MESSE09: MPC Pad Feel, Anywhere

US Akai announce the MPD18 MIDI-over-USB pad controller 01/04/09

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Akai have announced the MPD18 pad controller. Here's what they have to say about it...
The MPD18 is the most portable, easy-to-fit MPD for your setup. This MIDI-over-USB pad controller for DJs, programmers, producers, and other musicians. Built around the pads and controls from Akai Professional's industry-standard MPC series, the MPD18 is an expressive and intuitive instrument for the studio and stage.
The heart of the MPD18 is its bank of 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads, an Akai Pro exclusive. You can access three different banks of sounds from the MPC pads for a total of 48 sounds at your fingertips. The MPD18 also borrows the MPC series' assignable Q-Link controllers, enabling you to control nearly any parameters in your software in real time. You get an assignable Q-Link fader and an assignable Q-Link button so you'll have natural, hands-on control of your most-used parameters.
The MPD18 sends MIDI information over its plug-and-play USB interface so you can use it with your Mac or PC without installing any drivers. The USB connection even powers the MPD18 so the included USB cable is all you need for portable production. The MPD18 can control nearly any MIDI software, as well as MIDI hardware, such as synths, sound modules, samplers, sequencers, drum machines, and more.
The MPD18 gives you the control feel of the MPC in a super-portable instrument with a compact footprint that's easy to fit in any setup.
Key Features

MIDI controller for production and performance
MPC pads: bank of 16, velocity and pressure-sensitive
Three selectable pad banks for a total of 48 sounds accessible from the pads
Two Q-Link assignable controllers: fader and button
MIDI-over-USB or MIDI operation
MPC 16-Level and Full Level
USB powered or powered via optional AC adapter
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