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Akai MPD18 Compact Pad Controller

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$33.77 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (32)

11 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Akai MPD218

$69.50 - $119.00

4.5 (84)

Find out who is using Akai MPD18

8 wishlisted

71 saved

Page last updated Jun 10, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 10, 2026.

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5.0 (4)

$33.77 6 available Used

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Average Price: $62

Budget/Beginner

$99

$300+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Pad Controllers category, Akai MPD18 Compact Pad Controller is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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Description

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Step into the realm of creative freedom with the Akai MPD18 Compact Pad Controller—a seamless blend of performance and portability. This intuitive piece of gear invites electronic musicians and DAW users alike to dive deep into the authentic MPC pad experience, all without breaking the bank. With its 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, the MPD18 not only offers precision but also brings the versatility of a three-bank memory, unlocking a total of 48 sounds at your fingertips. Whether you're looking to dip your toes into the MPC series or seeking a reliable addition to your setup, the MPD18 delivers quality at a palatable price, ensuring your musical journey is both enriching and accessible.

Key Features:

16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads for dynamic performance
Three-bank memory, allowing access to 48 sounds
Fully MIDI compatible for seamless integration with your DAW
Compact and portable design for musicians on the go
Ideal for both beginners exploring the MPC series and seasoned producers

Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	MPD18
Finish	Black
Year	2010s
Made In	United States
Categories	Pad MIDI Controllers
MIDI I/O	USB MIDI
Number of Pads	16 Pads

FAQs

How does the Akai MPD18 connect to a computer?: The Akai MPD18 connects to a computer via USB, allowing it to function as a MIDI controller for music production software.
Are the pads on the Akai MPD18 velocity-sensitive?: Yes, the Akai MPD18 features 16 velocity-sensitive pads, which respond dynamically to the force of your hits, providing expressive control over your beats.
Is the Akai MPD18 compatible with all DAWs?: The Akai MPD18 is compatible with most major DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) that support MIDI input, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro.
What type of power supply does the Akai MPD18 require?: The Akai MPD18 is powered via USB, eliminating the need for an external power supply or batteries.
Can the Akai MPD18 be used for live performances?: Yes, the compact and portable design of the Akai MPD18 makes it suitable for live performances, allowing musicians to trigger samples and control software instruments on stage.

Videos

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Sound On Sound magazine

Akai MPD18 - MusikMesse 2009

Sound On Sound magazine

AKAI professional MPD18 compact pad controller drum machine.

Vortex Cinema

AKAI MPD18 Unboxing and Demo!

Trate Music

Akai MPD18 Compact Pad Controller First Look:

OSReviews

Reviews

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PROS

Built to last and withstand rough use
Highly portable, great for musicians on the go
Affordable, offers great value for its price
Space-efficient, ideal for limited setup areas
Pads are responsive and well-sized for use
Enhances drum programming and live performances
Can be fully mapped to user's preference
Adds a more tactile feel to beat making
Versatile, can be used with various equipment
Can be modified for unique live performance setups

CONS

Lacks ability to output MIDI directly
Comes with no free software programs
Pad quality is functional but not exceptional
Absence of LED pads might be a downside for some

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai MPD18 Compact Pad Controller.

Value and pricing

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At $60 for a new unit, it's deemed a good deal, especially since retail prices typically hover around $100.
Source

Features and functionality

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The MPD18 has pads styled after original MPC drum machines, contrasting with the LPD8's button-like feel.
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It's noted that MPD18 pads may operate like buttons or CC controls if not set correctly, affecting their intended use.
Source

Mods and upgrades

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Consider investing $15-25 in thick extra-sensitive pads to enhance the tactile experience of the MPD18.
Source

Comparisons

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The MPD18 is seen as sufficient for production purposes, comparable to higher models like the MPD26 for new users.
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Use cases and applications

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Ideal for users focusing on production and soundtrack creation rather than live performance.
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Setup and maintenance

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Users experienced MIDI mapping issues, needing to press "presets" and then pads for proper function, a detail missing from the manual.
Source

Software and compatibility

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Some users found that pressing pad 1 and 3 also inadvertently activates pads 15 and 16 in both FPC and Poise, requiring further troubleshooting.
Source

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 11 Reviews and 32 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

jhon_shepherd

407

over 10 years ago

I think its great.

One of the biggest drawbacks for my workflow has always been drum programming. I've spent many hours wondering how I could make my drums more expressive (Other than just piano rolling them to death) I found the MPD-18 at a local pawn shop so $30 well spent. I find that more and more this gears function goes beyond expressive drum programming. I've been using it as a secondary synth, I will have the same sound bed playing in 2 different octaves at the same time. Probably not the most cutting edge thing to ever be done, But it works for me. I highly recommend this piece or something similar.

gaberock

almost 11 years ago

Okay, but not great

Pad quality is functional, but not spectacular. The fader is a nice touch, but in general this isn't worth it's price tag, especially with the dearth of free programs that come with it. (Come on, not even MPC essentials? get it together, akai.)

djstevenhan

173

over 8 years ago

Nice for drums making!

It's hard to making beats with keyboard, but with this, you can make beats easily and quickly than mouse. This drum pad is really cool, even though it didn't't have led pads, but I think it can use longer than other drum pads.

paskee

166

about 11 years ago

A fucking dope beatpad.

Honestly, i dont incorporate this into my productions much, but these are really fun to setup a drum rack with and jam the fuck out. Very nice response and i like the looper on it.

wesdaruler

143

over 10 years ago

So much fun to use.

I love this thing. I mainly use it for live performances. I modded it by attaching some metal hooks on the top corners, and use a laptop strap to wear it over my shoulder. I picked up a 30ft usb cord, and play beats of my chest for live shows.

chillizard

313

about 9 years ago

Sound Tester!

I used to own a Oxygen 25 from M-Audio, but my mom threw it away. The only way to test sounds without the Typing MIDI glitching up is to use this. I barely make beats on it, but it's cool I guess.

mrpickle

over 8 years ago

the best

su uso es pratico , como productor es muy bueno para wobble bass..

depilkington

393

over 10 years ago

basic beat controller

I am going to be upgrading the pads will give a full review then, other than that it just works!

jackson_crews

almost 11 years ago

Used in my DJ setup as a trigger board, amazing!

Fully mapable to whatever, it was very nice, i got it on sale too!

unspoken

over 11 years ago

Awesome!

Perfect, does it's job

Artist usage

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SeamlessR

Music Producer

Verified via Photo

In the bottom left corner of this photo, posted to SeamlessR's Facebook, an Akai MPD18 can be seen.

Baths

Singer, Music Producer

Verified via Photo

In this picture, an Akai MPD 18 can be pictured between Bath's MPD 32 and MacBook.

Scooter

Music Producer

Dance United

Verified via Facebook

Scooter is shown using the Akai MPD18 Compact Pad Controller in a photo on their official Facebook page.

Tennyson

Drummer, Keyboardist

Verified via YouTube

In their Ableton Loop presentation, we get a very clear look at the equipment Tennyson uses. We can see here an Akai MPD 18 which is used for triggering various one-shots.

Crim3s

Music Producer

Verified via Photo

Crim3s posts a photo to Instagram with the caption "studio" and shows their Akai MPD18 Pad Controller.

Tim Exile

Music Producer

Verified via YouTube

Tim's setup has a Launchpad Mini, an MPD18, and an LPK25.

Mister Lies

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via Instagram

Mister Lies is seen using the Akai MPD18 Compact Pad Controller during a rehearsal, as shown in a photo on his Instagram.

Nati

Verified via Facebook

In this Facebook Photo Nati can bee seen with the Akai MPD 18.

cln

Music Producer, DJ

Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, cln shared a photo featuring the Akai MPD18 Compact Pad Controller, hinting at its use during a series of shows with Katie Noonan and the Queensland Ballet.