AKAI Professional LPD8 – USB MIDI Controller

The AKAI Professional LPD8 is a compact and portable USB MIDI controller designed for musicians, producers, and DJs who require a versatile and travel-friendly solution for music creation and performance. With its sleek, lightweight design, the LPD8 fits comfortably into a laptop bag or backpack, making it ideal for on-the-go music production.

Key Features:

1. Portability:
   • Compact Size: The LPD8 measures 13 inches in width, 3.25 inches in depth, and less than an inch in height, ensuring it can be easily carried anywhere.
   • Lightweight: Weighing just under one pound, it is perfect for mobile setups.
2. Pads and Controls:
   • 8 Backlit Pads: The controller features eight velocity-sensitive drum pads, which are perfect for triggering samples, loops, and virtual instruments. The pads are backlit, providing visual feedback and making it easy to use in low-light environments.
   • 8 Q-Link Knobs: There are also eight assignable Q-Link knobs, allowing for precise control over various parameters such as effects, volume, and pan settings within your software.
3. Connectivity:
   • USB Powered: The LPD8 connects to your computer via a single USB cable, which also powers the device. This eliminates the need for an external power source and keeps your setup simple and clean.
   • Plug and Play: It is compatible with both Mac and PC platforms and works seamlessly with most major music software, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, and more

4. Software Integration:

• • • MIDI Mapping: The controller supports MIDI mapping, allowing you to customize the function of each pad and knob to suit your specific workflow and software requirements.
    • Preset Memory: The LPD8 comes with four programmable memory banks, enabling you to store and recall your favorite setups quickly.

5 Build Quality:

• • • • Durable Construction: Despite its lightweight design, the LPD8 is built to withstand the rigors of travel and live performance, featuring robust and responsive controls.

6. Versatility:

• • Wide Range of Applications: Whether you are triggering drum hits, controlling virtual instruments, tweaking effect parameters, or managing your DJ software, the LPD8 offers a flexible control solution.

The AKAI Professional LPD8 is a highly functional and portable USB MIDI controller that provides musicians and producers with a reliable tool for music creation and performance. Its combination of compact design, responsive controls, and easy connectivity makes it a valuable addition to any mobile or studio setup.

The AKAI LPD8 is remarkably compact, measuring just 12.8 inches in length, 3.1 inches in width, and 1.3 inches in height. It weighs a mere 1 pound, making it extremely portable and easy to fit into a laptop bag or backpack. The device is made of durable plastic, which, while not as robust as metal, provides a good balance between durability and weight. The matte black finish gives it a professional and sleek appearance, which is complemented by the red and white accents on the pads and knobs.

The layout of the LPD8 is straightforward and intuitive. It features eight velocity-sensitive pads, eight rotary knobs, and four programmable memory banks. The pads are made of a soft, rubber-like material that is comfortable to the touch and responsive to varying levels of pressure, making them suitable for dynamic drumming and expressive performance. The rotary knobs are also well-constructed, offering smooth and precise control over various parameters.

The LPD8 is a USB-MIDI controller, which means it can be connected to any computer or device with a USB port. It is class-compliant, so no drivers are needed for installation. This plug-and-play functionality makes it incredibly easy to set up and start using right away. The device is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems, and it works seamlessly with most major digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools.

One of the notable features of the LPD8 is its compatibility with iOS devices. With the use of a Camera Connection Kit, the LPD8 can be connected to an iPad or iPhone, allowing users to control their favorite music apps on the go. This expands the versatility of the LPD8, making it an excellent tool for mobile music production.

The LPD8 is packed with features that make it a versatile and powerful MIDI controller. The eight velocity-sensitive pads are the highlight of the device, providing a responsive and dynamic surface for finger drumming, triggering samples, or playing melodic parts. The pads can also be assigned to control other parameters such as effects or loops, offering a high degree of flexibility in how they can be used.

The eight rotary knobs on the LPD8 are another valuable feature, allowing users to control various aspects of their software instruments and effects. Each knob can be assigned to a different parameter, such as volume, pan, filter cutoff, or resonance, providing hands-on control that can enhance the creative process.

One of the standout features of the LPD8 is its four programmable memory banks. These banks allow users to save and recall different pad and knob assignments, making it easy to switch between different setups for different projects or performances. This feature is particularly useful for live performers who need to quickly switch between different sounds and effects during a set.

The LPD8 also includes a built-in arpeggiator, which can add rhythmic complexity and movement to MIDI sequences. The arpeggiator has various modes and settings, including tap tempo and time division, allowing users to create intricate patterns and sequences with ease.

The AKAI LPD8 integrates seamlessly with a wide range of software, making it a versatile tool for any music producer or performer. It comes with editor software that allows users to customize the functionality of the pads and knobs, assigning them to specific MIDI notes, CC messages, or program changes. This level of customization ensures that the LPD8 can be tailored to fit the specific needs and workflow of each user.

In addition to the editor software, the LPD8 is compatible with AKAI’s MPC software, which is known for its powerful sampling and sequencing capabilities. When used with the MPC software, the LPD8 can function as a compact version of AKAI’s iconic MPC hardware, providing a familiar and intuitive interface for creating beats and sequences.

The LPD8 also works well with other popular DAWs and software instruments. For example, in Ableton Live, the pads can be used to trigger clips and scenes, while the knobs can be assigned to control various effects and parameters. In FL Studio, the LPD8 can be used to control the step sequencer and mixer, providing a hands-on approach to beat making and mixing. This level of integration makes the LPD8 a valuable addition to any music production setup.

Performance

In terms of performance, the AKAI LPD8 delivers impressive results. The velocity-sensitive pads are highly responsive, allowing for expressive and dynamic playing. Whether you’re finger drumming, triggering samples, or playing melodic parts, the pads respond accurately to varying levels of pressure, providing a satisfying and intuitive playing experience.

The rotary knobs also perform well, offering smooth and precise control over various parameters. The knobs have a good amount of resistance, making it easy to make fine adjustments without overshooting the desired value. This level of control is particularly useful for live performance, where precise adjustments are often needed.

The built-in arpeggiator is another highlight of the LPD8’s performance. It adds a layer of rhythmic complexity to MIDI sequences, allowing users to create intricate patterns and sequences with ease. The arpeggiator’s various modes and settings provide a high degree of flexibility, making it a valuable tool for both studio production and live performance.

Portability and Convenience

One of the key selling points of the AKAI LPD8 is its portability. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to take anywhere, whether you’re heading to a studio session, a live gig, or just working on music in a coffee shop. The USB-powered operation means that no additional power supply is needed, adding to the convenience of the device.

The plug-and-play functionality of the LPD8 also contributes to its convenience. With no drivers to install, the device can be connected and ready to use in seconds. This makes it an excellent choice for musicians and producers who need a quick and easy solution for their MIDI control needs.

Value for Money

In terms of value for money, the AKAI LPD8 offers a lot of features and functionality for a relatively low price. Its compact and portable design, combined with its versatility and performance, make it a valuable addition to any music production setup. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an affordable entry point into the world of MIDI controllers, or a seasoned producer in need of a portable and reliable solution, the LPD8 is a solid choice.