Modifying the Akai MPD32 to have much more responsive pads with a simple fix

Facebook: http://facebook.com/chriscaulder
Web: http://chriscaulder.net
YouTube: http://youtube.com/chriscauldermusic
Twitter: http://twitter.com/chriscaulder
Tumblr: http://chriscaulder.tumblr.com

Hot-rodding the MPD32 to make the pads respond a HELL of a lot better (similar to Korg PadKontrol which have, without question, the best-responding pads on a drum pad controller).

This video is for anyone who hates the response of their Akai MPD32 pads... but loves the MPD32 as a control surface. Now, I love both.

This mod can be done on the MPD18, MPD24, MPD32, and according to someone on the Ableton Live forums, also on the Akai MPK49 (and possibly the MPK61, MPK88, too?)

This mod works great, is easy to do... (it's a bit tedious and time-consuming... unscrewing, keeping the circuitboards from coming separated... they're basically attached at all times... just be careful)... and the response is unreal compared to the response when you first open the box.

Akai, FIX THIS DESIGN FLAW! It's the same issue with the newer MPC series! There are thousands of us out there who don't bang on our MPCs or MPDs like they're a real drumset! People like to tap lightly, and when we want to hit hard, we will.

Hope this helps some of you out there.. if I wind up buying an MPK61 in the future (which I may do), I will do the same mod and put up another video.

Good luck! And please don't hold me responsible if you screw up your MPD... I doubt you will, if you're careful.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• midi
• akai
• mpd32
• mpd24
• mpk49
• pads
• drum
• unresponsive
• improving
• response
• sensors
• MPD18
• hip-hop
• MPC

[InLucidityMusic]

MPCSTUFF.COM $45 will get you Fatty pads(50% thicker than the ones shipped on the unit) and pad corks that go under the pads . its the legit version of what this guy is doin. If you have the money no doubt go to mpcstuff!!

[chriscauldermusic]

@InLucidityMusic This works the same and costs $0.00. ;)

[imperialshalom]

I want to purchase an MPD for FL studios. I'm used to using the mouse but I started sampling a couple months ago and it won't suffice for the beats I wan't to make. I wan't something simple to start off with with a good pad sensitivity. What would you suggest?

[chriscauldermusic]

@imperialshalom Korg PadKontrol. It just works, the pads have perfect sensitivity. Good luck!

[katmai539]

'sup chris i was wondering about the beat in the background? it massive.

[chriscauldermusic]

@katmai539 hey man, just a simple loop and guitar note, pitched down... I chopped it up on my Korg PadKontrol and Ableton, and added a lot of reverb. Hope that helps!

[ltrainismyname]

@chriscauldermusic @InLucidityMusic What about the cost of the electrical tape?... and maybe some sheets of cork if you want to be "legit". They sell 1' x 1' sheets wherever there are scrapbooking supplies.

[InLucidityMusic]

good video tho!!

[teldeebmel]

thanks for the vid man, i thought i was the only one with a busted mpd24!! this makes a lot of sense!!! but i got a question for ya...can i use any type of tape or just electrical tape? thanks a lot again...you made my day with this!

[wrathallll]

nice vid dude, i want to get a 32, dont feel the padkontrol has enough features for me, but if the pad suck when i get it, im gonna get the old tape out!!

[fphernandez87]

So me and my brother both tried this on the mpd32 and now the light on the LCD won't turn in can anyone help!

[tkirpaul]

Calvin and Hobbes

[DJGRANTCARLISLE]

I just bought a MPD18 and i noticed this on that controller as well That is strange because i also own the LPD8 and The MPK mini and both those controllers have excellent pads but as for the MPD18 is concerned you are right the pads suck.

[OneTwentyMN]

Is that a monome in the background? Dope! I got a 40h kit a few years ago. Big ups!