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Akai LPD8 Ultra-Portable Pad Controller w/ 8 Pads

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Akai LPD8 Ultra-Portable Pad Controller w/ 8 Pads

^# 39

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$49.83 to $177.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.0 (1)

2 Critic Reviews

Newer option

Akai Professional LPD8 mk2 Mini 8-pad USB Controller

$39.00 - $59.00

Find out who is using Akai LPD8

1 community setup

4 wishlisted

19 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.4 (1775)

$177.00 Used

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4.0 (8)

$49.83 3 available New

$29.00 5 available Used

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Average Price: $85

Budget/Beginner

$99

$300+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Pad Controllers category, Akai LPD8 Ultra-Portable Pad Controller w/ 8 Pads is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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Unleash your creativity on the go with the Akai LPD8 Ultra-Portable Pad Controller, a compact yet powerful tool for musicians and producers. Perfectly sized to accompany your laptop, this USB/MIDI pad controller slips seamlessly into your backpack, ensuring your music-making journey is always within arm's reach. Designed with eight backlit, velocity-sensitive MPC pads, the LPD8 provides an intuitive interface that delivers responsive and dynamic control over your virtual instruments and software.

Not just a pad controller, the LPD8 features a bank of eight assignable Q-Link knobs. These rotaries allow you to manipulate software parameters with precision, bringing tactile feedback to your digital workspace and enhancing your production workflow. Whether you're triggering samples, controlling effects, or adjusting instrument parameters, the LPD8 adapts to your needs effortlessly.

Compatible with a wide range of software, its plug-and-play capability ensures that you can dive into your music projects without missing a beat. Whether you're a seasoned producer or a budding musician, the Akai LPD8 offers the perfect blend of portability and professional functionality.

Key Features:

Ultra-portable USB/MIDI pad controller
Eight backlit, velocity-sensitive MPC pads
Eight assignable Q-Link knobs for software parameter control
Plug-and-play connectivity with popular music software
Compact design fits easily in a laptop bag

Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	LPD8
Finish	Black
Year	2010s
Categories	Pad MIDI Controllers
MIDI I/O	USB MIDI
Number of Pads	8 Pads

FAQs

How does the Akai LPD8 connect to my computer?: The Akai LPD8 connects to your computer via USB, providing a simple plug-and-play experience for both Mac and PC users without the need for additional drivers.
Are the pads on the Akai LPD8 velocity-sensitive?: Yes, the Akai LPD8 features eight velocity-sensitive drum pads, allowing for expressive playing and dynamic control over your beats and samples.
Can the Akai LPD8 be used with popular DAWs like Ableton Live or FL Studio?: The Akai LPD8 is compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live and FL Studio, making it a versatile choice for music production and performance.
Is the Akai LPD8 suitable for live performances?: The Akai LPD8 is ultra-portable and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for live performances where space and mobility are important.
Does the Akai LPD8 come with any software?: Yes, the Akai LPD8 includes editing software to help you customize and configure the controller to suit your music production needs.

Videos

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John Mike

Korg Nanopad 2 vs Akai LPD8

John Mike

The LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller | Akai Professional

AkaiProVideo

Akai Professional LPD8 Summer NAMM demo

Sweetwater

Akai Professional LPD8 | Ultra-Portable USB Drum Pad MIDI Controller for Laptops (8 Pads / 8 Knobs)

Musical Instruments

Reviews

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PROS

Highly sensitive pads register inputs perfectly, enhancing playability
8 programmable pots for versatile DAW mapping
Solid build quality with non-slip rubber pads
Compact size fits easily alongside other equipment
Backlit velocity-sensitive pads for dynamic feedback
Multiple programmable presets expand creative possibilities
Affordable price point offers great value for newcomers
Compatible with various DAWs, broadening user flexibility

CONS

Instructions for DAW mapping are inadequate
Backlit pads can't be controlled via MIDI signals
Occasional double triggering or missed inputs by pads
Not ideal for users seeking endless rotary knobs
Some users report inconsistent pad behavior during fast play

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai LPD8 Ultra-Portable Pad Controller w/ 8 Pads.

Comparisons

0 0

The Korg PadKontrol is highlighted for superior pad quality compared to the Akai MPD series.
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The Novation Launchpad is recommended for its extensive pad count.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Korg NanoPad2 includes an X-Y pad and is noted for its affordability.
Source
0 0

The Bluetooth model of the Akai LPD8 provides wireless connectivity, reducing reliance on cords, particularly beneficial for mobile producers using iPads.
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User experience

0 0

Owners report the Akai MPD218 can trigger unintended samples due to pad sensitivity issues.
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Some users experience unsolicited knob value changes, indicating potential issues with the LPD8's knob reliability.
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Setup and maintenance

0 0

Akai MPD26 requires initial setup and menu navigation, but is straightforward once configured.
Source

Build quality

0 0

Users report Akai LPD8 pads are initially hard to trigger consistently, suggesting possible build quality concerns for tactile responsiveness.
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Some owners report the on/off switch as shoddy and dials as tiny and flimsy, suggesting potential durability concerns.
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Mods and upgrades

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Pad sensitivity can be improved by adding foamy tape inside the pad covers, enhancing response for light touches.
Source

Value and pricing

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The Akai LPD8 is often seen as a budget-friendly option, but modding is recommended for improved pad performance.
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At a discounted price of $39, owners view the LPD8 as an affordable option for mobile music production, even considering potential resale value.
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Software and compatibility

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Connectivity issues with the Akai LPD8 have been noted when attempting to connect to a Mac, though it reportedly works with iPads and iPhones.
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Use cases and applications

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Despite its bulkiness, some users find the LPD8 manageable for mobile setups when paired with a case, though it doesn't resolve the thickness.
Source

Critic Reviews

Review of Akai LPD8 portable MIDI controller

rekkerd.org

The Akai LPD8 is a lightweight champion in the world of portable MIDI controllers, boasting solid build quality and user-friendly features, including velocity-sensitive pads and customizable knobs. However, the pads require significant force to trigger, making it less ideal for nuanced playing. While some users have found workarounds to enhance sensitivity, this flaw may deter those seeking a more responsive experience. Overall, the LPD8 shines as an affordable and practical option for musicians on the go, particularly for those looking to involve younger collaborators in music-making.

positive

Full Review

Akai LPD8 & LPK25

soundonsound.com

While the Akai LPD8 is compact and lightweight, making it an appealing choice for mobile musicians, its performance is hampered by a few notable flaws. The velocity sensitivity of the pads is decent but doesn’t offer the nuanced response that demanding players might expect. Moreover, the LPK25 keyboard's velocity curve is described as somewhat spongy and can be finicky, making it difficult to achieve consistent results. The lack of more sophisticated controls may leave experienced users wanting more. For casual musicians or those in need of basic functionality, these controllers might suffice, but they fall short of the versatility and precision offered by competitors like Korg.

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Artist usage

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Tyler Joseph

Singer, Bassist

Twenty One Pilots

Verified via YouTube

At the 1:22 mark you can see the Akai LPD8 on Tylers piano.

Her's

Guitarist, Bassist

Her's

Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube performance of Her's at Paste Studios NYC, the Akai LPD8 Ultra-Portable Pad Controller with 8 Pads is visible on the small table next to the Launchpad throughout the entire video. This is documented in the session titled "Her’s - Full Session | Live at Paste Studios NYC [Paste Rewind, 2018]," provided by Paste Magazine.

Oliver Tree

Singer, Guitarist

Good Luck Have Fun

Verified via Photo

In Oliver Tree's YouTube Short "The World's First World Tour," the Akai LPD8 Ultra-Portable Pad Controller is clearly visible among his equipment. During the announcement of his album "Love You Madly Hate You Badly," Tree referred to himself as a "one-man band" and was seen using the same gear shown in the Short. He further mentioned, accompanied by footage of him performing in various countries, that the album was recorded across 80 countries and all seven continents. This suggests that the Akai LPD8 was an integral part of his portable production setup during the creation of "Love You Madly Hate You Badly."