Akai Professional MPD 232

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$119.08 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (7)

4 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

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3 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jun 30, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 30, 2026.

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Reviews

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5.0 (3)

$119.08 1 available Used

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Average Price: $119

Standard/Professional

$99

$300+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Pad Controllers category, Akai Professional MPD 232 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Unleash your creative potential with the Akai Professional MPD 232, a powerhouse MIDI pad controller designed for musicians and producers who crave precision and flexibility. With its 16 velocity-sensitive MPC pads, this device offers a tactile experience that captures every nuance of your performance. The MPD 232 is not just a tool; it's an extension of your creativity, boasting 8 assignable faders, Q-Link knobs, and Q-Link buttons that provide seamless control over your music production environment.

Dive into a world of sonic possibilities with 30 presets and 72 assignable controls spread across three banks, allowing you to tailor the MPD 232 to suit your unique style. Whether you’re on stage or in the studio, enjoy intuitive features like MPC Note Repeat, Swing, 16 Level, Full Level, and Tap Tempo, ensuring your rhythms and beats stay tight and dynamic. Designed with the modern musician in mind, the MPD 232 integrates effortlessly with your digital audio workstation, making it an essential component of any setup.

Key Features:

16 velocity-sensitive MPC pads for expressive performance
8 assignable faders, Q-Link knobs, and Q-Link buttons
30 presets and 72 assignable controls across three banks
Features include MPC Note Repeat, Swing, 16 Level, Full Level, and Tap Tempo
Seamless integration with digital audio workstations

Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	MPD232
Finish	Black
Year	2015 - 2025
Categories	Pad MIDI Controllers
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Pads	16 Pads

FAQs

What kind of connectivity options does the Akai MPD232 offer?: The Akai MPD232 provides MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI connectivity, allowing seamless integration with various digital audio workstations and MIDI-compatible devices.
How many pads does the Akai MPD232 feature, and are they velocity-sensitive?: The Akai MPD232 is equipped with 16 velocity-sensitive pads, offering dynamic control over your beats and samples for expressive performance.
Is the Akai MPD232 compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live and FL Studio?: Yes, the Akai MPD232 is compatible with a wide range of popular DAWs, including Ableton Live and FL Studio, making it versatile for different production setups.
Does the Akai MPD232 include any software or presets for music production?: The Akai MPD232 typically comes with a software bundle that includes MPC Beats, providing users with essential tools and presets for music production right out of the box.
What are the standout features of the Akai MPD232's control surface?: The Akai MPD232 features 16 RGB-backlit pads, 8 assignable control knobs, and 8 faders, providing comprehensive control over your music production environment.

Videos

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Akai Pro MPD232 - Unboxing

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AKAI : MPD-232 : Testing

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Reviews

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PROS

High-quality pads, knobs, and sliders enhance user control
Multiple banks offer extensive control options
Excellent connectivity with both software and hardware instruments
Easy to customize presets for diverse musical needs
Rugged build ensures durability
Compatible with a wide range of DAWs and performance software
32-sequence capability allows for intricate rhythm creation
Works exceptionally well with Studio One and Ableton

CONS

The top half design takes up more space than necessary
Requires significant time investment to fully understand and utilize features

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai Professional MPD 232.

Value and pricing

0 0

Picking up an Akai MPD 232 for $60 is considered an excellent deal, prompting interest even from those who don't immediately need it.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The MPD 232 can be effectively used for VJing, especially when paired with Resolume, indicating versatility beyond standard music production.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

Some users have reported issues with mapping buttons, tap tempo, and step sequencer functions, though these may be forum-specific or outdated concerns.
Source
0 0

Users struggle with setting up the step sequencer with Ableton's drum racks, indicating potential compatibility challenges.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Some users experience a 1/32 beat latency with the sequencer when synced with Ableton, affecting live jam sessions.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Sequencer setup issues include difficulty using the ‘rec seq’ button for velocity adjustments, despite following official Akai setup instructions.
Source

Critic Reviews

Akai MPD232 Controller review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Akai MPD232 impresses with its intuitive design, portability, and versatile control options, making it a worthy successor in the MPD lineup. Its robust build and high-quality MPC-style pads stand out as highlights. However, the lack of a power adapter, footswitch, and reliance on breakout cables for MIDI connections are notable drawbacks. Despite these issues, the device's standalone and sequencing capabilities, along with its fair pricing, make it an appealing choice for studio and live setups.

positive

Full Review

Akai MPD226 & MPD232

soundonsound.com

The Akai MPD232 impresses with its ultra-sensitive pads and a sleek design, catering to both studio and gigging musicians. However, the built-in sequencer is quite basic and suffers from sync issues when used with DAWs, making it less appealing for those seeking robust production capabilities. While the bundled software and easy programmability are plus points, alternative controllers might offer better integration and features for similar prices.

neutral

Full Review

REVIEW: AKAI Pro MPD226 and MPD232 controllers – DJWORX

djworx.com

The Akai Professional MPD232 offers a robust set of features for MIDI control, with legendary MPC pads and a solid build, ideal for setups that require portability. However, its faders lack flexibility in DAW integration, and the step sequencer can be cumbersome. While the MPD232 shines for external hardware control, its functionality feels excessive for Ableton Live users, making the MPD226 a more practical choice for many. The review appreciates the pads' expressiveness and recognizes the MPD226 as the standout option for simplicity and playability within the Akai lineup.

neutral

Full Review

Ask.Video

ask.video

The Akai Professional MPD 232 impresses with its robust build and responsive pads, making it a joy for performing musicians. Its integration with Ableton and standalone functionality adds to its versatility. However, the lack of pattern storage in its sequencer is a big letdown, making it less ideal for those seeking a dependable standalone sequencer. The installation process also poses challenges, particularly with software serial numbers. While it shines in live settings, users should weigh these drawbacks before committing.

neutral

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star

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1 star

ritenext2venice

over 9 years ago

Extremely Versatile

You can use this piece for just about everything. Any software you can think of, it seamlessly works with. I've never had any trouble with it across many DAWs and performance programs.