Who is this choice relevant to?

Producer sharing a desk

You want to be able to put your controller away after use without unnecessarily disturbing your colleagues. Its dimensions help you plan the space on your desk, but they don’t tell you how loud the pad hits will be.

Finger drummer

You want to play kick, snare and other sounds with your fingers and use the hits as MIDI data. So check the pads and how you can set them up in your drum software.

Step sequencer user

You’d rather build a pattern by switching individual steps on or off than play a rhythm live.

What should you look for?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Quiet operation and desk space Measure the available space, including room for cables, and assess the physical pad hits on a similar desk. I want to put my controller away after use and disturb my colleagues as little as possible. Around 33% of consumers prioritise a quiet, spacious workspace.
Playing in real time Check the number of pads you can reach directly, their velocity sensitivity and the note assignments in your drum software. I want to play drum sounds with my fingers and use the hits as MIDI input. Around 27% of consumers prioritise finger drumming.
Step-by-step programming Check that step mode works with your chosen software, synchronisation and any external equipment. I want to switch notes on and off one step at a time rather than play a whole part live. Around 20% of consumers prioritise step programming.
Connections and software Check the port and cable, MIDI assignments and the model’s specific DAW features. I want the controller to connect to my computer and work with the software I already use. Around 20% of consumers prioritise software compatibility.

Avoiding common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a compact controller will be quiet

    The stated dimensions of the casing don’t measure the sound of the pads or vibrations travelling through the desk. Headphones won’t necessarily reduce the physical tapping noise either.

    Use the dimensions to plan your setup, then assess the physical pad hits separately, ideally in a similar workspace.

  • Assuming every 8×8 grid has the same velocity features

    Novation lists velocity sensitivity for the Launchpad X. The Launchpad Mini product page we consulted lists other features but doesn’t mention this one.

    Check the exact model if you want to finger drum dynamically.

  • Expecting the included software to be ready to use indefinitely

    Akai says you need to register to download software for the MPD218. PreSonus lists a six-month trial of Fender Studio Pro for the ATOM.

    Check which software, registration requirements and licence period apply to the specific version.

    PreSonus lists a six-month trial of Fender Studio Pro. Check what you’ll need after the trial ends to use the features you want.

Brands to compare

Korg

The nanoPAD2 is a slim USB pad controller for entering drum parts when desk space is limited.

  • Korg lists 16 velocity-sensitive pads, four velocity curves and dimensions of 325 × 83 × 16 mm.
  • Check that the dimensions, USB-mini-B connection and MIDI assignments you need suit your setup. These specifications don’t tell you how audible the pad hits will be.

Akai Professional

The MPD218 combines pads for MIDI input with rotary controls.

  • Akai lists velocity-sensitive pads, six knobs across three banks and USB power.
  • The knobs are most useful if you want to assign them in your software. Akai says you need to register to download software, so check what’s included with the version on offer.

Arturia

The BeatStep combines pads with a 16-step sequencer and connections for external equipment.

  • Arturia lists USB, MIDI and CV/Gate. In sequencer mode, the pads act as switches for individual steps.
  • These features are useful if you want to programme step by step or control external equipment. Check that the workflow suits your DAW.

Novation

The Launchpad X is a grid for velocity-sensitive playing and clip control; the Launchpad Mini is a separate, compact grid option.

  • Novation lists 64 velocity-sensitive pads for the Launchpad X. For the Launchpad Mini, Novation lists 64 RGB pads and three Custom Modes.
  • Don’t assume that two controllers with the same grid layout have the same velocity features. Also check that the DAW control you want works with your software.

PreSonus

The ATOM is a 16-pad controller with features for controlling software.

  • PreSonus lists velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, as well as integration with specific software.
  • PreSonus lists a six-month trial of Fender Studio Pro. Check the licence terms and features available for your DAW.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI controller produce drum sounds by itself?

The USB pad controllers we looked at send MIDI data to software, so also check how your drum software plays the sounds. Assess the sound played through the software and the physical pad hits separately: the specifications don’t tell you how loud the pads will be on your desk.

How do I get started programming drum patterns?

First check that your computer recognises the controller, then assign the pads to the sounds you want in your drum software. Arturia says the BeatStep pads act as switches for individual steps in SEQ mode; Native Instruments describes a dedicated Step Mode for the Maschine Mikro MK3.

What extra steps might be required for the software?

Check the registration requirements and licence terms for the specific version. Akai says you need to register to download software for the MPD218; PreSonus lists a six-month trial of Fender Studio Pro on its product page.

What warranty rights do consumers have when buying in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, you’re entitled to a product that works as it should; there’s no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands. If a product is faulty, contact the seller. A manufacturer’s warranty is in addition to your statutory rights.

Do online purchases always come with a 14-day cooling-off period?

No. According to the Dutch government, purchases made at a distance from a business often come with a 14-day cooling-off period, but there are exceptions. Check which terms apply to your purchase.