Korg or Akai control pad

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VIIRUS

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What's up guys and gals. I'm new to this forum. I'm orginally from New Orleans but now I live in Atlanta. Anyway, I was looking for some direction with a decision I'm trying to make.

I've read many reviews and several forum debates on the both of these. I'm having a hard time choosing one. Not that it matters but I have a Korg EMX-1, and love the quality of their products. Most of the forums say the Korg is over all better because of x-y pad and functionality. On the other side many say they would prefer the Akai because of the pads. The MPD24 has the same pads as the MPC.

Also the Akai MPD24 is supposed to be available sometime in October.

Any direction would be greatly appreciated.
VIIRUS::.. :)


KORG padKONTROL
PadKONTROL.jpg

Korg has expanded its popular KONTROL series of MIDI studio controllers with the introduction of the new padKONTROL. Sleek and portable, it offers 16 velocity-sensitive trigger pads and a wide range of control possibilities for expressive MIDI performance. The padKONTROL's trigger pads are extremely responsive to the user's touch and can be used for a variety of control purposes, from performing natural-sounding and real-feeling drum parts, triggering audio loops or video clips, serving as function or transport controls, to sending MIDI control change messages. For additional onstage impact, the trigger pads illuminate in unique patterns as they are played, adding an entirely new visual aspect to performances.

Korg padKONTROL Features:

X-Y touch pad (based on Korg's KAOSS Pad technology) can be used to dynamically control natural-sounding flams and rolls when creating drum parts

Any two independent MIDI control messages can be assigned to the X-Y pad for expressive real-time performances

Two knobs can be assigned to a variety of control change messages such as pan or decay time for additional control

Assignable pedal jack allows an optional pedal or footswitch to serve as a trigger (for kick drum or other sounds) or as a control source

Controller assignments can be stored as one of 16 user scenes for instant recall

30 preloaded scenes offer full compatibility with popular music and drum software titles

Includes special version of dfh SUPERIOR drumkit plug-in instrumen

Includes Korg's "Creative Kontrol Pack Volume 2" with acclaimed software applications from Ableton, I.K. Multimedia, UVI, Propellerhead and Korg

USB computer connection with USB-to-MIDI interface for external sound modules

Included Editor/Librarian software for easily editing and managing scene data


AKAI MPD24
MPD24.jpg

Akai Professional's MPD24 is the velocity sensitive pad controller for musicians and DJs working with sampled sounds. The MPD24 features 16 MPC-style velocity and pressure sensitive pads plus transport controls for interfacing with DAW/sequencing applications. With Akai's MPC 16 Levels and Full Level features for ultimate pad control, four selectable pad banks totaling 64 pads, six assignable faders and eight assignable, 360 degree knobs for transmitting MIDI Control Change data, the MPD24 provides unprecedented creative freedom for manipulating sampled material.

AKAI MPD24 Features:

16 MPC-style velocity and pressure sensitive pads

4 selectable pad banks for a total of 64 pads

6 assignable Faders for transmitting MIDI Control Change Data

8 assignable 360 degree knobs

REW, FF, STOP PLAY and REC buttons that transmit MMC messages to DAW/Sequencing applications

Backlit, easy to read LCD display

MIDI and/or USB operation

USB powered (or powered via optional AC adaptor)

Included Editor Librarian software (Mac and PC)

Akai Sample library of classic drum machines (software included)
 
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Michelangelo said:
I thought you could already get the akai mpd 24 from sweetwater.com its on their website.
Click to expand...
It's on a lot of websites... Doesnt mean theyre shipping yet.. Im getting My korg today.. if the akai comes out b4 I can take my korg back i plan to buy it to and have them both for a couple days till i decide which to return.

I know it sounds a bit rediculous, but the the fact that the pads light up on the korg really appeals to me. I find that fun and inspiring.

Also, from very broad terms I think korg tends to be Slightly geared toward electronic stuff (thats where they XY functionality comes into play) While akai's market is mainly hip hop heads. Just a broad gerneralization about the two companies though.

One more thing. The extra knobs and faders are nice (on the MPD 24) BUT... I already have enough controllers with those.. I don't really need any more at this point.
 
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VIIRUS said:
and love the quality of their products.
Click to expand...
My 3 month old kontrol49 got a dead key.:p But yeah korg products are nice.
anyway, the only thing to do is to try out the pads on both. But, since the 24 isn't out yet, try the mpd16 pads out. Im guessing they the same.
I want a mpd24 mainly because the pads are on the left and i am a lefty.:D
 
b16a said:
since the 24 isn't out yet, try the mpd16 pads out. Im guessing they the same.
I want a mpd24 mainly because the pads are on the left and i am a lefty.:D
Click to expand...

From what I’ve read, Akai had a few bugs with the mpd16. The mpd24 keys are supposed to be actual mpc keys. I wish that baby would hurry up and get in stores!

I can't wait much longer...

I like the size and look of the Akai. On the flip side since I produce EDM the Korg x-y pad would be a plus for drum rolls etc.

Dunno...

 
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This blows away the Trigger Finger in terms of looks and playability. The pads are really comfortable. Its only downfall really is not as many features as the TF, like pressure sensitivity which is great for modulating effects. Also you can have only note or CC info on each pad...not both. In fact, the Trigger Finger lets you program note, CC and program change onto each pad. The Padkontrol is setup more like a keyboard with velocity sensitivity.The editor librarian is intuitive and quick. Its also great for lazy keyboardists. Just program in your favorite scale and never hit a wrong note again. The included Kaoss/XY pad makes up for the lack of knobs or sliders and the fact the pads light up red when touched is pure geek appeal.

he pedal input only offers a fixed velocity, and therefore does not respond to kick triggers in a natural-sounding way. There are velocity curves available for each of the 16 pads - why not the pedal? This is shameful

just some reviews i saw
 
J_unda said:
i diffently getting the korg in the first week of october
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I've been looking into the both for a while now. I decided to go with the Korg. It comes with a software bundle that costs more then the controller. For the $ it's and incredible deal in my opinion.

Korg padKONTROL
$199.99


Software bundle cost:
$500.00

Ableton Live lite 4
Sample Tank 2
UVI
Reason Adapted 3.0
MDE-X

YOUR COST:
$199.99 + tax


check out the korg site for more info:
http://www.korg.com/ckp2/

newimage.jpg
 
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VIIRUS said:
I've been looking into the both for a while now. I decided to go with the Korg. It comes with a software bundle that costs more then the controller. For the $ it's and incredible deal in my opinion.

Korg padKONTROL
$199.99


Software bundle cost:
$500.00

Ableton Live lite 4
Sample Tank 2
UVI
Reason Adapted 3.0
MDE-X

YOUR COST:
$199.99 + tax


check out the korg site for more info:
http://www.korg.com/ckp2/

newimage.jpg
Click to expand...


good **** :D
 
I own the padkontrol, primarily cuz I wasn't able to test the MPD24, and the PK is better than what is currently available (TF & MPD16).

One of the best hardware features of the PK is that is has a "square peg, square hole", whereas the MPD's (& even MPC's) have a "square peg, round hole".
This means that the sensor on the PK is square, like the pads. You can get a full velocity range by hitting the pad at any location. The MPD's have a round sensor in the middle of the square pad, and are unable to produce full velocity, unless the pad is hit in the center.

If I test out the MPD24, and it feels right to me, then I may buy it anyway, but I'll always have the PK as a backup, and the PK is much more versatile for allowing the pads to trigger different types of data that the others do not. So I may use it as a effects, or even video, trigger.
 
I have had the padkontrol for about 3 months and i like it, i have no problems mapping out anything, I'm using reason 3.0 wih mine.
 
At some point I wrote a FP thread that was called "conclusions on the trigger finger vs padkontrol vs MPD" .Run a FP search and there are also other similar threads.

In short my experience:had the trigger finger(see thread for + and - about it) sold it got the padkontrol LOVE IT.Haven't tried the MPD 16(nor the 24 since it's still not out WTF) but the reason I didn't want to wait to try it is a technical caracteristic that doesn't fit my music production needs: only 4 memory banks.

And that is the point:try them all and see what fits your needs.Each one has something the others don't have.

Oh by the way what Urban says about "square peg, square hole" is crucial.It makes tremendous difference.And you only realise it when you have tried both systems....For me this is a huge PK plus but that's just my opinion!Cheers
 
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I have a MPD-16 bought it ages ago but I favor a keyboard to a drum pad. Seeing as I never have used an MPC nor do I really want to, I can't really compare but it works rather nicely with Battery 2.

As far as banks, I have no clue as to what people are using since I tend to favor a more traditional get up, but using various VSTs you can always just either load multiple copies of a VST or use separate channels to that VST if it uses multiple channels. Also the MPD-16 you can create Midi profiles rather easily and save them. So a quick bank hit gives you 2x 16. Rather handy.

However it the sensor is centered in the middle as many listed as "round hold" as opposed to the full pad. I tend to just use it on "Full Level" sending notes at 127 volume (Midi's max volume level) and adjusting in the sequencer. For $99 its a pretty solid controller but I'm pretty sure for MPC users or people familiar with it, its a little limited.
 
I got a MPD16 for father's day and I really like it. I use it in Reason to program drums on the Redrum. I use a keyboard for anything else. The MPD feels more like my old MPC. It wasn't a bad buy, it only cost me 97 bucks and it actually is a handy tool in the studio.
 
Urban said:
I own the padkontrol, primarily cuz I wasn't able to test the MPD24, and the PK is better than what is currently available (TF & MPD16).

One of the best hardware features of the PK is that is has a "square peg, square hole", whereas the MPD's (& even MPC's) have a "square peg, round hole".
This means that the sensor on the PK is square, like the pads. You can get a full velocity range by hitting the pad at any location. The MPD's have a round sensor in the middle of the square pad, and are unable to produce full velocity, unless the pad is hit in the center.

If I test out the MPD24, and it feels right to me, then I may buy it anyway, but I'll always have the PK as a backup, and the PK is much more versatile for allowing the pads to trigger different types of data that the others do not. So I may use it as a effects, or even video, trigger.
Click to expand...


I was gonna wait it out for the mpd 24, but since you said this i'm coppin the pk in a couple hours
 
I don't know why heads are so hung up on the layout of the MPC pads.
I never thought they were that responsive. The akai sound is another thing entirely however. Knowing the layout of an akai pretty much ensures you can make beats on any MPC looking thing but thats about it. On the hardware side, I use a pair of s900 samplers midi'd to an ASRX and. Those are responsive pads. plus the akai sound? at 12 bits? many options....

on the software side:
I used the mpd16 and it was alright. My usb jack on the mpd16 has never been great; i oftentimes lost midi signals. saw this happen to a friend running ableton at a gig! he had to switch to mixing by the touchpad on his powerbook. kinda wack. I think this was one of the glitches with the MPD16 because I spoke with a few other users in my town and they complained of the same thing. maybe they distribute bunk ones to new mexico.... the mpd worked great when I midi'd it to a usb midi patchbay. the buttons were easy enough to map.
it was compact and I could sync it to the ASR for extra control pads when I needed that. Not many serious complaints with it, but I'm guessing the MPD24 will still feel like the MPC2500. in terms of its layout and user deign. the extra buttons and sliders are very nice IF you can map them to the parameters you need. But thats the deal with all this USB-controller-software gear.

The padKontrol works differently. Sure you can adjust the velocity on the pads, but they work differently too. As far as I can tell, Korg is using touchpad technology to make the padKontrol. Akai has always just had buttons. The difference is in sensitivity between these two controllers. I use Reason 3.0 and Protools LE. Korg has templates for both. The PK kills it. The roll and flam are nice features, enabling them while running an effect through the knob will alter both the sample and the effect which is kinda nice when your're playing live or just tracking drums. i dunno. i like it. its working. i thought the buttons lighting up would throw me off but you can adjust how long they light up and thats helpful. mapping samples goes really fast, you can be playing drum tracks soon after plugging in.
 
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