Choose velocity-sensitive pads if you want to play drum hits with your fingers and capture how hard you strike them. Choose a DAW grid or step sequencer if you mainly want to edit steps and patterns. Check that the controls work with your music software and that the controller will fit on your desk. A MIDI controller sends MIDI to software, but it isn’t a complete listening setup on its own: you’ll also need a software instrument and an audio output. In a shared room, you can listen through headphones, although the tapping of physical pads will still be audible.
You want to play drum hits with your fingers and capture differences in how hard you strike the pads. Akai Professional describes the MPD218 as a USB controller with velocity-sensitive pads; compare how the pads on each model suit your playing style.
You prefer to build patterns one step at a time and want controls that work with the DAW you already use. Novation describes direct Channel Rack control for FLpad Mini; Arturia lists a built-in 16-step sequencer for BeatStep.
You’re looking for a USB controller that will fit alongside your laptop and want to know how to set up the software and listening equipment. Korg specifies dimensions of 325 × 83 × 16 mm for the nanoPAD2; measure the free space on your desk before choosing a model.
Choose this approach: if you want to play kick, snare and hi-hat parts live, and variations in how hard you strike the pads are part of your pattern. Korg lists 16 velocity-sensitive pads for the nanoPAD2; Akai Professional describes the MPD218 as a pad-focused USB controller with rotary knobs.
Bear in mind: pads don’t automatically offer the direct step control of a grid designed for a specific DAW.
Choose this approach: if you want to create patterns directly in the software you already use. Novation describes Channel Rack control for FLpad Mini and Session and drum modes for Launchpad Mini [MK3] in Ableton Live.
Bear in mind: these controls are designed for the software mentioned; Novation also states that FLpad Mini’s mini-pads have a fixed velocity.
Choose this approach: if you want to create steps on the controller and control MIDI or CV/Gate equipment as well. Arturia describes BeatStep as having a 16-step sequencer alongside 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads.
Bear in mind: the extra connections are mainly useful if you’ll use them in your own setup; also check which sequencer features your DAW already offers.
For consumers who want to make drum patterns in a student room, the choice mainly depends on how you want to enter them, which software you use, how much desk space you have and your listening setup.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Which consumers should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamics when playing | Check whether the pads on the exact version are velocity-sensitive and whether you can assign them to the drum sounds you want in your software. | If I want to play drum hits with my fingers, I want softer and harder strikes to sound different. Consumers whose main priority is playing dynamically make up around 31%. |
| Building patterns in your DAW | Make a note of which DAW you use and check the features of the exact controller model; a MIDI connection alone doesn’t tell you what direct controls are available. | If I mainly build patterns in the DAW I already use, I want to be able to enter steps using controls that suit it. Consumers who prioritise direct step control in their DAW make up around 25%. |
| Space, connection and listening | Measure the free space on your desk, check which USB connection you need and consider how you’ll listen through your computer and headphones. Bear in mind that physical pads make an audible tapping sound. | With little space beside my laptop, I want to know whether the controller will fit and how I can listen to my pattern. Consumers who prioritise a compact setup make up around 25%. |
| Software included with the controller | Check which software you already have, which edition is included, how long any licence lasts and which terms apply. | If I still need suitable music software, I look at the combination of controller and software I can use. Consumers who consider the overall cost of getting started first make up around 19%. |
Novation describes the FLpad Mini pads as having a fixed velocity. This is a different type of input from velocity-sensitive pads, such as those specified by Korg for the nanoPAD2.
First decide whether you want to play hits dynamically or mainly switch steps on and off; then compare the exact models.
Novation lists six months of FL Studio Producer Edition with FLpad Mini and Ableton Live Lite with Launchpad Mini [MK3]. The bundles are therefore different.
Before buying, check which edition is included, how long the licence lasts and which software you already own.
Arturia describes BeatStep as having MIDI and CV/Gate connections as well as USB. These won’t automatically add anything to a setup that uses only a laptop.
Choose these features only if you actually want to use the built-in sequencer or external equipment.
The MPD218 is designed for USB pad control; according to Akai Professional, the Akai Fire is designed for step-by-step control in FL Studio.
The nanoPAD2 is a slim pad controller for a laptop setup.
Launchpad Mini [MK3] is designed in part for Ableton Live, while FLpad Mini is designed for controlling patterns in FL Studio.
BeatStep combines pad control with a built-in step sequencer and connections for other equipment.
Yes. Set up a software instrument or drum sounds in your DAW, then choose the audio output on your computer or in your other listening setup. Ableton explains that you need to set up the MIDI input, monitoring and track for a software instrument. Headphones let you listen without playing sound through speakers, but you’ll still hear the physical tapping of the pads.
Not necessarily: general MIDI input and direct DAW control are two different things. Novation describes direct Channel Rack features in FL Studio for FLpad Mini, and controls designed for Ableton Live for Launchpad Mini [MK3]. Check the manual for the exact model and your software.
According to Novation, FLpad Mini comes with six months of FL Studio Producer Edition; Ableton Live Lite is listed with Launchpad Mini [MK3]. Check which edition and licence terms apply to the specific product you’re ordering.
According to the Dutch government, when you buy as a consumer you’re entitled to a product that works properly; 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.
According to the Dutch government, in many cases you have a 14-day cooling-off period when you buy online from a business. Purchases from a private individual aren’t covered by the same distance-selling rules. Check the terms that apply to your specific order.
