Akai Professional LPD8 Laptop MIDI Pad Controller

84
GEARANK

84 out of 100. Incorporating 2250+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$59
Akai Professional LPD8 Laptop MIDI Pad Controller

Gearank Recommendation

The LPD8 was on our recommended list for MIDI Pad Controllers from August 2017 until April 2019 when it was out-ranked by other models.

Rating Source Highlights

Website Source *Rating Value
Sound On Sound Nick Magnus 88/100
Gearspace Aerok 85/100
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm's adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Overview

The LPD8 is a slim USB pad controller that's light-weight and small enough fit in your laptop bag or backpack.

The 8 backlit pads have a similar feel to Akai Professional’s MPC line - after all they basically invented the pad controller concept.

The rotary knobs provide a solid and responsive feel, which makes them good for controlling effects in DAWs.

The LPD8 editor also allows you to customize different settings for each pad and knob.

The LPD8 is also USB class compliant so it is plug and play with different versions of Mac and PC devices, and compatible with most DAWs.

This is a good controller if you want an affordable, simple, and portable option.

Specifications

  • Pads: 8 Velocity-sensitive drum pads –
  • Buttons: 1 x Program button, 3 x MIDI message buttons (Pad, Prog Chng and CC)
  • Knobs: 8 x Assignable knobs
  • Standalone Mode: No
  • Power: USB bus-powered
  • Connectivity: USB
  • Compatibility: Plug and play USB for Mac and PC
  • Software Bundle: Akai Professional LPD8 Editor
  • Dimensions: 12.2" x 3.15" x 1.1"
  • Weight: 0.7 lbs.
Although this was previously on our recommended list, there are now options with higher ratings in our guide to The Best MIDI Pad Controllers.