The AKAI MPD24 or the M-Audio Trigger Finger?

I'm currently considering picking up a midi controller for programming drums and beats to use with Reason. I've narrowed it down to two, the Akai MPD24 and the M-Audio Trigger Finger. Price wise (according to ZZSounds) the Akai is around $50USD more expensive than the M-Audio, however the Akai seems to have a couple more features that are adding to its appeal. I like the fact it supports REW, FF, STOP PLAY and REC buttons that would theoretically work with Reason.

At the moment I'm leaning toward the Akai. What do you think?

Here are the feature lists for both units.

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 (MIDI Machine Control) 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)
  • MPC 16 Levels and Full Level feature
  • Includes a customized version of Fxpansion's BFD Lite

M-Audio Trigger Finger Features:

  • 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive pads
  • individual assignable pressure on each pad
  • 8 assignable knobs, 4 assignable faders
  • pre-programmed maps for Live, Reason, GM Drum, XG Drum, and iDrum
  • powered from USB connection or optional DC power supply
  • includes Ableton Live Lite music production software


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This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 5th, 2008 and is filed under Gear.

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2 Responses to “The AKAI MPD24 or the M-Audio Trigger Finger?”

  • 1
    Alex Weber
    March 7th, 2008 13:04

    Hey there,

    I have a Trigger Finger, and I’m pretty happy with it. As you can see, they’re also pretty cheap… this does show a little bit in the build quality, unfortunately. It was a piece of cake to start using it, but the included Enigma software is a bit tedious for programming.

    I’ve not worked with the Akai unit. I expect the build quality might be a bit better, and its LCD certainly has more capabilities. Furthermore, it has more buttons, more faders, but less knobs. This factor alone should make deciding easier. More tracks, or more FX?

    (To compound your problem, you can also consider the Korg PadKontrol. this adds an X-Y pad and some other cool stuff like macros and drum rolls, I believe.)

    Alex

  • 2
    Utah DJ
    March 26th, 2008 19:46

    I have the Akai MPD24. I love making beats with it. Most of the music I make is sample based and the pads make it great to play with.

    Keep in mind that the play, rewind, etc… buttons are MMC controls and can’t be used as midi.

    The system is a bit archaic and difficult to implement but overall I love using it!



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