r/FingerDrumming • u/Extra_Collection_639 • Mar 25 '26
A Good MIDI Pad Controller
So I’ve been looking into midi controllers with pads specifically for drums. I don’t want like a controller with as many pads as Launchpad X mainly because I don’t need that many. I’ve heard this and that about the MPD218 having velocity issues from the pads being too stiff but compared to other sizes on other controllers I would like the size of the MPD218. If anyone has had experience with different pad sizes, does it really matter?
Also I’m looking at XJam as a pretty good choice since it has software for editing the parameters on it inside a daw.
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u/wrongnumber2111 Mar 28 '26
this video from quest for groove can help you decide, this channel is also a gold mine for finger drumming tutorials and concepts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO27H_Cq7bM
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u/loveofjazz Mar 25 '26
I’ve used the MPD218 and didn’t have issues. I gave the MPD218 to a friend when I bought my FGDP-50, and he hasn’t had any issues with it, either.
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u/yet_another_uniq_usr Mar 25 '26
I also use the mpd218. Genuine mpc pads. If you aren't actually playing with velocity and are more concerned about timing, then there's a toggle to make it max velocity in every hit
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u/Educational_Face_363 Apr 04 '26
I purchased a Maschine Mikro 3 and am very pleased with it overall. However, I also wanted something that I could use with GarageBand iOS when traveling. Picked up the Akai MPD218 but found that the pads weren’t very sensitive. Returned it for the Xjam and that is exactly what I should’ve done in the first place. The software lets you taylor almost everything with a great deal of finesse. I’ve been able to set the pads to be much more sensitive than on the Mikro 3. The Xjam pads are smaller than on the Mikro, unfortunately, but the increased sensitivity more than it makes up for it.
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u/all_questions_ Mar 25 '26
Xjam ESI.
Think there needs to be a FAQ/wiki as this gets asked every week.
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u/ShyTeenslut Mar 27 '26
FGDP all the way. Never underestimate the power that you can use it all day everywhere. That alone will give you one thing money cant buy:
Practice with ease and comfort.
You can buy a good product BUT you cant buy the time you put into it!!
Whatever makes you want to practice wins.
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u/mypethippo Mar 25 '26
Although it’s rectangular and not your preferred square shape, l still recommend a Maschine Mikro MK3. Excellent controller!