Top 10 Best Drum Pad Controller

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You can trust our selection for Drum Pad Controller Reviews. Because We have worked hard studying and analyzing 56899 reviews for Drum Pad Controller and rating them. It was a difficult job to list only ten products for Drum Pad Controller where thousands of them available online. I hope it will help you to take final decision for Best Drum Pad Controller.

Best Drum Pad Controller
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Comparison Chart for Best Drum Pad Controller

In this article we've included our suggestions for the Drum Pad Controller after analyzing 56899 reviews.

NoProductScoreAction
1AKAI Professional LPD8 - USB MIDI Controller with 8 Velocity-Sensitive Drum Pads for Laptops (Mac & PC)9.8Check Prize On Amazon
2PreSonus ATOM Production & Performance Midi Pad Controller with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite Recording Software9.4Check Prize On Amazon
3Alesis VI49 - 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with9.4Check Prize On Amazon
4Novation Launchpad X Grid Controller for Ableton Live9Check Prize On Amazon
5Novation Launchpad Ableton Live Controller with 64 RGB Backlit Pads (8x8 Grid)9Check Prize On Amazon
6AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller for FL Studio with 64 pad RGB Clip / Drum Pad Matrix8.8Check Prize On Amazon
7Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 Drum Controller8.6Check Prize On Amazon
8AKAI Professional MPD218 - USB MIDI Controller with 16 MPC Drum Pads8.2Check Prize On Amazon
9Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads and Pro Software Suite Included – Limited Edition White Finish8.2Check Prize On Amazon
10Reloop Neon USB Modular Pad Controller for Serato DJ8.2Check Prize On Amazon

Table Of Content:

1. AKAI Professional LPD8 – USB MIDI Controller with 8 Velocity-Sensitive Drum Pads for Laptops (Mac & PC)

  • 13-inch, slim-line ultra-portable pad controller with 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads for triggering samples, loops, controlling virtual instruments and more.
  • 8 MPC Q-Link knobs for seamless mapping to DAW parameters, virtual instruments and effect parameters for hands-on control and expressive performances.
  • 4 programmable memory banks provide instant recall of mappings for DAWs, virtual instruments, effects and more.
  • Lightweight, ultra-portable design stows easily in a laptop bag for production capability everywhere
  • USB-powered and plug-and-play setup for Mac and PC
  • Works with all popular applications including GarageBand, Logic, Sonar, Cubase, Ableton Live, ProTools, Reason, Fruity Loops, Digital Performer, and more.

2. PreSonus ATOM Production & Performance Midi Pad Controller with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite Recording Software

  • Tight integration with included Studio One Artist and Ableton Live (live 10 Lite included) music production software gets your mind off the screen and back on the beat.
  • Produce, play virtual instruments, and trigger samples and loops with unsurpassed expressiveness and flexibility.
  • Trigger loops and effects and play virtual instruments with 16 full-size velocity- and pressure-sensitive, RGB LED pads (and 8 assignable pad banks).
  • Comes with over $1000 of computer recording software plug-ins – Studio Magic Plug-In Suite.
  • Selectable pad velocity curves and pressure thresholds customize the pads’ response for maximum expression.
  • Equipped with 20 assignable buttons and 4 endless rotary encoders.
  • MIDI “keyboard” mode, Note Repeat mode, and Full Velocity mode (application dependent).
  • Includes MVP Loops content custom-curated for ATOM.
  • Compatible with most music production and performance software via USB.
  • Set looping points, navigate the timeline, zoom in/out on the timeline or events, and edit/quantize MIDI events.

3. Alesis VI49 – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with

  • MIDI Keyboard with 49 full-sized, square-front, semi-weighted keys with after touch.
  • Manipulate plugins and virtual instruments with hands-on controls.
  • 16 velocity-sensitive trigger pads with illuminated RGB feedback for beat production and clip launching.
  • 36 assignable buttons and 12 assignable knobs interface with your music software.
  • Production software included: Ableton Live Lite and Xpand!2 by AIR Music Tech (downloads).

4. Novation Launchpad X Grid Controller for Ableton Live

  • 64 RGB pads – Large RGB velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads give you a perfect reflection of your Ableton Live session, making it easier than ever to see your clips and play your instruments Expressively.
  • Ableton Live integration – quickly launch clips and scenes, never lose ideas with capture MIDI, and access performance controls like stop, solo, mute, record arm, volume, pan, and sends to dynamically control your music, no mouse needed.
  • Dynamic note and scale modes – enable you to effortlessly play perfectly in-key basslines, melodies, chords and leads.
  • Four custom modes – use components to customise mappings and control anything MIDI easily from Launchpad x.
  • Get started easily – use our Interactive onboarding site to get all the software you want, and step-by-step video guides to get you set up with live and making music in minutes.

5. Novation Launchpad Ableton Live Controller with 64 RGB Backlit Pads (8×8 Grid)

  • Launchpad integrates with Ableton Live, after a quick and easy setup, giving you the ability to create and perform your own music.
  • 64 RGB pads light up to match the color of your clips in Live; see at a glance what’s loaded, playing, and recording.
  • Bright, colorful pads make the unit stand out just from USB power – when you’re on stage or creating an exciting Launchpad light show video for YouTube.
  • Use the grid to play drums and samples with pads pre-mapped to Ableton Lives drum rack; start and stop loops, arm tracks, and control volumes, pans and sends.
  • Launchpad Arcade is an interactive demo that you can use with or without your Launchpad for immediate playability, right out of the box.

6. AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) – USB MIDI Controller for FL Studio with 64 pad RGB Clip / Drum Pad Matrix

  • FL Studio Music Production Essential- Dedicated USB MIDI hardware controller for the FL Studio DAW platform with seamless plug-and-play connectivity.
  • Workflow Revolution – 64 velocity-sensitive RGB Pads for creation of patterns in the step sequencer and recording notes / synth parts on a pad-based MIDI keyboard controller in Performance mode.
  • Beat Production Simplified – Transform Fire into a beat maker essential with a MPC Style 16-pad layout in Drum Mode.
  • Maximum Tweak-Ability – 4 banks of assignable Touch-Capacitive MIDI knobs / encoders for controlling Mixer, Channel and custom User-Assignable mappings.
  • Improved Navigation – Instantly navigate the Channel Rack, Browser, Tool Bar and Playlist windows; dedicated controls to browse audio and project files with clear feedback from the OLED display.

7. Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 Drum Controller

  • Integrated hardware/software system includes sampler, arranger, mixer, FX, and more
  • Includes 25 GB KOMPLETE 11 SELECT library featuring 25 pro-quality studio and creative FX
  • Pro-grade, 96 kHz / 24-bit audio interface with 2 x 1/4” TRS line outputs, 2 x 1/4” TRS line inputs, 1/4” dynamic mic input, stereo headphone output, 1 x MIDI In, 1 x MIDI out; 1 x Footswitch.
  • Touch sensitive knobs for parameter tweaking.
  • Smart Strip for strumming notes, pitch bending sounds, performing with FX, and more.

8. AKAI Professional MPD218 – USB MIDI Controller with 16 MPC Drum Pads

  • Beat Production, Anywhere – Ultra-Portable, Feature-Packed And Usb Powered Pad Controller With 16 Thick Fat Mpc Pads For Triggering Drums, Melodic Samples, Effects And More.
  • Expandable Banks – Easily Accessible Dedicated Controls For Three Pad Banks Provides A Total Of 48 Assignable Pads.
  • Assignable Control – 18 Fully Assignable 360-Degree Potentiometers Accessible Via Three Banks For Controlling Daw, Virtual Effect And Virtual Instrument Parameters.
  • Feature Packed – Mpc Note Repeat And Full Level Controls For Immersive Expressive Performances

9. Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads and Pro Software Suite Included – Limited Edition White Finish

  • Total Control Wherever You Go – USB MIDI keyboard controller with 25 velocity-sensitive keys and octave up / down buttons to access the full melodic range – perfect virtual synthesizer control.
  • Express Yourself – Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation MIDI control, plus a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes.
  • Plug & Play – No drivers required, USB powered and ultra-portable design lets you create anywhere
  • Beat Maker Essentials – 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC drum pads with note repeat & full level for programming drums, triggering samples and controlling virtual instrument / DAW controls.
  • Take Command of Your DAW – 8 fully-assignable Q-Link knobs for mixing, tweaking plug-ins and more
  • The MPC Production Experience – Includes MPC Beats Software compete with the finest features and essential production tools from the AKAI Professional MPC Series.
  • 1400 Sounds and Everything You Need For Pro Production – Production software package for Mac and PC included: AKAI Pro MPC Beats, SONiVOX Wobble, and Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech (downloads).

10. Reloop Neon USB Modular Pad Controller for Serato DJ

  • Powerful pad controller for Serato DJ that will elevate your performance to a whole new level
  • The most extensive Serato SP6 sample controller on the market
  • 8 power modes can be accessed by up to 4 decks with only one Neon
  • Flip mode allows you to record and play back on the fly
  • Connect two Neon controllers via smart link function

How To Choose The Best Drum Pad Controller

Does the thought of finding a great Drum Pad Controller stress you out? Has your mind been juggling between choices when it comes to buying Drum Pad Controller in general, specifically regarding which model to choose?
If that’s the case, know that you’re not alone. Many people find it tough to buy the perfect Drum Pad Controller for themselves. We understand the stress associated with the buying process!

Since you’re here, you are obviously curious about Drum Pad Controller. You’ve been bombarded with information, so you need to find a reputable source with credible options before you make any decisions on which product would be best for your needs.

There are many sources that’ll provide you with that information- buying guides or ratings websites, word-of-mouth testimonials from friends or family members, online forums where users share their personal experiences, product reviews specifically found all over the internet and YouTube channels. Only thorough research will ensure that you get the right product.

But that’s not always easy, right? That's why we've taken time to compile a list of the best Drum Pad Controller in today's market, on your behalf, so that there will be no more worries for you.

How did we come up with the list, you ask? How did we create this buying guide?

  • First, our algorithms collected as much information available about these products from trusted sources.
  • We employed both Artificial Intelligence and large data volume to validate all collected information.
  • Then our AI ranked them on their quality-to-price ratio using industry-standard criteria that let us pick the best Drum Pad Controller currently on the market!
The products aren’t chosen randomly. We consider several criteria before assembling a list. Some of the criteria are discussed below-

  1. Brand Value: What happens when you go for a not-so-reputable brand just because the price seems cheap? Well, the chance of getting a short-lasting product goes higher. That’s because the renowned brands have a reputation to maintain, others don’t.


Top Drum Pad Controller brands try to offer some unique features that make them stand out in the crowd. Thus hopefully, you’ll find one ideal product or another in our list.

  1. Features: You don’t need heaps of features, but useful ones. We look at the features that matter and choose the top Drum Pad Controller based on that.
  2. Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products of higher specifications, but with the right balance.
  3. Customer Ratings: The hundreds of customers using the Drum Pad Controller before you won’t say wrong, would they? Better ratings mean better service experienced by a good number of people.
  4. Customer Reviews: Like ratings, customer reviews give you actual and trustworthy information, coming from real-world consumers about the Drum Pad Controller they used.
  5. Seller Rank: Now, this is interesting! You don’t just need a good Drum Pad Controller, you need a product that is trendy and growing in sales. It serves two objectives. Firstly, the growing number of users indicates the product is good. Secondly, the manufacturers will hopefully provide better quality and after-sales service because of that growing number.
  6. Value For The Money: They say you get what you pay for. Cheap isn’t always good. But that doesn’t mean splashing tons of money on a flashy but underserving product is good either. We try to measure how much value for the money you can get from your Drum Pad Controller before putting them on the list.
  7. Durability: Durability and reliability go hand to hand. A robust and durable Drum Pad Controller will serve you for months and years to come.
  8. Availability: Products come and go, new products take the place of the old ones. Probably some new features were added, some necessary modifications were done. What’s the point of using a supposedly good Drum Pad Controller if that’s no longer continued by the manufacturer? We try to feature products that are up-to-date and sold by at least one reliable seller, if not several.
  9. Negative Ratings: Yes, we take that into consideration too! When we pick the top rated Drum Pad Controller on the market, the products that got mostly negative ratings get filtered and discarded.
These are the criteria we have chosen our Drum Pad Controller on. Does our process stop there? Heck, no! The most important thing that you should know about us is, we're always updating our website to provide timely and relevant information.

Since reader satisfaction is our utmost priority, we have a final layer of filtration. And that is you, the reader! If you find any Drum Pad Controller featured here Incorrect, irrelevant, not up to the mark, or simply outdated, please let us know. Your feedback is always welcome and we’ll try to promptly correct our list as per your reasonable suggestion.

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