The MPD218 USB MIDI Pad Controller from Akai Professional features sixteen backlit MPC pads that are used to trigger drum hits or other samples in your software or external MIDI sound module. The pads are pressure- and velocity-sensitive, which makes them responsive and intuitive to play. The controller can be connected to your Mac or PC using the included USB cable, and, because it's class-compliant, no drivers are needed to install. The USB connection sends MIDI information from the controller to the computer and also supplies power to the unit (no AC adapter required).

The blend of intuitive MPC controls and USB connectivity lends a feel of classic beat making - suitable for producers, programmers, musicians, and DJs. The MPD218 controller can be connected to any iOS device using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (available separately). It comes with Akai Pro MPC Essentials, Big Bang Drums and Big Bang Cinema from Sonivox, Ableton Live Lite, and Software Preset Editor. The Software Preset Editor allows intuitive control editing from the front panel of the controller.