The MPD232 by Akai Professional combines a pad controller, a control surface, and a step sequencer in a lightweight and compact package, offering producers, programmers, musicians, and DJs the feel of classic MPC beat-making.

Sixteen ultra-sensitive Thick Fat MPC pads are used to trigger drum hits and other samples in your software or external MIDI sound module. The pads are backlit for visual feedback & color-coding, and pressure- and velocity-sensitive for a responsive feel and intuitive playing. You can access up to 64 different pads stored in four independent banks.

The control surface features eight 360° knobs, eight switches, and eight faders (all assignable) which send continuous controller messages to the software for up to 72 parameters stored in three independent control banks.

A 64-channel sequencer lets you create, edit, and playback sequences up to 32 steps long, and it allows for real-time recording. The unit incorporates some of the MPC’s most popular features such as Full-Level button, MPC swing, 16-Level button, Note-Repeat button, and Tap-Tempo button.

The MPD232 is class-compliant with Mac and Windows, and is iOS-compatible via Apple’s Camera Connection kit (available separately). It comes with a comprehensive software bundle which includes Akai Pro MPC Essentials, Sonivox Big Bang Cinematic Percussion & Big Bang Universal Drums, and Ableton Live Lite.