Akai MPX8 looks like other compact midi controllers that now populate the market but it is not, at least not only!
It is a portable 8-pad sample player / midi controller with pre-installed sounds and the ability to use external samples via an SD card (not included).
The dimensions are very small and easily transportable in a notebook bag. It doesn't need a computer to work.
Supply
It can be powered via the included power supply or via a USB port. It does not support batteries or similar.
The sounds
21 internal sounds and virtually Unlimited on SD card
The system is pre-loaded with 21 programmable and pad assignable samples. Through the SD card it is possible to load an unlimited number of other sounds that can be grouped in Kits of 8 with customized parameters and can be quickly recalled through the data wheel.
A fairly extensive loop library and drum / percussion library are available for free online.
Sounds must be in 16bit wav format (48khz, 44khz, 32khz, 22khz or 11khz).
The maximum supported SD card is 32gb.
THE PADS
8 pad
MPX8 has 8 programmable pads. They are dynamic, with good pressure sensitivity. They are bright with 3 colors: orange, red, green respectively equivalent to idle / rest, selected, pressed / active states. If no samples are loaded the pad light is off.
Any sound inside or outside the sampler can be assigned to the pads.
Controls assignable to pads
Once the internal or SD instruments have been assigned to the pads (or possibly no instrument), the following values can be set:
- TUNE: is a sound transposer, from -4 to +4
- REV: is a reverb effect
- TRIG: defines the operation of the pad. It can be set as:
- 1SH, sample and hold, the classic piano key with instant release
- HLD, hold, if held down, it restarts the sample when it ends
- LP, loop, a sort of continuous and automatic play until the button is pressed again
- LEV: is the maximum volume level for the sound stored on the key
- PAN: is the panning of the sound, from L4 to R4
- MID: is the midi instrument assigned to the 0-127 key if it is used as a controller
MIDI
1 midi out - 1 midi in
There are both a midi input and a midi output via included adapters that allow you to send the signals of the pads to any peripheral. Using the usb cable, it is possible to use MPX8 as a virtual midi on pc / mac and to drive virtual instruments.
Each pad can be assigned to a midi note number from 0 to 127. You cannot send other values via midi except the note and the velocity generated by the pressure.
Midi in only works on channel 10.
AUDIO OUTPUTS
- Main out L and R via 2 1/4 mono jacks
- headphone output via 1/8 stereo jack
The software
A free editor software is available online for the creation of sound kits and settings.
Other technical features
- power button on / off
- SD card reader
- general volume control
- hook for Kensinton anti-theft system
What is
- in studio or live is an 8 pad MIDI controller
- even long loops can be loaded on the pads, so it can be used as a sort of sequencer / player
- it can be transformed into a convenient portable electronic drum, loop player
Pro
- the system is compact, light and portable
- very simple to use
- it doesn't take drivers when used with a computer
- low price
Cons
- Limited number of pads
- little versatility in sending midi commands when used as a controller
- memory limited to 30mb for samples loaded on pads with single sample size rounded to the next higher unit (2,1mb is considered 3mb)
Operating System
- Win / Osx
Price
- 100,00 €
