Who is this for?

Beatmaker who works in a DAW

You want to control patterns from the music software you already use. So check that the controller’s specific features suit your DAW and the way you want to work.

Finger drummer

You’d rather play rhythms with your fingers than click in individual steps. Look for velocity sensitivity and check how your drum software handles incoming notes and velocity values.

Step-by-step pattern builder

You’d rather build up notes one step at a time. Compare a controller with its own sequencer with a grid that lets you control your DAW’s sequencer.

What should you look for?

Velocity-sensitive drum pads

Choose this if: you want to play kick, snare and hi-hat parts with your fingers. Akai Professional and Korg each describe their MPD218 and nanoPAD2 as having 16 velocity-sensitive pads.

The trade-off: a pad controller isn’t the same as a step sequencer tailored to your DAW; also check the MIDI mapping in your drum software.

Step sequencer or FL Studio grid

Choose this if: you prefer to enter patterns one step at a time. Arturia describes the BeatStep as having a 16-step sequencer; Novation describes the FLpad as a tool for editing patterns in FL Studio’s Channel Rack.

The trade-off: the FLpad is designed for FL Studio. The BeatStep also has connections for external MIDI or CV equipment; check which features suit your software and setup.

Grid for drums and clips

Choose this if: you want to control clips or scenes as well as drum notes. Novation describes workflows for the Launchpad X with Ableton Live and Live Loops in Logic Pro.

The trade-off: a grid with 64 velocity-sensitive pads isn’t necessarily what you need if you only want to make drum patterns; check that the software features suit your DAW.

What to consider What should you check? Who should pay particular attention?
DAW controls Check your DAW, its version and the control mode you want. Novation describes the Launchpad X as supporting certain features in Ableton Live and Logic Pro, and the FLpad as working with the FL Studio Channel Rack. If my DAW is already part of the way I work, I don’t want to change it to suit the controller. About 31% of consumers prioritise controls in the DAW they already use.
Velocity sensitivity Check the specifications for the exact model and test how your own drum software handles differences in velocity. Akai Professional lists 16 velocity-sensitive pads for the MPD218; Korg lists 16 pads and four velocity curves for the nanoPAD2. If I play rhythms with my fingers, I want my software to make use of variations in how hard I hit the pads. About 31% of consumers prioritise finger drumming.
Entering patterns step by step Check whether you edit steps on the controller itself or in your DAW, and how the pattern gets into your project. Arturia describes the BeatStep as having a 16-step sequencer; Novation describes the FLpad as offering step and pattern controls in FL Studio. If I prefer to build up notes one at a time, I look for controls that suit the way I work. About 23% of consumers prioritise step-by-step input.
Size and operating noise Compare the dimensions and connections with your desk and computer. Korg lists the nanoPAD2 as measuring 325 × 83 × 16 mm and having a USB mini-B connection; assess the mechanical clicking noise separately in your own setup. If my desk space is limited or quiet is important, I want to know in advance whether the controller will fit and what it sounds like to use. About 15% of consumers prioritise how well it fits their workspace.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming that a grid with more pads is automatically better for finger drumming

    Models in the same product range can differ in velocity sensitivity. A larger grid doesn’t, by itself, tell you how the pads respond.

    Check the full model name and its velocity sensitivity, and make sure the input method suits the way you want to play.

  • Assuming a DAW-specific workflow offers universal MIDI control

    The FLpad’s pattern controls are designed for FL Studio; the Launchpad X’s clip features, as described, are tied to specific DAW workflows.

    Before buying, check that the features you want to use work with your DAW and its version.

  • Confusing a MIDI controller with a standalone drum machine or quiet controls

    The controllers described here are control devices, not standalone sound sources. And velocity sensitivity doesn’t tell you how loud the physical clicking is.

    Check how your computer or other equipment plays the drum sounds, and assess the clicking noise from the pads or buttons at your own workstation.

Brands to compare

Akai Professional

The MPD218 is a USB MIDI pad controller for playing rhythms.

  • Akai Professional says the MPD218 has velocity-sensitive pads and is powered via USB.
  • The specifications don’t tell you how noisy the physical controls are. Check the MIDI mapping in your own software.

Korg

The nanoPAD2 combines 16 drum pads with a low-profile design for a desktop setup.

  • Korg says the nanoPAD2 has velocity-sensitive pads, four velocity curves and measures 325 × 83 × 16 mm.
  • Check that the USB mini-B connection and stated width suit your computer and workspace.

Arturia

The BeatStep combines pads with a step sequencer and connections for MIDI and CV equipment.

  • Arturia describes 16 velocity-sensitive pads, 16 rotary controls and sequencer features.
  • Check separately that the features suit your software or external equipment.

Novation

The Launchpad X is a grid for drums and clip control; the FLpad is designed for the FL Studio Channel Rack.

  • Novation says the Launchpad X has velocity-sensitive pads. The full-size FLpad does too.
  • The FLpad Mini has pads with a fixed velocity. So check the exact model and the software workflow it supports.

Products at Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hear drum sounds through headphones with just a MIDI controller?

No, the controllers described here aren’t standalone sound sources. You’ll need a receiving instrument or suitable software, plus an audio output for your headphones. Check how your computer or other equipment produces the sound.

What should I check when connecting and setting it up?

Check that the controller’s connection is compatible with your computer, then set up MIDI input and drum mapping in your DAW. Akai Professional says the MPD218 is powered via USB and is class-compliant; also check that the mapping you want works in your DAW.

How can I tell if the pads are suitable for quiet use?

In your own setup, assess both the audible clicking noise from the physical controls and the sound playback. Velocity sensitivity describes a MIDI feature, not the mechanical noise level of the pads, so compare the clicking noise with your requirements for a quiet workspace.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, distance purchases often come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although applicable exceptions may apply. You’re also entitled to a product that meets legal standards. If a product is faulty, the seller is your point of contact for the legal guarantee; the Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period.