Best Pad Midi Controller Review & Buyer’s Guide [2023]

Recording engineers of all levels understand the importance of having the required gear for a proper workflow. Especially in the sense of realizing what the best pad midi controller for them is.

Determining which piece of gear is most suited for you may seem like a daunting task. In this article, we’re going to go over five of our favorite pad midi controllers to help you determine which one is best for you.

After our reviews, we’re going to go over our buyer’s guide and common questions surrounding the products.

Best Pad Midi Controller Comparison Chart

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Best Pad Midi Controller Review

Korg nanoPAD2 Slim-Line USB MIDI Pads

First up on our list is a pad midi controller from Korg. Korg has been known over the years to make some pretty solid gear, and they certainly don’t disappoint with this product.

For the price, you can’t do much better. It works incredibly easy, has a great flow to it, and does everything you need it to do.

On top of that, it’s extremely small. Meaning it’s very mobile and can fit in something as small as a backpack. Allowing you to comfortably transport it anywhere at ease.

As for the functionality, it’s easy to map, and easy to customize as well. Just make sure you download the separate software for it to customize it properly.

You can easily make a default setup that you can use to control a software mixer so you can play different tracks and keep everything in order. For any simple task like that, it’s perfect.

The overall feel of the sixteen pads and X-Y pad is fantastic. They don’t feel cheap at all despite the affordability of the product.

The pads are perfect for drumming because of their good sensitivity behind them. Allowing you to work at ease.

In case you’re wondering, the scale on the sixteen pads can be set to anything you like. Meaning that each pad can individually adjust to any note or cc value that you require. Furthering the versatility of the product.

All in all, this is a fantastic pad midi controller. It’s easy to use, versatile, and works great. You can’t go wrong with it; especially for the price.

Definitely check this product out! You won’t be disappointed.

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AKAI Professional APC Mini MK2 – USB MIDI Pad Controller

The AKAI Professional APC Mini MK2 is a compact and powerful USB MIDI pad controller. It is ideal for musicians, producers, and DJs who need a reliable and intuitive tool for live performance and studio production.

Firstly, the APC Mini MK2 features eight touch-sensitive pads that are responsive and easy to use. This allows you to trigger loops, samples, and other sound effects with precision and speed. The pads are also backlit with RGB LEDs. This will help with visual feedback and enable you to stay on top of your performance.

Furthermore, the APC Mini MK2 includes nine faders and eight rotary knobs. Each can be assigned to control various parameters in your music software. The faders are smooth and responsive. This allows you to make fine adjustments to the volume, pan, and other parameters. The knobs are also well-designed and provide a good amount of resistance. This makes them easy to turn and use.

In addition, the APC Mini MK2 is compact and lightweight. Making it easy to carry it anywhere with you wherever you go. The unit is also durable and well-built. With a sturdy construction that can withstand the rigors of frequent use.

Moreover, the APC Mini MK2 is compatible with a wide range of music software,. They include Ableton Live, FL Studio, and many others, just to mention a few. This makes it a versatile and flexible tool that can adapt to your workflow and preferences.

If you’re looking for a compact and powerful USB MIDI pad controller that is easy to use and packed with features, the AKAI Professional APC Mini MK2 is an excellent choice. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced recording artist. This controller will allow you to express your creativity. And also take your music production to the next level.

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Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 64-Pad MIDI Grid Controller

The Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 64-Pad MIDI Grid Controller is an impressive piece of equipment. The device is compact and lightweight. Making it ideal for on-the-go producers. The 64 pads offer a wide range of controls for your music-making needs.

Additionally, the controller has intuitive Ableton Live integration. This makes the production process seamless. The device is also compatible with other DAWs. Giving producers flexibility in their workflow.

The Launchpad Mini MK3 also has excellent build quality. The pads are durable and provide a satisfying tactile response when pressed. The device’s overall design is sleek and modern. Making it a stylish addition to any setup.

One of the most impressive features of the Launchpad Mini MK3 is its customizability. The device allows for complete customization of the pads. Allowing producers to create their own unique setups. This feature is especially useful for live performances, where quick access to specific sounds is crucial.

Despite all these positive features, there are some downsides to the Launchpad Mini MK3. One issue is the lack of a dedicated power supply. Requiring the controller to be connected to a computer to function. Additionally, the device’s size may not be suitable for producers with larger hands, as the pads can feel cramped.

Overall, the Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 64-Pad MIDI Grid Controller is an excellent choice for producers looking for a compact and customizable controller. Despite a few drawbacks. The device’s intuitive Ableton Live integration, durable build quality, and customizability make it a worthwhile investment for any producer.

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Akai Professional MPD226 MIDI USB Pad Drum Beat Controller

Next up on our list, we have another fantastic pad midi controller from Akai Professional. Similar to their other product on this list, this device delivers as expected.

It’s built great, extremely versatile, and works perfectly. Factors that represent a well-made product.

Let’s start with the quality of the product. The pads feel great, are heavy-duty, and work as expected. The controller itself plays perfectly.

However, if you find yourself in a pickle, it most likely means you’re hitting the pads too hard. There are plenty of solutions online you can find to fix this issue.

Keep in mind that you need to take care of your gear. Otherwise, it’ll break and not work how you want it to work.

Every type of sound you need will require a certain amount of tuning to your playing style, but this is as expected. The versatility alone in this aspect will make you want to use it.

In simple terms, this is a complete game-changer. The price might seem a little bit steep, but with the proper work ethic, you’ll find this product to be a workhorse.

It’ll truly change your entire studio environment in a plethora of ways. All of which are positive and you’ll be glad you invested the time and money in it.

All in all, this is a great product. It’s a top-quality and top-tier made product. There isn’t much else to say besides that and I highly recommend it. You won’t be disappointed.

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Novation Launchpad Pro USB MIDI Controller

Last, but not least, we have a pad midi controller from Novation. With this product, Novation doesn’t cheap out on anything. It’s built like a tank, is a definite workhorse, and does everything you want it to do and more.

As for the price, you get what you pay for. In order to get the absolute best product, you’re going to need to invest a decent amount of coin. Especially for something as useful as a pad midi controller.

In simple terms, don’t let the price sway your decision with this product. It’s worth the price and you’ll see why.

Let’s start with the design. It’s completely flawless and the lights on it work great. Allowing you to fully understand what you’re doing. Something that is important with a piece of equipment.

The pads themselves feel great and all of the controls that come with the product work as expected. Everything just works perfectly. It’s as simple as that.

In simple terms, if you put in the time and effort, you will love this product. Make sure you look up the proper guides online and you’ll be able to fully use it in no time.

All in all, this is a fantastic product and you surely won’t be disappointed. If you want the most professional type of pad midi controller, then this is the product for you.

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Best Pad Midi Controller Buyer’s Guide

As one might expect, there are several different options today for midi controllers. One of the most common types of midi controllers is a pad midi controller.

Similar to other midi controllers, a pad midi controller generates and transmits midi data to MIDI-enabled devices. In simple terms, this is a way musicians and sound engineers can create certain sounds from midi data.

Sounds such as a synth, a drum track, and much more. They’re very useful to use if you want to manipulate sound in a certain way.

They’re also great if you don’t have the ability to record certain instruments since they can replicate just about anything.

The main advantage of a pad midi controller in comparison to other midi controllers is how it can operate in a production sense.

Because of the number of pads it has, it allows it to operate in a sense that is perfect for live performances and jam sessions. Pieces that are important for crafting perfect songs.

Size

The size of a pad midi controller all depends on the type of music played. If you want something simple, then you don’t need an exquisite piece of equipment that is overly complicated to use.

For simplicity, you should find a product with 8 to 16 pads. You’ll find this to be more than plenty, but perfect for your needs.

As for a style of music that requires more than a few pads, you can’t go wrong with a product with 64 pads. 64 pads will allow you to fully embrace the midi style and accomplish everything you need to get done.

Do some experimenting and see what works best for you. By the end, you’ll realize which size is best for you. Besides the number of pads, things like portability, and quality are important to keep in mind with the size.

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Action and Velocity

The overall action refers to how the actual pad feels. Since you’re going to be using the pads more than anything for the product, you’re going to want to make sure the pads feel how you want them to feel.

If you’re more on the production side of things, then you’ll want something that is firm and sturdy. This will ensure the lifetime of the product will last for a long time.

If you’re more of a player or need something for a live performance, then you’ll want something that is looser. This will allow you to play more comfortably and hit everything properly.

The overall velocity refers to how the force on a specific pad affects the voice or sound assigned to the pad. In simple terms, the harder you press, the louder. The lighter you press, the quieter it is.

If you’re a rough hitter with midi pads, to begin with, then you won’t care too much about the velocity. However, if you’re into the expression of the midi pads then you’ll want something that has a lot of velocity points.

Controls

The controls of this are self-explanatory. It refers to any set of controls that are on a product like this. Controls that allow you to control the DAW software or midi features.

Each product has a variety of controls, which is why it’s important to go over all of the instructions to see what you can do with each aspect.

For example, you may find similar abilities in a playback function, knobs, sliders, and much more. All of which play an important contributing factor to the product.

Besides that, you may find the ability to apply certain volumes, control the EQ, and countless other effects.

Budget

As for the budget of a product like this, it all depends on your experience, what you want to accomplish, and how much money you’re willing to spend.

If you’re a beginner, then you probably shouldn’t invest a ton of money right away. You should get something relatively affordable that you can learn and help you.

On the other end, if you’re a professional, then you shouldn’t cheap out. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with a product that doesn’t work properly, might break easily, and much more.

For both ends, do your research. Find something that works for you, and map out if the budget will work for you. If it doesn’t, save your money and realize you’ll be able to buy it eventually.

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Other Information

Besides everything that we listed, other factors to understand is midi encoding, the lighting of the product, and compatibility.

In simple terms, midi encoding is what determines how the signal is interpreted. It’s important to make sure that the product you purchase has a strong midi encoder so that everything is read properly.

The lighting of the product can make a major difference. Factors such as the pads lighting up, the controls lighting up, and much more. All of which will make a subtle, but useful difference in how you operate.

Most of these products will work with just about anything, but some don’t. It’s important you do your own individual specifics to make sure the product you select will work with your setup. Otherwise, you’ll only waste time and money.

Besides everything listed, each pad midi controller has a ton of different features from each other. This is why it’s important for you to do your proper research before you make a final purchase.

However, in the same breath, don’t be afraid to pull the trigger when you find something perfect for you.

“Q & A’s”

As noted, we’re going to go over some common questions related to pad midi controllers. Down below are a few common questions surrounding the subject and short answers to all of them.

“What can I do with a MIDI controller?”

As noted, a midi controller is used to emulate musical sounds and instruments. Both of these are extremely useful to use in a studio or live to set.

The ability to emulate just about any sound is needed for a studio since it’ll open up the range of sounds you can create.

Midi controllers can also be used to control other midi-compatible devices. Devices such as stage lights, mixers, and much more.

“Is MIDI still used?”

Yes, midi is still used and is very common today. Although midi was first invented when computers and keyboards weren’t as advanced as they are now, midi devices have evolved over time as well.

You’ll find a ton of midi devices in studios throughout the world for the advantages and options they provide.

They seem to be a piece of equipment that won’t go away because of how much they have offered over the years. They continue to add and do more for individual studio engineers, musicians, or sound engineers.

So yes, midi won’t be going away any time soon.

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“What are the advantages of MIDI?”

As you can probably tell by now, there are a ton of advantages of midi.

First off, midi allows you to connect pieces of hardware and software to work together. Meaning you’ll use them today to create digital instrumentation. Something that is very important in the modern-day.

Midi also allows you the ability to record music while using a variety of controllers. This is because midi separates the sound of the specific instrument you’re playing. Allowing you to fully embrace the recording function.

There are a ton of advantages to midi, and it’s something you need if you’re involved in a studio setting.

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Final Thoughts

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Hopefully, you were able to determine the best pad midi controller for you.

Other than that, you should be able to fully understand the information behind these pad midi controllers and why they’re needed for a studio setting. With factors such as versatility, budget, durability, and much more in mind.

For a quick recap, we went over five of our favorite pad midi controllers. We went over why we liked each product and listed the pros and a few minor cons of them all.

After that, we discussed a buyer’s guide to this subject. Starting with what a pad midi controller is and the proper size of one.

Next, we went over factors such as action, velocity, controls, and budget. All of which have different advantages and disadvantages for each product.

Lastly, we went over a bit of other information surrounding pad midi controllers and why it’s important to do your proper research on the specific product you want.

After that, we discussed common questions regarding the subject. Such as what you can do with a midi controller, if midi is still used, and the advantages of midi in general.

In conclusion, you should be more comfortable with deciding what pad midi controller is best for you.