical tape. I can't believe that Akai, after all these years, has still not addressed this concern. But, you can pick up one of the sensitivity kits for less than $20. If you look at it as a necessary purchase, then you are only spending about $120 to get a sweet, solid midi controller. This unit makes no sound on it's own so that question doesn't apply, but in regards to presicion, the pads suffer from the sensitivity issue I mentioned before. I have used an Akai MPD 24 as my main drum controller for about a year and I love it. The MPD 18 is just as loved in my home but serves its purpose mainly as an on the go device.