Akai Pro LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller

by Akai Pro

Product Features

• USB-MIDI controller works with virtually all audio software
• Eight backlit, velocity-sensitive drum pads can send note or program change
• Eight Q-Link knobs for controlling virtually any parameters in software
• Plug-and-play USB connection for Mac and PC requires no driver installation
• USB bus powered - no additional power cable needed

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.2 x 11.9 x 1 inches ; 11.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002M8EEW8
• Item model number: LPD8
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #557 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #14 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Computer Recording > MIDI Controllers

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

No matter where you are when an idea pops into your head, you can turn it into a beat by simply plugging the Akai Pro LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller into your Mac or PC. A great choice for musicians, producers, DJs and other music creators on the go, this compact controller easily fits in your laptop bag or backpack so you can always have it on hand.

The LPD8 is based on Akai Professional's MPC line of iconic music production stations, and it provides your laptop the MPC controls you've become accustomed to and prefer over a mouse and keyboard. It has eight orange light-up pads that are velocity sensitive for programming rhythmic or melodic parts. The pads can also send program-change information to software. Additionally, the LPD8 has eight assignable Q-Link knobs you can assign to virtually any parameters in their software for hands-on control. The LPD8 works plug and play with Mac and PC and requires no software driver installation or wall power for operation. It has four memory banks for programming and recalling settings appropriate to different software programs you use. Key Features USB-MIDI controller works with virtually all audio software Eight backlit, velocity-sensitive drum pads can send note or program change Eight Q-Link knobs for controlling virtually any parameters in software Plug-and-play USB connection for Mac and PC requires no driver installation Small enough to fit in a backpack or laptop bag Four programmable memory banks Comes with editor software for Mac and PC USB bus powered -- no additional power cable needed

The Akai Pro LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller. Small enough to fit in a backpack or laptop bag (see larger image).

Product Description

Ultra-portable production pad. The LPD8 laptop pad controller is a USB-MIDI controller for musicians, producers, DJs and other music creators. It measures less than 13 inches across and weighs less than a pound to easily fit into a laptop case, backpack or messenger bag for extreme portability. The LPD8 is based on Akai Professional’s MPC line of iconic music production stations. Producers who love the feel of the MPC and want to work with software on their computer will find that the LPD8 gives their laptop the controls they prefer over a mouse and keyboard. The LPD8 has eight orange light-up pads that are velocity sensitive for programming rhythmic or melodic parts. The pads can also send program-change information to software. Additionally, the LPD8 has eight assignable Q-Link knobs you can assign to virtually any parameters in their software for hands-on control. The LPD8 works plug and play with Mac and PC and requires no software driver installation or wall power for operation. It has four memory banks for programming and recalling settings appropriate to different software programs you use. Make music in any setting with the LPD8.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice drum pad for the money., February 15, 2010

By 

Matt Horning "drevil55" (Wichita, Kansas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Akai Pro LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller (Electronics)

I bought the Korg nanoPAD and just recently returned it because a few of the pads would stick down. This is really annoying when you're trying to play quick notes. I bought this midi controller as a replacement, and for the most part, I'm happy with it. I'll definitely be keeping this one.

Pros:
*Back-lit keys when you hit the pad are REALLY nice to have (this comes in handy later too).
*Control knobs! You don't get those on the nanoPAD. They are handy to have, and you can assign them to anything you want in Ableton Live (which like the other reviewer, I use also).
*In Ableton Live, the drum kits are in a 4x4 grid arrangement. With the nanoPAD, since it was 6 wide, the pads didn't line up with the on-screen grid. They do to a greater degree with this pad, so it's easier to see what you're hitting.

Cons:
*This pad is NOT as sensitive as the nanoPAD, so I find myself hitting it significantly harder than I had to on the Korg model. This is made better by the fact that they light up when it registers a hit, but I still wish it was a little more sensitive.

Summary:
This is a great pad for the money, and for me, the back-lighting and control knobs really make it worth the money.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Great Beats, December 26, 2009

By 

jonny lightning (Portland, ME) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Akai Pro LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller (Electronics)

Got this baby for Xmas. I'm an Ableton Live user - Pop, Rock, Electronic music with vocals. Making music for 13 years. The LPD8 is very sturdy, not cheap feeling at all. The lighting pads are a nice touch. The pads have a great feel. I've always programmed drums with my keyboard in the past, this baby is going to give my beats a whole new level of interest. Works flawlessly on a mac. When using the Ableton Live preset, it's perfect with Drum Racks, the pads and knobs actually match the Drum Racks layout. I've got to say, for a $70 product, this is WAY BEYOND a great buy. I personally don't neeed more than eight pads at a time and love having some knobs to twiddle, especially with Drum Racks and dialing in tones. LOVE IT!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great value, must have!, July 17, 2010

By 

rodjoh "rodjoh" (pma) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Akai Pro LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller (Electronics)

When I bought this I wasn't sure what to expect. I wanted a cheap, portable, but not crappy midi controller for my rookie music-making.

Thankfully this is exactly why I got. This little controller looks and feels great. For the price it doesn't feel like its going to break at any moment. It is indeed sturdy, and literally you can unplug it, put it in your backpack or laptop bag and take it around with you. Great for the creative mind that just has to finger drum anywhere they go.
The 8 knobs are also an amazing addition.

Get it :)