Korg PadKONTROL USB Drum Pad Studio Controller main image

Korg PadKONTROL USB Drum Pad Studio Controller image 2

Photo of Korg PadKONTROL USB Drum Pad Studio Controller and more gear in a studio, DJ, and DAW

Korg PadKONTROL USB Drum Pad Studio Controller

^# 27

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

$55.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.0 (40)

2 Critic Reviews

8 Reviews

Find out who is using Korg PadKONTROL

2 community setups

9 wishlisted

89 saved

Page last updated May 25, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated May 25, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (6)

$55.00 4 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $55

Budget/Beginner

$99

$300+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Pad Controllers category, Korg PadKONTROL USB Drum Pad Studio 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

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Immerse yourself in the realm of digital drumming with the Korg PadKONTROL USB Drum Pad Studio Controller, a compact yet powerful device that elevates your music production to new heights. Boasting sixteen dynamic pads that light up to your touch, this controller is designed for the artist in you who craves tactile feedback and precision. With its intuitive XY touchpad, you have the creative freedom to manipulate sound parameters in real-time, adding depth and dimension to your compositions. Whether you're crafting beats in your bedroom studio or performing live, the Korg PadKONTROL integrates seamlessly with popular DAWs like Ableton, Reason, and Logic, ensuring your creative process is as smooth as your beats.

Key Features:

16 velocity-sensitive trigger pads with illuminating feedback for expressive performances.
XY touchpad for real-time control over sound parameters, enabling creative sound modulation.
Seamless integration with major DAWs including Ableton, Reason, and Logic, for a fluid production experience.
Footswitch input, offering extended control for live performances and studio sessions.
Versatile functionality, perfect for both drum programming and synth control, making it an essential tool for modern musicians.

Product specs

Brand	Korg
Model	padKONTROL USB Drum Pad Studio Controller
Finish	Black
Year	2005 - 2025
Categories	Pad MIDI Controllers
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Pads	16 Pads

FAQs

How many pads does the Korg PadKONTROL have and are they velocity-sensitive?: The Korg PadKONTROL features 16 velocity-sensitive pads, allowing for expressive drumming and dynamic control over software instruments.
Can the Korg PadKONTROL integrate with popular DAWs like Ableton Live or FL Studio?: Yes, the Korg PadKONTROL can integrate with popular DAWs such as Ableton Live and FL Studio, providing seamless MIDI control for music production.
Does the Korg PadKONTROL require an external power supply?: The Korg PadKONTROL is powered via USB, eliminating the need for an external power supply and making it convenient for portable setups.
What MIDI connectivity options are available on the Korg PadKONTROL?: The Korg PadKONTROL offers MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI connectivity, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and software.
Are there any built-in features for controlling effects or parameters with the Korg PadKONTROL?: Yes, the Korg PadKONTROL includes an X-Y touchpad for real-time control over effects and parameters, enhancing performance capabilities.

Videos

Add video

OBEDIA

Korg PadKONTROL overview

OBEDIA

Korg padKontrol Midi Control Pad

PMTVUK

Korg padKontrol demonstration.mp4

Red Dog Music

Korg - padkontrol Overview

JRR Shop

Give Your Beats The Finger: Korg padKONTROL

gearwire

Korg PadKONTROL And Ultra Analog Session Cooperatively Operate

gearwire

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Easy to set up and use, even for beginners
High programmability and customizable controls
Durable design, holds up well over time
Compatible with various software and hardware
Sensitive pads suitable for dynamic performance
Features like X-Y Pad with roll and flam functions enhance creativity
Lightweight and portable for live performances
Versatile, suitable for genres from hip hop to heavy metal

CONS

Velocity sensitivity may vary or be inconsistent
Editor software struggles with multi-software communication
Requires workaround for compatibility with newer Windows versions
Aesthetic design may not appeal to all users
Learning curve to unlock full potential

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg PadKONTROL USB Drum Pad Studio Controller.

Features and functionality

0 0

The x/y pad on the Korg PadKontrol adds versatility and enhances velocity response, making it a standout feature among 4x4 pad controllers.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

The editor librarian for the PadKontrol can be finicky to install, but it's not necessary for iPad-only setups.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Using a powered USB hub with the PadKontrol helps avoid power issues, especially important when connecting to an iPad via the Camera Connection Kit.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The Akai MPD218 has a dimmed LED mode to handle current limitations, highlighting a unique feature compared to the PadKontrol.
Source
0 0

The Korg PadKontrol is noted for having nice pads and the added benefit of an XY pad, making it a compelling choice over other basic pad controllers.
Source

User experience

0 0

Even older units, like the PadKontrol, continue to function well with modern setups, including iPad integration.
Source
0 0

Users appreciate the tactile feel of the Korg PadKontrol pads, indicating they are well-suited for expressive playing compared to the smaller or less sensitive pads of other controllers.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Korg PadKontrol units can be found very cheaply in the used market, providing a budget-friendly option for those seeking good pad quality with additional features.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The Korg PadKontrol is highlighted as a good option for finger drumming, especially for those dissatisfied with the pad sensitivity of their MIDI keyboards.
Source

Critic Reviews

Korg Pad Kontrol

soundonsound.com

The Korg PadKONTROL shines with its sleek design and intuitive features, making it a standout for fingertip drumming. Its 16 trigger pads and X-Y controller offer excellent control, enhancing creativity with impressive flam and roll functions. While it lacks the ability to layer sounds on a single pad, its programmability and included software make it versatile beyond simple triggering. Despite its plasticky feel, this device is a top choice for real-time drum programming, easily outpacing its limited competition. An overall cool gadget, both visually and functionally, for musicians seeking dynamic rhythm solutions.

positive

Full Review

The KORG padKONTROL | LEGENDARY - Home Studio Basics

homestudiobasics.com

The Korg padKONTROL is a nostalgic yet rugged MIDI controller with impressive pad sensitivity and build quality. Its versatile features like the X-Y touchpad and customizable pads make it a creative tool for music production. However, it shows its age with a steep learning curve and setup frustrations due to poor documentation and support. While its editor software is a noted failure, the padKONTROL still holds appeal for those who can snag it at a reasonable price, especially if they enjoy working in environments like Reason. For a more intuitive experience, newer alternatives like the Novation Launch Key Mini are recommended. Overall, the review appreciates the padKONTROL's durability and functionality but acknowledges its outdated aspects.

neutral

Full Review

Add review

4.0 out of 5

Based on 8 Reviews and 40 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

samil

536

over 4 years ago

great controller

Got this to pair with the Electribe ESX-1, works perfect together as might be expected. Pads are still in great shape, holds up well with time.

Roles:

Composer Music Producer DJ

Genres:

Hip Hop Deep house Neo soul

ptysounds

about 11 years ago

Nice piece of gear

Got it last year from a friend, which had it from a friend. Cons are, as it is kind of a vintage gear, you got to trick the midi registry keys in your computer to make it able to run in windows vista, 7, 8. It is very simple to use with cool functions mod and pitch wheel come as an X-Y Pad with roll and flam functions. Very customizable. It has made my beat making process lot easier.

stienski

105

over 8 years ago

domestic violence!

Used this for hip hop..live drum kit.. and i used to bang on this thing in a heavy metal band!! lots of noise can be made with this thing!! They are heavy duty and last a long time! Something was spilled on it and i took it apart and cleaned it with ease and it works good as new!

peytonlarks

almost 7 years ago

Great and easy piece of gear

One of the easiest and lightest on the market if you're looking for a drum pad controller. Customisable controls and versatile programming that suits my needs for building my drums and sampling.

kliksynk

252

over 10 years ago

Great pads with velocity sensitivity

I bought the Nerve plugin from Xfer a few years ago, and when I saw the youtube video about the hands on control with the padKontrol I bought one second hand. To be honest I never regret this purchase and the pads are also feel very nice. The velocity sensitivity is great. Only thing I would like is that it was looking a bit better, but hey you can't have everything in live.