Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $203
Standard/Professional
$99
$300+
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Budget
Standard
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Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Akai Professional MPD226". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Akai Professional MPD226 is a MIDI Pad Controller that's designed to be the ultimate tool for musicians, DJs, producers, and programmers. Renowned for its ultra-sensitive Thick Fat MPC pads, this controller offers a unique blend of classic beat making and modern computer music production, delivering an unbeatable playing experience.
The MPD226 provides an expanded set of controls with 4 knobs, 4 faders, and 4 buttons, each arranged in 3 banks for a total of 36 controls. This allows for meticulous sound design, adjusting track levels, controlling effect parameters, tweaking synthesizer settings, and much more. Each pad comes with RGB backlighting, allowing you to color code your setup for easy organization.
With its plug-and-play USB connectivity, the MPD226 easily integrates with your Mac or PC, needing no drivers. It's a class-compliant MIDI device, compatible with all major digital audio workstations and MIDI sequencer applications. Plus, it comes with a powerful software bundle, including Ableton Live Lite, Akai Pro MPC Essentials, Sonivox Big Bang Cinematic Percussion, and Big Bang Universal Drums, to kickstart your music production journey.
Key Features:
- 16 ultra-sensitive Thick Fat MPC pads
- 4 knobs, 4 faders, 4 buttons arranged in 3 banks for 36 total controls
- Plug-and-play USB connectivity with no drivers required
- Compatible with Mac and PC
- Comes with powerful software bundle including Ableton Live Lite, Akai Pro MPC Essentials, Sonivox Big Bang Cinematic Percussion, and Big Bang Universal Drums
- iOS compatible using the Camera Connection Kit (sold separately)
- 30 presets total, with configurations for most popular DAWs
- MIDI In and Out jacks for controlling external gear
- Features Classic MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, 16 Level, Full Level and Tap Tempo
- RGB illuminated velocity and pressure sensitive MPC pads
- 64 assignable pads accessible via 4 banks
- Dedicated Transport controls
Product specs
| Brand | Akai |
| Model | MPD226 |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2015 - 2025 |
| Categories | Pad MIDI Controllers |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI |
| Number of Pads | 16 Pads |
FAQs
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What software is the Akai Professional MPD226 compatible with?
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The Akai Professional MPD226 is compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro. It comes with a production software package that facilitates seamless integration.
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How many pads does the Akai Professional MPD226 have, and are they velocity-sensitive?
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The MPD226 features 16 RGB backlit pads that are velocity-sensitive, allowing for dynamic and expressive performance.
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What are the connectivity options for the Akai Professional MPD226?
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The MPD226 offers USB-MIDI connectivity, as well as traditional MIDI Input and Output ports, making it versatile for both modern and classic setups.
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Does the Akai Professional MPD226 have assignable controls?
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Yes, the MPD226 includes four knobs, four faders, and four buttons, all of which are fully assignable across three banks, providing a total of 36 controls for customizable performance.
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Is the Akai Professional MPD226 suitable for live performances?
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The MPD226 is well-suited for live performances due to its responsive pads and extensive control options, allowing musicians and DJs to trigger samples and control effects in real-time.
Videos
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Andrew Siemon
Hip Hop Beat #7 | Akai MPD226
Constantine KoruS
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Featherlightstudio
EZdrummer 2 EZX Pop Rock Finger Drumming Jam with AKAI MPD226
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AKAI Professional MPD226 USB MIDI Controller with 16 RGB MPC Drum Pads Review
ITR Reviews
AKAI MPD 226 UNBOXING and REVIEW
M-Squared
Akai Professional MPD226 | MIDI Drum Pad Controller with Software Download Package
Musical Instruments
Reviews
PROS
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Includes free MPC Beats software, enhancing value
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Versatile with customizable pads, knobs, and faders for diverse control
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Larger pads mimic classic MPC feel for an authentic experience
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Offers presets for various DAWs, facilitating easy integration
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Compact and affordable, providing a middle-ground between other MPD models
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Endless knobs prevent value jumping, allowing precise control
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Screen provides visual feedback, improving usability
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Good for beginners, offering a solid introduction to MPC-style production
CONS
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Setup can be complex and frustrating, especially for newcomers
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Requires proprietary software, potentially limiting versatility
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Limited number of endless knobs may restrict control in some applications
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Sensitivity settings may need adjustments, indicating a learning curve
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Occasional ghost hits reported, affecting performance reliability
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Sticker residue on the device can be bothersome to remove
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai Professional MPD226.
Features and functionality
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The MPD226 offers LED functionality that always stays on, indicating the current pad bank.
Source -
The MPD226 is praised for its swing and note repeat functions, popular for hip hop.
Source -
The MPD226 buttons, apart from the pads, can be programmed to send keystrokes, offering flexibility when integrating with various DAWs beyond just MIDI mapping.
Source -
The MPD226 includes 1/8" TRS MIDI ports, which require a Type A adapter for certain setups like with the Boss RC-500.
Source
User experience
Software and compatibility
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Users note challenges in mapping the MPD226's faders and pots to DAWs successfully.
Source -
Akai’s free MPC Beats software, while basic, is recommended for MPD226 and includes MIDI mapping capabilities, but lacks full integration compared to dedicated MPC hardware.
Source -
Registering the MPD226 at Akaipro.com may provide additional VSTs and sound packs, similar to the bundled version of Ableton offered with many controllers.
Source -
Studio One and Reason are mentioned as compatible DAWs that work well with the MPD226 through straightforward MIDI mapping processes.
Source
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
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While the MPD226 can be powered via USB, effective MIDI out requires configuration to send signals through MIDI ports, not just USB.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 15 Ratings
3582
Good to get into MPC drum pads and some more but I prefer the Roli pads...
Good and affordable way to get into the MPC drumpadding action. Additionally you can control your sequencer (transport) and have some knobs/sliders to control your softsynths. So if you’re short of space and money it could create quite some value... Unfortunately for me, I did not really like the MPC pads (too firm, not enough feedback...) and I already have enough controllers to control my synths and sequencers. For drumpads, I prefer the Roli Lightpad Block M.
First drum pad
its good for starters but doesn't have enough pads and knobs for a lot of the things I work with.
Artist usage
Add artist
During Ed Sheeran's "Divide" Tour in 2018, his loop system technician, David White, utilizes the Akai Professional MPD226 to manage the transition between the main and backup MacBook setups. This setup is detailed in a YouTube video by mothergrid, showcasing the tour's sound system design.
This clip shows Virtual Self performing with G Jones at Second Sky, where they're controlling Ableton Live with the MPD.
can be seen in this post from June 13, 2022
You can see Tyler using an Akai MPD226 in the minute 24:22
In the minute 1:34 it can be seen the name of this controller, which he uses to drop some samples.
At around the 1:03 mark, Adam can be seen using the MPD226 to trigger various sounds from the title track of The 1975's second album. He can also be seen using it in other songs and videos from the band's 2016 tour.
In the video titled "Studio Tour: DJ Jazzy Jeff on His 'Creative Utopia'," at the 20:21 mark, DJ Jazzy Jeff is observed showcasing an Akai Professional MPD226 pad controller on his work desk within his private studio setup. This footage is provided by Sweetwater on YouTube.
this photo shows Ross playing keyboards during a concert. The akai mpd226 can be seen clearly.
"new toy. The maschine has been retired." Martin in his Instagram post, referring to the Native Instruments Maschine. The post features the MPD226 as its replacement.
Adam is using an Akai MPD 226 pad controller throughout the video. It can clearly be seen at 0:53.
Album Usage
The Akai Professional MPD226 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Akai Professional MPD226, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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