While my search for a USB midi drum pad/controller continues, I think I’ve narrowed down my options to one.

I’m strongly leaning toward the new Akai MPD32. Why? It’s modelled on the Akai MPC series, which I’ve always wanted to own. The pads are the genuine MPC style pads. It also has a grand total of 75 assignable controller options, which is more than enough for me.

They’ve just started popping up on eBay so I’m definitely going to keep a look out for the lowest price and snap one up when the time is right.

Akai MPD32 MIDI/USB Software Control Surface *NEW* US $279.99 End Date: Friday May-16-2008 13:16:32 PDT Buy it now | Add to watch list

AKAI mpd32 US $172.50 (8 Bids) End Date: Sunday May-18-2008 6:31:56 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

Akai MPD32 MPD 32 USB Midi PC Pad Controller Brand New US $294.00 End Date: Monday May-19-2008 22:17:16 PDT Buy it now | Add to watch list

AKAI MPD32 MPD 32 USB MINI DRUM PAD CONTROLLER NEW US $299.99 End Date: Friday May-23-2008 1:31:51 PDT Buy it now | Add to watch list

AKAI MPD32 MPD 32 USB MINI DRUM PAD CONTROLLER NEW US $299.99 End Date: Friday May-23-2008 1:33:49 PDT Buy it now | Add to watch list

The MPD32 is Akai Professional’s ultimate velocity-sensitive pad controller for musicians and DJs. Modeled after the industry-standard MPC series, the MPD32 delivers the most expressive software beat control available. Sixteen velocity and pressure-sensitive genuine MPC pads provide the industry’s finest feel and expression.

Four selectable pad banks for a total of 64 playable pads, eight assignable faders, eight assignable switches and eight assignable, knobs for transmitting MIDI Control Change data, all combine for unprecedented creative freedom. Three selectable control banks extend the number of available faders, buttons and knobs to 24 each. Two assignable footswitch inputs and an expression pedal input takes the total assignable controller count to 75 – the most by far in any pad controller.

The MPD32 also features transport controls for interfacing with DAW/sequencing applications. The MPD32 is a fully programmable controller and multi-functional control surface that fits perfectly within any production or performance environment.

Specs & Features

• MIDI synced note-repeat with MPC swing
• 16 full-sized, genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure-sensitive response
• Assignable switches, sliders and endless knobs for a total of 72 controllers
• 2 assignable Foot Switch inputs
• 1 assignable Foot Pedal controller input
• Large, easy-to-read custom LCD display
• 30 user-definable Presets for various DAW and software applications
• MMC/MIDI Start/Stop transport buttons