Tracking live drums can be an immensely satisfying experience if done well. However, it’s very, very expensive to do well, and you end up being limited to whatever drums you have on hand (and tuned and EQ’ed and so forth).
Not to mention, for most at-home musicians, tracking live drums just isn’t feasible. It’s too loud, takes up too much space, and all but requires a second person to run the recording rig.
Musicians who need to track beats but don’t have the ability to play or record live drums at home (and that’s most of us) need another solution. A MIDI drum controller is the digital solution for simply — and quietly — creating high-quality beats in your own home studio.
In this guide, we’ll show you eight of the best MIDI drum pad options on the market today. However, we know that not every at-home musician has the same level of knowledge about this type of controller. Before we dive into recommendations, we’ll explain what a drum pad controller does and what to look for when you’re considering a purchase.
What Can a MIDI Drum Pad Controller Do?
MIDI controllers, in general, provide a way to input and manipulate MIDI data for musical projects. MIDI controllers don’t produce sound themselves: instead, they produce data that another device or piece of hardware can interpret and turn into musical sound.
There are a variety of types, with keyboard controllers and drum pad controllers being the primary two. A keyboard controller allows for musical input via a piano-style keyboard. If you’ve seen a piano and know the basics of playing it, then a keyboard controller will make intuitive sense.
MIDI drum pads, on the other hand, look pretty foreign if you’re new to the device type. They don’t look anything like a set of drums. Instead, you’ll see a grid of colorful buttons, often soft to the touch. Each button, or pad, can be assigned one or more sounds, and you can play those sounds into your software or DAW (digital audio workstation) by pressing the pads. You can also typically create loops or patterns directly on a MIDI drum pad.
If you’re planning to do a lot of drumming (or, more specifically, beat tracking) in a MIDI environment, a MIDI drum controller is the perfect device. It’s also an excellent choice for musicians that aren’t familiar with the piano keyboard.
Can I Just Use My MIDI Keyboard Controller?
Some MIDI keyboard controllers come outfitted with four, eight, or even 16 pad-style buttons. If you already have a keyboard with this functionality, it’s reasonable to wonder whether you need a separate MIDI drum pad controller.
The same goes if you’re buying your first device. If you have keyboarding skills, wouldn’t a keyboard controller with additional pads the right place to start?
The answer to these questions depends on the degree of control you want to have. Truthfully, you can enter and manipulate MIDI data without either: using just a keyboard and mouse, you can get tasks done. It’ll be a huge pain, but it can be done.
The point of adding any MIDI-specific tool to your arsenal is to greatly increase your efficiency and control. Which tool to choose is going to depend on your music-making preferences and your existing skillset.
If you’re primarily a keyboardist but are looking for some minimal beat tracking capability, then yes, you should go for a MIDI keyboard controller with a bank of pads, at least for starters.
But eventually, many musicians will want more functionality than their keyboard controller can offer. There are several scenarios where picking up a dedicated MIDI drum beat pad is a smart choice. Here are three example scenarios:
- You already have a keyboard controller without pads
- You’re not planning to do much keyboard work in your music-making
- You’re frustrated by the limitations of your current beat-making functionality
When you choose a drum pad controller, you’re getting a device that’s solely dedicated to beat-making. You’ll tend to get a deeper feature set than you would with a keyboard controller with pads, and you get more physical controls as well.
The genres you plan to work in may play a role as well in determining whether you need a standalone MIDI drum pad. The more drum and electronic sounds you plan to incorporate (think electronic and hip-hop, for example), the more transformative a good MIDI drum controller can be.
Features to Look for in a MIDI Drum Controller
Before we get into specific models, here are three top areas to consider when choosing a MIDI drum controller.
Basic Feature Set
As you’ll see below, the features included in each MIDI drum pad vary somewhat widely. For example, tracking controls are front and center on some but absent on others. The same goes for touch mod controls, sequencers and legible color displays.
Be sure to determine what you do and don’t need as far as primary features, and then choose a MIDI drum pad that focuses on the things you want to do.
Software Integration and Included Software
Though there are some notable exceptions, most MIDI drum pad options will integrate with all major DAWs and MPCs. That said, certain brands and models are purpose-built to work with one particular software brand. If you’re already well-versed in Ableton Live or Maschine, for example, you’ll likely want to pick up a MIDI drum controller that’s deeply integrated with your favored solution.
You’ll also want to check the software, samples, instruments, effects, and more that are included with each MIDI drum pad you’re considering. These will vary widely, and you may need to rely heavily on what’s included if you’re just starting out.
Build Quality and Durability
Last, give some attention to build quality. Some budget drum pads are all plastic and feel flimsy and cheap. Higher-end models incorporate metal into the build. There’s nothing wrong with either type, necessarily, but you want to be sure your MIDI drum pad can hold up over time. Stick with reliable brands that offer strong warranties.
Akai Professional MPD226 | 16-Pad USB/MIDI Pad Controller
If you’re looking for an affordable midrange Akai drum pad, the MPD226 is a compelling place to start. The main attraction here is the group of 16 MPC pads. Arranged in a four-by-four grid, the pads on this Akaie drum pad measure both velocity and pressure, and they light up in configurable RGB colors.
The MPD226 includes four pad banks, so you can easily toggle between four pages of pad assignments for a maximum of 64 assigned sounds and samples.
The Akai Professional MPD226 also has four assignable faders, four assignable Q-Link knobs, and four assignable Q-Link buttons in addition to the high-quality pads. Each of these has three banks as well, giving you a total of 36 assignable controls.
There are also dedicated recording and looping controls, plus a four-line digital display, physical arrow keys and a selector knob. MIDI in and out are here, along with USB control. You can also interface with iOS via Apple’s Camera Connection Kit (not included).
Akai drum pads tend to come with an excellent software complement, and that’s true here as well. Here’s what’s included:
- Ableton Live Lite
- Sonivox Big Bang cinematic percussion and universal drums
- MPC Production Experience with MPC Beats Software
In summary: if you’re looking for a solid midrange MIDI drum controller that sits under $200, the Akai Professional MPD226 is a stellar choice.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Akai Professional MPD226 | 16-Pad USB/MIDI Pad Controller
AKAI Professional MPD218 16-Pad USB/MIDI Controller
At half the price of the MPD226, the Akai Professional MPD218 is a bargain. That said, you lose plenty of functionality for that savings. If you’re on a budget but want to stick with the Akai brand, the MPD218 is a respectable entry-level device.
We’ll start with what’s the same: you still get 16 thick fat backlit MPC pads. However, they aren’t RGB, nor are they velocity-sensitive. The latter change means that every hit of a particular patch will sound the same, essentially. There are three banks instead of four, for a total of 48 pad assignments.
There are assignable knob controls here but no faders. The six knobs are 360-degree, giving you greater control of certain effects or settings. These, too, have three banks, giving you 18 assignable knob controls.
The MPD218 also lacks a digital display, meaning you’ll have to rely on your DAW to show you what’s assigned where. This isn’t a surprising omission given the price point, but it can be a hurdle if you want to use the drum beat pad to its fullest.
The software included here is identical to that in the MPD226.
While there are a number of feature compromises, the MPD218 still manages to pack a lot into its budget-minded price tier. If you’re looking for a deeply affordable Akai drum pad, this is it.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the AKAI Professional MPD218 16-Pad USB/MIDI Controller
Akai Professional MPC One – Drum Machine, Sampler & MIDI Controller
When device makers talk about “ultimate portability,” they’re almost always talking about size. But there’s another consideration to portability: what else you have to bring along in order to make your “portable” MIDI drum pad function. A truly portable drum pad can function on its own, with no computer required.
Also, if you’re scoffing at the limitations of the devices reviewed thus far, we hear you. The discerning audio professional needs more.
Whether you’re looking for a truly portable all-in-one unit or you’re simply looking for more power, I/O, and control, consider stepping up to the Akai Professional MPC One. While it’s a big leap up in price, it’s a massive increase in power and performance.
The MPC One is more than just a MIDI drum controller. It’s also a full-featured drum machine and sampler with a seven-inch multitouch screen and built-in MultiCore system on a chip running MPC Live.
Unsurprisingly, the 16 RGB pad controls are velocity sensitive and have four banks each. There are a host of related controls here as well, from 16 levels (including Full Level), Note Repeat, and transport controls (for use as a standalone device or to control your DAW of choice).
There are also four Q-link knobs, each with four banks.
I/O on this device is extensive:
- Full-size MIDI in and out
- Quarter-inch L and R input
- Quarter-inch L and R output
- Master and Recording volume knobs
- USB control
- USB slot for external flash drive
- LAN link
There’s also an SD Card slot for augmenting the 4 GB of onboard storage, which you may well need if you take advantage of the included software, synth engines, mixing effects and more.
A sampling of the included software:
- Akai Professional’s MPC 2 Software, with 128-track sequencing, real-time time stretching, audio tracks, and much more
- Generous custom sample and loop library
- Standalone synth engines from Bassline, Tubesynth, Electric and Drumsynth
- AIR mixing and mastering effects
If you’re looking for an advanced level standalone machine that handles all your drum pad controller needs and more, the MPC One Controller will amaze you. It’s the best Akai drum pad we’ve seen, if not the best MIDI drum pad, period.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Akai Professional MPC One
Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Controller
If you’ve seen anything in the Native Instruments Maschine ecosystem, you already know that the brand takes a different tack than some others. The brand exudes a smoothness and a flatness — not to mention a distinct level of craftsmanship.
All this is true of the Maschine MK3 MIDI Drum Controller, which is equally at home as a standalone production system or as an insanely powerful controller of your favorite DAW. You can also use it in a sort of hybrid mode as an extension of your DAW, as a hardware-powered VST or audio unit that functions within the software.
As far as controls, you have 16 RGB velocity-sensitive pads, plus eight assignable knobs and an array of other assignable buttons, including a secondary array of eight RGB buttons. There’s a four-way push encoder, plus a massive full-color HD screen with its own row of button controls. You’ll also discover a near-overwhelming array of dedicated buttons that either control the onboard functions or map directly to Native’s software.
One unique feature here is the Smart Strip, which allows you to strum notes, bend pitch, or implement other tactile FX.
With a retail price of $649, the Maschine MK3 MIDI drum controller isn’t cheap. But the functionality here is deep and impressive, especially if you’re already invested in the Native Instruments Maschine ecosystem. The inclusion of Komplete 12 Select, with its jaw-dropping 45 GB of effects and instruments, seals the deal. To buy Komplete 12 Select as a standalone product will run you almost $200.
As far as I/O, the Maschine MK3 has everything the MPC One has, plus a quarter-inch microphone input and a pedal jack.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Controller
Native Instruments Maschine Mikro
If the Maschine MK3 was speaking your love language but not your budgetary language, you should check out Native Instruments’ more budget-friendly and compact Maschine Mikro. The same goes if you were a bit overwhelmed by the array of features and controls on the larger unit. We get it; that’s a lot for a beginner to learn.
Whatever reason you’re drawn to the Maschine Mikro, you’re sure to be impressed. It’s a compact MIDI drum controller that still packs in plenty of solid functionality.
Once again, it’s a surer bet if you’re already invested in Maschine, but it will integrate with any major DAW or function as a standalone unit. That said, one of the trade-offs for the smaller size and much lower price is the screen. Instead of a gorgeous HD screen, you get just two lines of text.
Many of the best features of the Maschine MK3 are here, including the 16 pads and the Smart Strip, plus all the integrated Maschine controls and physical tracking buttons. To be honest, the functionality here is plenty for most at-home musicians.
On this simpler model, we love the dedicated buttons that instantly switch your pads between drum, keyboard, and step-sequence mode. Accomplished keyboardists won’t use the keyboard mode, but it makes keyboard sounds accessible to everyone. It’s a nice touch.
Like its larger sibling, the Maschine Mikro includes a license for the Maschine software. Massive, Monark and Reaktor Prism are here as well, filling out your starter sample, EQ and FX libraries quite nicely.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Native Instruments Maschine Mikro
Novation Launchpad X / Launchpad Pro MK3
If your idea of the best MIDI drum pad is all about the pads and (almost) nothing but the pads, you might appreciate Novation’s Launchpad series. No banking here: you get 64 individual large RGB pads that are both velocity and pressure sensitive. You also get a frame of control buttons, which line two sides on the Launchpad X and surround the entire grid on the Pro MK3.
With so many pads, you have all sorts of options available to you, including Note and Scale modes. Craft pitch-perfect melodies and bass lines, no keyboard skills required! And then switch over to drum mode and see your rack directly on the grid. The pad grid will reflect what’s already going on in your Live session, giving you great clarity and control.
Certain brands integrate especially well with certain DAWs and MIDI suites, as we’ve seen already. The Launchkey is integrated deeply with Ableton Live, and a version of that program (Ableton Live Lite) is included with purchase.
The Launchpad includes clip and scene launch, getting you into the music quickly. You can also use the Record Arm button to navigate tracks and record exactly where you want within your session.
This is a simpler and more budget-friendly device, and there are some drawbacks. All I/O is handled over a single USB-C port on the Launchpad X. The Pro MK3 adds dual MIDI Out and a single MIDI in. Build quality is lightweight and sometimes feels a bit flimsy, too.
The Pro MK3 also adds chord mode, plus a four-track 32-step sequencer with eight-note polyphony.
At $199 for the Launchpad X and $349 for the Launchpad Pro MK3, these are definitely budget devices. Certainly, if you want more pads, not less, and you’re looking for deep integration with Ableton Live, give these a look.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Novation Launchpad X
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Novation Launchpad Pro MK3
Arturia BeatStep Pro Controller and Sequencer
This one’s a little different as well, but it has strong appeal for some beat-making musicians. The Arturia BeatStep Pro offers 16 pads as well, but in an unusual two-by-eight configuration. This configuration has certain benefits as a MIDI controller: eight pads are enough for one full octave, giving you essentially two octaves to play with (bass and melody, perhaps?). There are also 16 assignable knobs and 16 separate button controls.
As a MIDI drum machine integrated with your favorite DAW, the Arturia BeatStep Pro is respectable. But that’s not where the functionality ends with this one. The standout feature here is the three onboard step sequencers. With this device, you get deeply impressive sequencing capabilities: two independent melodic sequencers can retain up to 64 steps apiece. You can save up to 16 sequences per project and up to 16 total projects for a wealth of melodic sequences.
The drum sequencer is no slouch, either: it handles 16 tracks itself, which can be programmed in real time using the pads. The step buttons are also an option here.
I/O here is impressive as well, with USB, MIDI in and out, and an array of CV/GATE outs and a clock in/out.
All in all, the Arturia BeatStep Pro is a very different piece of hardware compared to the average MIDI drum controller. But if you want to get deeper into sequencing along with your beat-making, it just might be the best beat pad you can get.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Arturia BeatStep Pro Controller and Sequencer
Final Thoughts: My Personal Top Choices
I'm a big fan of Native Instruments and love the work they've done to bring together an easy-to-use user interface, top notch software & plugins, and a high-end quality hardware. Personally, it's hard for me to not go with the Maschine Mk3 or Maschine Mikro if I was pressed to give you an exact recommendation. I think they're both great options, one more affordable than the other and the Maschine Mk3 with more functionality, bells & whistles.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Controller
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Native Instruments Maschine Mikro