New AKAI MPD218, MPD226 and MPD232 USB MIDI pad controllers

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Akai announces the release in a few days of the improved MPD series of MIDI pad controllers, which includes three models.

The new Akai MPD 2 series is the result of 6 year of development and user feedback. The three MPD218, MPD226 and MPD232 MIDI controller are improved versions of the MPD18, 26 and 32. They all come equipped with the new Thick Fat MPC pads described as ultra sensitive and they can be used with iOS devices via the Apple USB Camera Connection Kit sold separately. Last, the controllers ship with a software bundle featuring Ableton Live Live DAW, SONiVOX Big Bang Drums and Big Bang Cinema sound libraries as well as the presets editor for the MPD 2 programming.

Details of this new series:

MPD218:

16 Thick Fat MPC-type red backlit pads with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity
48 assignable pads via 3 banks
18 assignable knobs via 3 banks
MPC Note Repeat and Full Level modes
16 configurable presets
USB-powered, no additional power supply required

MPD226:

16 Thick Fat MPC-type RGB backlit pads with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity
64 assignable pads via 4 banks
36 assignable controls via 3 banks
4 faders, 4 Q-Link knobs and 4 Q-Link buttons, all assignable
MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, 16 Level, Full Level and Tap Tempo modes
30 configurable presets
MIDI I/O for external device control (1/8” connector)
Dedicated transport buttons
USB-powered, no additional power supply required

MPD232:

32-step sequencer for 64 pad control
16 Thick Fat MPC-type RGB backlit pads with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity
64 assignable pads via 4 banks
72 assignable controls via 3 banks
8 faders, 8 Q-Link knobs and 8 Q-Link buttons, all assignable
MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, 16 Level, Full Level and Tap Tempo modes
30 configurable presets
MIDI I/O for external device control (1/8” connector)
Dedicated transport buttons
iOS compatible via the Apple USB Camera Connection Kit
USB port
Power supply

The three new Akai MPD MIDI controllers will be available mid-July. Suggested street prices are 99 € / $199 for the MPD218, 199 € / $299 for the MPD226 and 269 € / $399 for the MPD232.