Akai MPD218 Drum Pad Controller

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This USB device is a MIDI drum pad controller featuring 16 pressure-sensitive pads and six analog control knobs. It can be a useful tool for controlling semi-autonomous robot performances.

We have several available in IDeATe lending. The course software also includes the GUI utility virtual-mpd218.py which emulates the controller, useful for testing performance code without the physical controller.

More information can be found at https://www.akaipro.com/mpd218

Configuration

  1. We normally use MPD218 in Program 8 mode (PolyPads): when holding down the Prog Select button, PAD8 should light up. If not, holding Prog Select and tapping PAD8 will set this mode.

  2. The pads and controls can independently be switched between three different channel ranges. The sample code usually assumes both banks are set to the A range. Please confirm both red LEDS labeled A lit. The adjacent CTRL BANK and PAD BANK buttons will cycle through the A/B/C states for each LED.

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