Portable Controller Pads

[Rob Lorenzo]

I've been looking at the Korg nanoPAD and the Akai LPD laptop controller pads.

Has anyone got any experience with these devices? Any thoughts or recommendations welcome!

[Fullertime]

I tried the KORG Nanopad but it was pretty much useless for my needs. I was looking to use it for mixing and it failed miserably. I returned it. It may work good as a "Synth" Midi-learn controller.... depends on your needs

I also purchased the AKAI key controller, it was actually pretty useful. Especially on the go. I have used it to program quick ideas for creative meetings and it came through nicely. It has some cool features and for basic programming, it is a nice option if you travel a lot.

The action is very limited and I would never use it to program a piano track. Maybe bass and drums but nothing to poly phonic as the octaves are limited.

Good for the $$$ on the AKAI but not for the KORG.

Good luck

Fuller

[Rob Lorenzo]

Thanks again, Fuller.

I'm looking to use it to program simple, new rhythm/drum tracks when on the move. I can worry about (editing) the details on the screen.

[mazz]

When I was looking for a tiny keyboard controller I tried the Korg but found it too "plasticy". I was pleasantly surprised at the action on the Akai keyboard controller. I then got the Akai pad controller but haven't used it much, not because it's not good, just because I haven't had the opportunity quite yet.

It has things the Korg doesn't and vice versa. There have been reviews published on both units, I'd check them out before making your decision. I can't remember what the differences were or if it would have made a difference in my decision.

I don't think you could go wrong with either unless there's some feature that you must have on one that the other doesn't.

In the end you'll get the same results: drum tracks programmed while on the go.

HTH,

Mazz

[Rob Lorenzo]

Thanks Mazz,

If you still happen to have links to any of the reviews that would be appreciated!

[mazz]

Rob,

I don't have the links but just google them, they should show up.

Good luck!

Mazz

[elser]

I use the nanoPad. For my needs it works o.k.. I mainly use it just to give my mouse hand (left hand) a break so I have it set up on the right side. It can be configured for any software that has midi learn built in, but the Korg drivers are pretty crappy. At least they are for Logic, it's very buggy in Logic. I've got it figured out so it's useable but I've spent way too many hours doing so.

[mojobone]

+1 for Akai; they've been doing pads a lot longer than most, and it shows. That said, I prefer pads I can whack with a drumstick, for most purposes, though most aren't very portable. Have you seen this ?

[elser]

Duh! I was thinking nanoKontrol, woops I've also got an Akai MPD16 pad controller. That works pretty good, no driver issues but I wish the velocity sensitivity was a little better. Probably is on the new ones.

I've also got the nanoKey it stays in my suitcase. It's handy to have when traveling but very flimsy, I've already destroyed one. Luckily my music store gave me a warranty replacement.

[Rob Lorenzo]

+1 for Akai; they've been doing pads a lot longer than most, and it shows. That said, I prefer pads I can whack with a drumstick, for most purposes, though most aren't very portable. Have you seen this ?

I have seen one of those - they look cool

From what I'm hearing the needle's swinging towards the Akai model, particularly in terms of build quality.

Ironically one model has 8 pads, the other 12 and I have a 10 piece drum kit to trigger