►► Learn all the basics of Finger Drumming for FREE on → questforgroove.com My gear recommendations blog post that I keep up to date:→ questforgroove.com/gear-recommendations/ Timelinks: 0:00 Intro 1:05 Maschine mikro mk3 4:31 Nektar Aura 5:26 Launchpad pro mk3 (when to buy an 8x8) 7:27 Launchpad X (and the problem of varying quality between devices) 11:42 Presonus Atom (Start of the budget options section) 13:34 MPD218 (A complex story but maybe worth a try) 17:40 Novation Launchkey mini mk3 (An all in one) 18:45 Even cheaper devices (that I did not test again) 19:25 Second hand options 20:26 New technologies (Sensel Morph, Linnstrument, iPad drumming) 23:13 Expensive stuff (Maschine mk3, Maschine +, MPC Live) 25:29 Conclusion
FYI on the Launchkey Mini MK3: Though I would prefer a 4x4 setup I decided to go with this for now. I don’t necessarily use the pads for finger drumming the way you do exactly (though there are some similarities). I’m also a drummer and needed something to add drums to my compositions that may or may not get replaced with live kit playing, rather than finger drumming as an instrument in itself- if that makes sense. Anyway, it’s very friendly with Logic, and a breeze to use - but the one added plus that is under the radar with this is that the keybed can be used in conjunction with the assignable pads if you chose the bank for the notes using bass drums, snares, toms and cymbals. This introduces more options and a different playing technique using the pads and keys together. It works surprisingly well! That little thing is great work horse - I can even use the pitch and modulation strips in conjunction with my electric midi Yamaha piano that doesn’t have either of those option with zero setup.
Hey Rob, I found your channel a few weeks ago and man I gotta tell you, it's one of the most informative channel on the topic I've found so far. Right now I'm waiting for my Presonus Atom to arrive and when I get my hands on it (literally), I'm gonna start with your tutorials immediately! I'm definitely going to subscribe on your page for deep dive lessons in the future! Thanks for making quality videos for the community! Keep up the good work, man!
Hey Szabolcs, thank you so much for this, it really means a lot! Finger drumming the way I like to do it (with 'real' drums) is a very small niche and it's comments like these that keep me going! Thanks!
yo thank you for posting man, your videos have been a light in the dark for me on this topic - i was sceptical but your content has been helpful - keep doing your thing man
I bought a Launchpad X based on your (previous) recommendation and it has worked fine for me. Just giving you more data! I understand the quality is spotty. I just got lucky!
Thanks for sharing! Good to get some positive feedback for the Launchpad X. I honestly think Novation is rocking the pad controller space right now and they might actually have improved their LP X units after a short time of churning out a couple of lesser ones. Or they simply fixed most issues with a firmware update. I sure hope so.
It's been awhile since you posted this video. I've been subscribed to QFG for a few months after purchasing my M+ and I have to say I like your "If you have a reason" mentality. The M+ is not only offering a solution for not having a drummer at my beck and call 24/7 but it's replacing my live looping rig as well. It's not quite the same as controlling VST but I must admit my drumkit samples that I made for standalone mode work surprisingly well. Now I'm thinking about adding a launchpad pro for additional pads to send midi messages to my M+ to trigger more samples, or create more choke groups for muting simples.. doubling up on my toms for easier fills. That sounds like it'd be off the chain.
I got me a Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3 this year and it boosted my creativity and workflow. Then I found a Maschine Mk2 for a decent price (with software) and notice the pads are great for drums. So using these two in tandem seems like a golden combo for me as I also often play chords and melodies. Thank you for comparing the options.
And of course the Ableton Push 2 for the Ableton users out there :) Although, like you said about the Maschine, only get a Push if you're going to be using the screen and take advantage of the great integration with Ableton. The thing I've loved the most about it is the seamless workflow, the great pads are just a bonus for me.
I've owned a few controllers and the Push2 has by far the best pads I've ever played on. They are small, but you get used to it pretty quickly. It beats any MPC I've ever used.
What's the latency like? I owned a push 2 and it was too slow, though in retrospect it was probably my laptop. I have a new pc setup so thinking I may find one second hand and give it another try.
Really helpful and useful video for those of us who don't want to order everything and try it out ourselves. You really helped me make a choice of what to try first! Thank you so much!
I am getting a maschine mikro mk 3. My device got to me and was damaged. I bought it with delivery from another city. When I got the controller, I had limited time to test it. There were ghost trigger buttons on it! I found out about it only after 2 hours, testing the pads. I could not return the device because I bought it not in the official store, but on the secondary market. I disassembled my device and cleaned the touchpad. After that, the false positives disappeared, but one panel began to stick. I disassembled the device, cleaned the panel again. After that, the false positives and sticking disappeared. But when I disassembled the device for the second time, I accidentally tore the wire from the screen. :D Now the screen is not working. But the pads are working fine now. My best drumming experience was with the Launchpad X controller. But I also like the car. I think they're about on the same level. But I didn't have such problems with the launchpad x, it worked fine.
I had an MPD218, had some weird triggering with two pads on MPC Beats, exchanged it for a new one, discovered the settings had two pads set to the same note for some reason, reset all the pads on all three banks in the editor (that akai hides for some stupid reason), then do a new mapping for MPC Beats because the the factory settings suck. Once I did that, the 218 runs like a champ, now.
Great video man. The long story is appreciated, and interesting. I bought a Launchpad X based on your recommendation about a year ago and it has served and continues to serve me well. After seeing this video today, guess I'll thank the tech gods for granting me a good device. :) Again, thanks for the vids.
Haha, you're like the fifth person saying that today. My guess is the launchpad X is a pretty solid device most of the time and my "ballpark" estimate was a little on the negative side. It still got a bronze medal though! :-)
A very nice video, I really like your expertise and insight into the different controllers. I bought a Launchpad X which I love. I feel like it isn't the most sensitive out there, but I can play expressive drums, and have a lot of fun with it. What I like about it is that I can use it to play basslines with a guitar-ish layout.
Great to hear! the Launchpad X is getting a lot of love here. Goes to show that maybe I heard mostly from the complainers until I adressed it and now things get balanced out because the folks with positive experiences speak up :-)
Thank you so much for this video! I have had an Akai MPD218 for over well a year and have barely touched it because I hate the way it feels/responds. I must have read ALL the wrong articles and reviews because I was under the impression that it was a very good unit so I bought one. It good to see that I am far from being alone being displeased. (I'm really just happy that I'm not totally crazy!) I have programmed a lot of drums parts over the years but it's been a while. I was looking for a new unit as a re-entry to programming drums for my newer songs. I was so turned off by the Akai that I never got anything done in all this time. I'm looking forward to the Maschine MKIII and getting down to making some music again!
Great to read this Larry! It's frustrating to me how in most cases pad response gets overlooked by reviewers. That's the reason I started making these gear videos even though I'm not a huge gear head myself :-)
Thanks for your review! I have both a launchpad pro mk3 and a LaunchPadX (that just got replaced). After only 3 months the LaunchpadX became much less sensitive, and Novation support said the pro and the x should have the same sensitivity. So I got a new one. My new LaunchpadX is not as sensitive as my pro mk3 but it's still very good. I hope that it will not break after 3 months... Anyway the lp pro mk3 is awesome!
Great detailed info. I’ve got Maschine MK3 and the pads are awesome. The mikro looks like it’s a great value buy. Appreciate the dedication to reviewing pads from a finger drumming perspective 👍.
Loving my lpp mk3 but I'm not really a finger drummer, I use the sequencer a hell of a lot but also use the custom modes to control my gt1000 and other midi devices and it is fantastic. However it may be overkill if you just want to drum and the bottom row might get in the way.
You can now buy the standalone maschine software for 60 bucks! Wont come with the 1.6 gb of sounds that come with a new one but you will be able to get the software. Something I wish was available years ago.
btw, Novation Circuit Tracks has the same pads as Launchpad Pro Mk3. i hope they'll increase sample slots number in next firmware updates (they massively increased total sample time already), and this would make Circuit Tracks an excellent 100% standalone finger drumming solution.
The pad part of these devices deserves to be treated as an instrument in its own right by manufacturers. Maybe if Rob's finger drumming style catches on with a big enough audience we can ask the manufacturers to give us the instrument we really want and need.
@@MusicTechPrototypes Awesome. Nice prototype! Interesting damped pad arrangement there. How are you detecting the hits? I was trying this with piezos :)
@@scribblygumsartist Thank you Stuart! I am currently practicing playing and improvising on it, and I will be uploading some less technical and more musical videos. According to the interest it gains I will decide whether to share the details of the design or manufacture it and sell it. I hope you forgive me for not currently answering your question!
to speak about 4x4 controllers - i really like IK Multimedia iRig Pads. works very well at medium/high pad sensitivity settings (but still not that sensitive as my all times favorite - Korg PadKontrol)
I use launch pad. I do a mirrored left right map And play it diagonally I like having lots of articulations for snare and have some hits on multiple pads next to each other, to make 32nds,and up,easier. I also use an mpd218 and 226, in tandem right/left for electronic beats. My mpd218 is really old and has no issues. The 226 is a little stiff Which is why I don’t use it with my acoustic samples.
Lots of useful/interesting stuff, thanks for putting this together! Funny that I seem to be the only finger drummer swearing by the old Launchpad Pro (I've got two of them, both have consistently great pad sensitivity and velocity response, I prefer them to my Maschine Mikro Mk3). =)
Interesting. I have a Launchpad pro mk2 and it's pretty good, but both my Maschine mikro mk3 units blow it away in terms of pad responsiveness. Might be again an issue where different units of the same type respond differently. That said, the Launchpad pro mk3 is definitely on par with the maschine units.
@@TheQuestforGroove I've just re-tested my Maschine Mikro Mk3 against my (second) Launchpad Pro. I haven't touched my Maschine for a while, so I first updated its firmware. I used a technique I've been practicing a lot lately: "rolling" on one pad by hitting it with different fingers of the same hand multiple times. Despite the larger pads I found it much more difficult to do this consistently on the Maschine. Even at pad sensitivity set to the maximum, it just didn't trigger all of the softer hits while the Launchpad did. Another Maschine issue I keep running into is that when I hit two pads at the same time, sometimes other pads are also triggered. This can be eliminated by reducing sensitivity, but then the whole thing isn't that suitable for expressive finger drumming. I've seen similar things on the Launchpad X and the Push 2, but never on my Launchpad Pros. Sorry about the long reply, I thought you should know about my (apparently rather unique) data point. It's possible that I was very lucky with both my Launchpad Pros and unlucky with my Maschine, it's just surprising. I've yet to try the Launchpad Pro Mk3, although I wasn't a fan of the Launchpad X and I was told the Pro Mk3 has the exact same sensor and pads, just different firmware. Thank you for your reply and keep up the great work!
Great news! I bought the maschine mikro mk3. It's everything you emphasized in the video and more. Your video was convincing enough for me NOT to buy the newer and less expensive Atom SQ from Presonus, even though I have Studio One 5, and a Faderport 16. I am completely confident in this purchase, and now my abilities to produce wonderful music for world to enjoy, for generations to come!! Thank you.
haha, thanks! A secret not known by many is that it's cut out of a random jam that I posted a couple of months after I launched the channel: ua-cam.com/video/Ljznb_8sQaI/v-deo.html
I watched this video and bought Nektar Aura!. If I had bought Nektar Aura before watching this video, I would have thought Nektar Aura was a bad device maybe. so, Because the default pad sensitivity was not very good. Yes, I adjusted the pad sensitivity and it became a very good device. Thank you!
Haven't played it but I guess the same advice applies. Y=If you know what you're gonna use the 64 pads for and if you know your purpose for the standalone functionality go for it :-) Otherwise it's too much money for a midi controller to just play some drums with.
@@TheQuestforGroove Thanks for replying to my comments. I ordered one. I don't make content, but I'll comment back what I think. I bought an Akai MPK mini mk3 and returned it after a couple days. The pads were very hard and inconsistent to trigger. I did see the modification videos but did not want to modify a brand new piece of gear.
So glad I watched this video, thank you. I've been wanting to get more involved in my drumming than clicking in midi notes, but when I tried finger drumming with my Alesis v25, it was just awful. Pads won't respond, kinda glitch, seem to stay triggered (as in, I couldn't drum fast bc it would stay stuck on the previous note being triggered) and was overall frustrated. But now that desire to drum again has come back, and getting into a real e-drum is not really feasible at the moment. I'm becoming hopeful that with a proper device, I can have a fun experience with finger drumming.
There are the new stand-alone finger-drumming instruments Yamaha FGDP-50 and FGDP-30. It would be really helpful to get your opinion about pads quality on these two devices.
Yeah I ordered them and they'll be coming in this week. So as soon as I tested them out I will publish my findings. I'll keep people up to date on the QFG messageboard as well in this topic: questforgroove.discourse.group/t/yamaha-fgdp-50-and-fgdp-30/1135/9
Well I have an FGPD 30 and an older launchpad mini, plus a newer mini mk3, and a launch control so. Also a few flakey 37+49 with the 16 pads. Right now looking into getting a 61 key but thinking of launchkey this time but the 49 key is enough for now. Having an extra octave would be good, also found some midi plugins and one of then can be used for splitting any midi keyboard (not sure if they work for launchpads, probably.) being able to have one instrument on the bass keys and another on the treble is handy. They work with most iPad auv3 apps like AUM. It’s called midi tools suite as I remember and started configuring AUM to map the launchpads and all with them. It has to be possible.
@@cyb I came to prefer FGDP rather the others because it has an internal sound card and I can use the head phone jack plug as stereo sound source after mapping as many other play heads in AUM to go out from it directly. And yes absolutely it is great sensitivity-wise. Alongside the internal drum sets and all it is the best in my opinion especially when used as a source of feed with a looper pedal.
@KandMe1 thanks with that im now down with the fgdp30 or 50. Im also thinking of using it with ipad similar to how you explained it. Any idea if theres any benefits to getting 50 vs the 30?
@@cyb the 30 does it for me because it forces me to invent a drum and bass live in one pass then play overtop of it in real time using boss rc-1 looper pedal. Forces me to simplify everything. The 50 has 99 memory slots, that would be great but the FGPD30 has no memories so this way have to create something on the spot and extend myself. Same with the looper pedal it has no memory banks to use so have to delete the loop and go onto the next song. It’s much cheaper this way and also forces me to just do it. Probably the more expensive way would not make so much progress or increase skill level so fast. The FGPD50 and RC600 would be cool but this forces creativity.
I upgraded from an MPK Mini Mk3 to a Nektar Aura based on this video and the difference is night and day. My drum parts have dynamics now!! I also got it for only $250 from Sam Ash on clearance bc I believe they're making room for the rebranded version with the moderately cringe name, Aruba
Maschine mk2 is definitely not a bad device. MPCstuff.com also sells pad sensor sheets for the older models so even if it's a bit worn out you could 'fix' it and get a sweet deal!
Hey my pleasure. I was thinking about a 2022 updated video,but I must say, right now it looks like everything still stands today, so yeah. It's still an up to date recommendation!
As a drummer, pedal inputs are my issue. Also, you need 8x8 for sure. I can get so many sounds from 1 real snare or 1 cymbal its a huge issue. Superior drummer with these things is amazing. I have used edrum kick and hat controllers and it works well.
Great! Make sure to test out every pad. It should respond as well as I say, and if not you quickly return it and get another one! Chance of getting a dud is small but it's not 0%. I personally only had good ones (owned 4 of them in total)
@@TheQuestforGroove I'm actually going to rewatch your video when it arrives tomorrow and do that period thank you! Question why have you owned four? Lol
@@phoenixflyz_ Because it's my main recommendation I buy one sometimes to see if they still make em like they used to 😀But full disclosure, I returned the first one I bought, then bought another later on when midi standalone mode was introduced and I gave away one as a gift, so I now own two!
Hey man, brilliant video. I'd be extrememly interested in seeing / hearing a video of yours about "Best Drumming Software". For example, your take on SSD / Superior Drummer / Addictive Drums, etc. Keep up the brilliant work; what a great channel this is
Oh yeah, I still want to make that one day. I own Superior drummer and Addictive drums 2 and I always go back to Addictive drums 2 because I can quickly craft the sound I need for a song with that. Superior Drummer seems a little harder to work with even though it's definitely very high quality.
i am new to all this. i used to drum djembe and want to move to midi (because i can control the volume, especially indoors). I have considerd making my own . (have you?) Thank you for your detail and enthusiasm. you come across as a decent dude who knows what he is talking about...... thanks.
I think with experience in percussion, you're off to a good start. You might want to look into the "Boppad". You have 4 quadrants that respond very nicely to percussion style playing. For me I need more pads, so I prefer my Maschine mk3 but you might not need more for the time being and then the Boppad is good value for money and more like a regular percussion instrument.
I understand where you're coming from. I haven't really figured out how to do this effectively since the sounds are generated by software. So you won't really hear or see a big difference between devices. A firm tap vs a soft tap is almost invisible on camera. The best way is to play and feel how the devices respond so I just stuck with doing that and reporting back to all of you.
I got a second hand Micro MK3 and it's great . Can't say the same for MPC One . The pads on One are smaller but sensitive enough with no double triggering issues . But they are harder/stiff ,not enjoying hitting them as the pads on the Micro. Thanks for the video :)
Hey thanks, you're welcome! I used Linux for a while. In theory I'm 100% behind the idea of Linux but I did switch to Mac because for music production it just seems like the most solid, well tested option. I don't have time to "fix" issues by typing commands in the terminal, which was something I had to do in Linux. But hey... maybe one day I will return. Still have love for Tux!
My experience with the MPD218 is that it is really good it has the perfect sensitive for me but overtime started to trigger ghost notes to the point of annoyance, but as the times passes and the more I use it the ghosting faded, I still get some ghost notes from time to time, but I don't want open it up I'm scared of ruining it, as long as the ghosting isn't too annoying I'm fine, but I'll try to improve my device when I have some money.
That sounds like a smart plan! In my experience opening it up is less scary than it might seem, but I do think it is smart to wait until you have some extra money so you can keep playing no matter what happens.
Hi, I have 2 questions. 1- Will Maschine work as Midi controller inside DAW if I buy it second hand without License Software. 2 - if I buy a brand new Maschine with the software, can I use all those functions like (Key, Pad, Chord, Note Repeat) using it in Midi Mode, controlling 3thpart VSTs as Omnisphere, Serum, ADDICTIVE DRUMS, etc. Cuz, honestly I'm long time Cubase user/prosucer and I'm not planing to use Maschine Software. I could go for Akai MPD226 but I already got one, PAD quality is garbage and quality got worse over the last years. I'm trying to decide my buy.
Hey! - In my experience you will need to install Maschine software and activate it before the hardware works properly. After activation you can not use the software at all but they do seem to lock the hardware unfortunately. - All the buttons and knobs in MIDI mode will be midi notes or CC modifiers. If you can set your software to work with those midi inputs and or CC knobs and sliders, you can control all kinds of things with it. But there has to be compatibility with midi control surfaces inside the software you want to control.
I bought MPD218 year ago with tought that if fingerdrumming is for me I'm gonna upgrade. Thanks for this video becouse now I know there's no need on my level only if I'm gonna need more sensitive pads gonna switch to machine micro mk3.
Originally I bought the MPD218 from your recommendation initially but unfortunately only a week in it started to double actuate :(. Funny enough though I upgraded to your first recommendation, the maschine mikro which I found hilarious to see them both in here.
thanks a lot! i was leaning to the Maschine Mikro but i have noticed that the Mk3 offers a lot more connectivity, so i hope i can trigger my other synths with the Mk3 pads 🙂
Amazing, Thorough. You hit a lot of great information, and planned the video flow very well. for that I subscribed. Did you ever notice double triggering on the Mikro? or the full size? My Alesis v25, happens to have pads that double trigger notes.
Thank you! I think double triggering does happen a little bit sometimes, but I never noticed it. So the double notes sent out are rare and very low in velocity.
Thank you for your detailed review, it's priceless! Did you have a chance to try the new Circuit Tracks? It looks very similar to the LaunchpadPro Mk3. If it has pads of the same quality - it may be a unique combination of relatively low price, standalone operation and pads of the top league
I recently bought the MPD232 (MPD226 with twice the faders/knobs/buttons and a built-in sequencer, only sold in Europe) because most of the complaints about double-triggering on Amazon were about the MPD218 and I believed I needed the extra controls. It turned out that my MPD232 does have frequent double-triggering issues even on highest threshold. I also was unable to get the included MPC Beats software to run as it didn't recognice my device's S/N, which is required for it to work. I'm going to have Amazon fix it. If one does need 8 faders and 8 knobs (and has under 500 euros to spend), I believe there's only one other device out there, the Worlde Orca Pad48. There are no actual reviews of it, so I'd be happy if you could get one and make a video. I'd be interested in the configuration options and how the backlight works.
I looked into the Worlde Orcapad but the problem with it is that I can only get it for the exact same price as the Launchpad X when ordering through amazon. It's cheaper when bought through Ali express but in all honesty that's a pretty big risk. If you buy there you basically have no consumer protection and you might not even get a device that follows the safety rules of your country. I'm not saying it's a guaranteed bad device but it's too much of a risk to recommend people buying from ali express.
You recommend the maschine mikro mk3 and I’m really interested, but do you have a more in-depth video on the device? Would be really helpful. Great video, ty!
Thanks! I don't think I have that much more information. I don't review devices based on anything else than the pads, so that's what this video covers extensively. For the rest I'de look into other reviewers who can tell you more about beatmaking workflow and stuff like that.
Hey I'm not an Ableton user so I don't really know the details on how to set things up over there. But I do have a topic on the messageboards of someone who set it up using drum rack. Plus presets: questforgroove.discourse.group/t/ableton-drum-effects-rack-for-finger-drumming/182
Looking at getting a dedicated one I've been using the novation launchkey mk3 as my pads. I originally got it mainly for the midi functions and to practice keyboard but I've just found myself jaming using the pads 99% of the time it's so much fun!
Great video, thanks for sharing! I got a launchpad x for the ipad or android phone with koala and a push one for the computer and am happy with both. I tried a lot different controllers and liked the maschine controllers a lot but couldn't get into the workflow.
Akai should really fix their pad 'quality' issue on the MPD218. There's really no excuse for having significant part-to-part variation with a capable device under such a legendary brand.
Yeah agreed. What sucks about this is that even if they do fix the pad quality, it will take a few years for everybody to truly "believe" they've taken a turn for the better. I got myself a couple of good mpd218s last year, so that's a hopeful start. But I cannot in good conscience start recommending these things again right now. It will take time and more devices of consistent good quality.
Based on your recommendation I investigated the Machine Mikro MK3. Beyond just finger drumming the Mikro and the LaunchPad X are quite different. The Mikro is a composition tool, whereas the LaunchPad X is a generic controller with Logic integration. If you commit to the Mikro you’ll use the delivered Maschine and Komplete Kontrol plugins for managing samples, slicing and chopping, arranging samples into scenes, adding instruments and plugins and sequencing. By contrast, using the LaunchPad you’d be using Logic’s sample manger, Quick Sampler for slicing and chopping, Drum Machine Designer for assigning pads and making beats, Live Loops for samples and scenes, and Step Sequencer. I feel they serve two different approaches to similar results.
Yeah personally I just use the Mikro in midi mode, completely bypassing the Maschine software. I like the controller and it's pads, but for the rest it doesn't work for me a sa creative tool. I just need to be able to play grooves the way I feel them and get those midi notes into my DAW. No looping and sampling etc. :-) The only thorough advice I give about pad controllers is about how they respond when you play them, since that is the only thing I use them for and therefore the only thing I can say anything meaningful about. I usually refer people who need information about other aspects of the devices besides the pads to the QFG messageboards or other music gear reviewers.
To The Quest for Groove can you answer the million dollar question that has been asked all over the internet but no definitive answer yet? Can the pads on the Maschine Mikro be used in Logic to control Logic drums such as the Producers Kits? I know the Maschine software can be added as a plug-in in Logic for the Mikro to trigger, but that’s not what many of us Logic Producer Kit users want. With this, I assume the pads are user assignable note keys (C1, D1, etc)? Many thanks.
@@TheQuestforGroove I know you said that we are better off sticking with a laptop... But if I wanted to Buy a midi controller for Koala beatmaking would you recomend me the Mikro Mk3?
@@chilledm.136 The Maschine units I would not recommend because they don't seem to turn on unless an OS is running and at the moment a mobile OS does not seem to make them turn on. Right now I would look into something like the Nektar Aura which seems to remain fully operational even if you don't plug in into a computer. You still might need a powered usb hub for enough power though.
@@TheQuestforGroove Thanks for replying I really apretiate it. Then Mikro mk3 dismissed for me... Too bad for now :(. But I wanted to asked, between your 2 recomendations: Presonus ATOM and the MPD218. Wich one would you recomend ti me if I'm searching something for gettin better at fingerdrumming and have fun overall playing drums and samples?
Update, I got it! Great knobs and the pads are an improvement from the MPK mini MK2. I did notice a few instances (using Melodics app) that there were times when I'd hit the pads (pad 3 maybe pad 6/7) when the pad would maybe send out an extra hit a split second after my finger left the pad. It happened a handful of times out of hours of bashing away, so maybe I can accept it. I won't keep it forever, I want to get good enough to invest in an actual standalone MPC model. Cheers!
I wonder why they don't make actual micro electronic drum kits with the real drum layout that people can navigate and play with their finger tips instead of the boring chess board layout with boring square pads. Maybe provide like a hard finger tip cap that resembles the tip of the drum sticks so the pads respond better than to the soft finger tips, and so that people can make more precise hits when hitting a single pad fast. If they can pull out the size, as well as the sound, or give it a top notch midi capabilities, as well as responsive and sensitive pedals for the kick drum and the HI Hat, that would sell like crazy. In my opinion.
just came from the bitcoin environment, trading, DeFi, staking, etc. I expected to distract my head for a bit form all this stressful crypto-rush... hurts cringyly to hear again the word "bitcoin" again(in some channel I would expect it to come out) realising I missed greats deals many times while watching something else hahhahaah (no joke) great reviews fella... about MPD218, absolutely true, they're PitA...but tape does the trick reeeeally well, I'll love to test and own some launchpad... used to have a launchkey mkII great pads, prefectly suitable for ableton, though I migrated DAW and hobby, I'd like to trigger tons of sound samples for DJ setlists... are launchapds a good choice??? (I'd love velocity also in order to practise finger-drumming) Always fun to watch your vids, you're a real finger drumming master, you inspire tons!!!!
Hey thank you for the kind words! If you feel like your head starts to explode, it's probably very nice to just play some drums, connect to the inner caveman and get grounded a bit :-) The launchpad pro mk3 and the launchpad x are great devices for the money at the moment. If you can spare the $350 easily I would get the pro and otherwise try the X. In my experience there are small differences between devices so sometimes you get a launchpad x that is not that great, in which case you should quickly send it back and get another one which then will usually be good. Have fun!
Hello!thank you so very much for going through the effort and work to help everyone with your excellent videos! They are tremendous! I had a question and was hoping you could point me in the right direction.I want something very small in size and need 8x8 pads. The launch pad mini works in size but it’s not velocity sensitive. Do you know of any other device which is small but velocity sensitive? Thank you for sharing your expertise!
It's basically like this: If you can use a regular midi keyboard with it, you can use a Maschine mikro mk3 (in midi mode) or a Launchpadvmk3 (earlier models are no good). They're both midi controllers and it doesnt matter if they have pads or keyboard keys. So if your launchpad (mk3) does not seem to work there's a configuration issue but not a hardware issue.
@@TheQuestforGroove thanks very much. I got the LP X from Amazon although it was built in 2018. So maybe it is the issue. I have a Novato on keyboard which works perfectly so I am not sure why it doesn’t play with PT. I ordered the MK3 anyway to see what the issue is. For some reason protools does not want to recognize the device even though it sees it under midi controllers and I configured it. The true test is when I get the MK3. Thanks.
Really great Video. I was thinking about getting the maschine mk2 because it´s much cheaper then the mk3 and still has the 8 knobs unlike the mk3 micro. Do you think the mk2 or the mk3 micro is a better choice? Keep up the work!
I've never had the chance to play a mk2 but from what I hear those units are decent as well. Obviously it has to be in good condition but even then you could replace the sensor sheets with ones from mpcstuff and probably make it as good as new!
What I am still looking for is good pad controller with BLE MIDI support for using with iPhone. Its strange and sad that manufacturers are still ignoring this technology and we stuck in the past. For now I am using PUC+ in combination with AKAI MPD218 (tuned with the help of MPC STUFF special cork set)
I think it will happen. Might take a few more years but really with those M1 chips in new mac computers and basically everything moving to the chips that were only used in smartphones before it should become a no brainer to start being serious about mobile music making. I remember when you needed a freakin' minidisc for mobile recording while mp3 players had been out for a while and then... one day... Zoom came out with a mobile mp3 / wav recorder that put your recordings on an sd card. It felt like 3 years late to me, but it did happen and now it's normal. The same thing should happen with what you're waiting for.
Honestly, no, I don't want to open that can of worms so to speak. The thing is, I only started doing these reviews because I wanted to teach people finger drumming and it was hard to figure out which pad controller to buy. I'm not actually a real gear reviewer if you know what I mean. :-) So bringing in the keyboards would be a huge amount of work that I'd rather spend on making educational content.
Haha awesome, thanks! I recently bought another Maschine mikro mk3 just to see if they still make em like they used to and the one I got was once again great. So yeah, the video seems to be pretty much up to date still.
Hi Rob, thanks for these videos! I recently bought an Artiphon instrument 1 and this got me going on finger drumming. As a guitarist its also awesome that I can use it to play harmonic and melodic software instruments. It feels like it has decent sensitivity but I've never played anything else. Have you ever played it? How does it stack up against the Mashine Mikro Mk3 in your opinion?
Hey! no I've never played an Artiphon so cannot give you a comparison. I can say that with the good sensitive pad controllers, just softly letting your hand/finger fall down n a pad without using any force already triggers it!
@@TheQuestforGroove Thanks, that's very useful! With a stiff finger the weight of my hand is enough to trigger, but if I only move my fingers without force that isn't enough. I'll keep on practicing with this for now and head to a store to compare some time soon :)
The way you break it down is really insighfull man, So i m just gonna shoot I play guitar, mostly on t road and I've been using a BOSS RC3 looper pedal for years. It's awesome but Id like to improve my drums & finetune the diff layers. Is there a compact, easy-to-use, all-in-one drum pad, that I can use without a laptop or with very little tech? Any recommendations? Or am I wishful thinking here : -)
Man, I wish that existed. I actually tried a Maschine+ last week and was completely underwhelmed by its standalone sounds. And since that unit costs $1300 I figured at this time having something like a Macbook Air M1 would be a better investment :-) If you don't mind more electronic sounding stuff you might want to tru the MPC one. That's standalone, but still costs you $700 I think.
My english is not very good i'm sorry.. But I need you guys 😜 I am playing on my smartphone for 5 years(with drumpad 24 or dpm on android) The sensitivity is correct if your cpu of your phone is good (and if creator of apps don't make bullshit for add and destroy sensitivity, time to respond,quality of sound and other) Today I need a serious device/machine to perform my skills and play with a group of friend and solo. 🔥 I need really good sensitivity(You know i play jungle and drum n bass ahah) but i need samples, melody, bassline etc for have a really liberty of choice and creation ! 😁😁😁 I need too add sample and create sample And after saw this video i think i have to do a choice between pleasure of drumming or creativity Which machine i need if i want create a completly song with real good sensitivity, no "ghost tapping", and 10 pad max can be touch in same time with no problem? I need to play melodie chord bass but when i'd play on a launchpad mini (if i don't forget the name of this device) i really didn't like the sensitivity , the "touch" but with abbleton we can have possibility to create a completly song with a software or firmware (i don't know the difference between in english 🤷) I hope someone could help me.. Thanks for this vidéo, your honnestly and your "professionnal side" help me and help guy or girl like me to create, be happy, and show how a fingerdrummer is a real musician ❤️ I hope like you for new technology for fingerdrumming, we need more ergonomic device to create really good song not like another 🔥😜 Perform skill, and why not be on grand stage 🤷 Big up from France 🔥
I haven't played it because of the price and form factor. I (selfishly) mostly focus on controllers that are compatible with my lessons here and on questforgroove.com. But the handsonic is on my radar. If I have a good month with some extra income I might just buy one and give it a spin. Right now I cannot say anything about it because I haven't played it at all.
It's originally meant for Ableton, but you can configure it in all kinds of ways using Novation components and then you can use it as a normal midi controller in any DAW, including Logic.
I have only done the Maschine pad sensor sheets but from what I heard it seems the upgrade kits are sort of hit or miss. So you can get some good results, but you can also get good results by just putting some tape on the pads on the inside. And that also does not always work... So there is no guaranteed way to fix something like an mpd218. There's differences between devices and pads. Maybe check this video out first: ua-cam.com/video/Y9LkGODzQck/v-deo.html
Any update for the IOS world. I really hope we will use an M1 powered Ipad in the future. I respect your opinion on the Maschine, but I'm leaning toward the Launchpad Pro mk3 because of its existing IOS support . Have you reviewed the IK media pad controller? THanks
Launchpad pro mk3 is a great option! NI already has a Maschine app for ios so my guess is they will follow up at some point with hardware controller support. For now I'd go with launchpad pro mk3. IK multimedia irig pads wasn't that great. I did test it.
All of those units are no longer in production. I've never played them and I probably never will, so I cannot really say anything about them to help in making a purchase decision. Sorry!
►► Learn all the basics of Finger Drumming for FREE on → questforgroove.com
My gear recommendations blog post that I keep up to date:→ questforgroove.com/gear-recommendations/
Timelinks:
0:00 Intro
1:05 Maschine mikro mk3
4:31 Nektar Aura
5:26 Launchpad pro mk3 (when to buy an 8x8)
7:27 Launchpad X (and the problem of varying quality between devices)
11:42 Presonus Atom (Start of the budget options section)
13:34 MPD218 (A complex story but maybe worth a try)
17:40 Novation Launchkey mini mk3 (An all in one)
18:45 Even cheaper devices (that I did not test again)
19:25 Second hand options
20:26 New technologies (Sensel Morph, Linnstrument, iPad drumming)
23:13 Expensive stuff (Maschine mk3, Maschine +, MPC Live)
25:29 Conclusion
I bought Maschine mikro mk3 on your advices and I'm very happy. Don't let people get you down, you make a great job 😊
I've been using a Launchpad X for 6 months now and it's great! Good sensitivity, no retriggering.
Great to hear!
Sold I'm getting a launchpad x or pro now thanks
@@DaSesh 10 months now, still loving it. I hope you get a good one!
Extremely helpful as I decide the best personal choice. I appreciate the nuance, thoroughness and transparency of your explanations. Thank you 🙏🏽
FYI on the Launchkey Mini MK3: Though I would prefer a 4x4 setup I decided to go with this for now. I don’t necessarily use the pads for finger drumming the way you do exactly (though there are some similarities). I’m also a drummer and needed something to add drums to my compositions that may or may not get replaced with live kit playing, rather than finger drumming as an instrument in itself- if that makes sense. Anyway, it’s very friendly with Logic, and a breeze to use - but the one added plus that is under the radar with this is that the keybed can be used in conjunction with the assignable pads if you chose the bank for the notes using bass drums, snares, toms and cymbals. This introduces more options and a different playing technique using the pads and keys together. It works surprisingly well! That little thing is great work horse - I can even use the pitch and modulation strips in conjunction with my electric midi Yamaha piano that doesn’t have either of those option with zero setup.
Hey Rob, I found your channel a few weeks ago and man I gotta tell you, it's one of the most informative channel on the topic I've found so far. Right now I'm waiting for my Presonus Atom to arrive and when I get my hands on it (literally), I'm gonna start with your tutorials immediately! I'm definitely going to subscribe on your page for deep dive lessons in the future! Thanks for making quality videos for the community! Keep up the good work, man!
Hey Szabolcs, thank you so much for this, it really means a lot! Finger drumming the way I like to do it (with 'real' drums) is a very small niche and it's comments like these that keep me going! Thanks!
yo thank you for posting man, your videos have been a light in the dark for me on this topic - i was sceptical but your content has been helpful - keep doing your thing man
Thank you, I will!
I bought a Launchpad X based on your (previous) recommendation and it has worked fine for me. Just giving you more data! I understand the quality is spotty. I just got lucky!
Thanks for sharing! Good to get some positive feedback for the Launchpad X. I honestly think Novation is rocking the pad controller space right now and they might actually have improved their LP X units after a short time of churning out a couple of lesser ones. Or they simply fixed most issues with a firmware update. I sure hope so.
Yes me too and I think those pads are the best I ever touched. Take it from somebody that owns Push2, MPC Live/One, MPD218 and other cheap devices.
@@jorgecds better than the MPC 😵 ? In term of feel, responsiveness, size? Which aspect?
@@MS7.7 responsiveness and feel (sensitivity)
It's been awhile since you posted this video. I've been subscribed to QFG for a few months after purchasing my M+ and I have to say I like your "If you have a reason" mentality. The M+ is not only offering a solution for not having a drummer at my beck and call 24/7 but it's replacing my live looping rig as well.
It's not quite the same as controlling VST but I must admit my drumkit samples that I made for standalone mode work surprisingly well. Now I'm thinking about adding a launchpad pro for additional pads to send midi messages to my M+ to trigger more samples, or create more choke groups for muting simples.. doubling up on my toms for easier fills. That sounds like it'd be off the chain.
I got me a Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3 this year and it boosted my creativity and workflow. Then I found a Maschine Mk2 for a decent price (with software) and notice the pads are great for drums. So using these two in tandem seems like a golden combo for me as I also often play chords and melodies.
Thank you for comparing the options.
And of course the Ableton Push 2 for the Ableton users out there :) Although, like you said about the Maschine, only get a Push if you're going to be using the screen and take advantage of the great integration with Ableton. The thing I've loved the most about it is the seamless workflow, the great pads are just a bonus for me.
I've owned a few controllers and the Push2 has by far the best pads I've ever played on. They are small, but you get used to it pretty quickly. It beats any MPC I've ever used.
What's the latency like? I owned a push 2 and it was too slow, though in retrospect it was probably my laptop. I have a new pc setup so thinking I may find one second hand and give it another try.
@@cs7160 I've personally not had any latency issues at all
@@cs7160The latency isn't perceptible to me. It was probably your setup.
Really helpful and useful video for those of us who don't want to order everything and try it out ourselves. You really helped me make a choice of what to try first! Thank you so much!
I love my Maschine Mikro MK3. Really sensitive and easy to play.
thanks for this awesome informative recommendation broer!
I am getting a maschine mikro mk 3. My device got to me and was damaged. I bought it with delivery from another city. When I got the controller, I had limited time to test it. There were ghost trigger buttons on it! I found out about it only after 2 hours, testing the pads. I could not return the device because I bought it not in the official store, but on the secondary market. I disassembled my device and cleaned the touchpad. After that, the false positives disappeared, but one panel began to stick. I disassembled the device, cleaned the panel again. After that, the false positives and sticking disappeared. But when I disassembled the device for the second time, I accidentally tore the wire from the screen. :D Now the screen is not working. But the pads are working fine now. My best drumming experience was with the Launchpad X controller. But I also like the car. I think they're about on the same level. But I didn't have such problems with the launchpad x, it worked fine.
I had an MPD218, had some weird triggering with two pads on MPC Beats, exchanged it for a new one, discovered the settings had two pads set to the same note for some reason, reset all the pads on all three banks in the editor (that akai hides for some stupid reason), then do a new mapping for MPC Beats because the the factory settings suck.
Once I did that, the 218 runs like a champ, now.
How to do that any video on it? Please help
Good work, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.
Great video man. The long story is appreciated, and interesting. I bought a Launchpad X based on your recommendation about a year ago and it has served and continues to serve me well. After seeing this video today, guess I'll thank the tech gods for granting me a good device. :) Again, thanks for the vids.
Haha, you're like the fifth person saying that today. My guess is the launchpad X is a pretty solid device most of the time and my "ballpark" estimate was a little on the negative side. It still got a bronze medal though! :-)
@@TheQuestforGroove haha exactly. It's "medal" quality.
Thanks for the great review, Rob!
I got a Maschine mikro mk3 about year and half ago and love it! Using it with AD2 as you suggested, great combo :)
Fantastic! Glad to hear you're having a good time.
A very nice video, I really like your expertise and insight into the different controllers. I bought a Launchpad X which I love.
I feel like it isn't the most sensitive out there, but I can play expressive drums, and have a lot of fun with it.
What I like about it is that I can use it to play basslines with a guitar-ish layout.
Great to hear! the Launchpad X is getting a lot of love here. Goes to show that maybe I heard mostly from the complainers until I adressed it and now things get balanced out because the folks with positive experiences speak up :-)
Thank you so much for this video! I have had an Akai MPD218 for over well a year and have barely touched it because I hate the way it feels/responds. I must have read ALL the wrong articles and reviews because I was under the impression that it was a very good unit so I bought one. It good to see that I am far from being alone being displeased. (I'm really just happy that I'm not totally crazy!) I have programmed a lot of drums parts over the years but it's been a while. I was looking for a new unit as a re-entry to programming drums for my newer songs. I was so turned off by the Akai that I never got anything done in all this time. I'm looking forward to the Maschine MKIII and getting down to making some music again!
Great to read this Larry! It's frustrating to me how in most cases pad response gets overlooked by reviewers. That's the reason I started making these gear videos even though I'm not a huge gear head myself :-)
Thanks for your review! I have both a launchpad pro mk3 and a LaunchPadX (that just got replaced). After only 3 months the LaunchpadX became much less sensitive, and Novation support said the pro and the x should have the same sensitivity. So I got a new one. My new LaunchpadX is not as sensitive as my pro mk3 but it's still very good. I hope that it will not break after 3 months... Anyway the lp pro mk3 is awesome!
Thanks for sharing!
You do such a great job with your specialty. Thank you.
Thank you so much!
Amazing video, Rob, very helpful! I appreciate a lot your sincere and profound expertise, thank you! Subscribed 👍🤘
Great detailed info. I’ve got Maschine MK3 and the pads are awesome. The mikro looks like it’s a great value buy. Appreciate the dedication to reviewing pads from a finger drumming perspective 👍.
Glad it was helpful!
Note ,to operate Maschine you now in 2023, need MacOS 11 or above to activate NI ACCESS.
My 2013 macbk pro cant be updated to os 11.
Loving my lpp mk3 but I'm not really a finger drummer, I use the sequencer a hell of a lot but also use the custom modes to control my gt1000 and other midi devices and it is fantastic.
However it may be overkill if you just want to drum and the bottom row might get in the way.
You can now buy the standalone maschine software for 60 bucks! Wont come with the 1.6 gb of sounds that come with a new one but you will be able to get the software. Something I wish was available years ago.
btw, Novation Circuit Tracks has the same pads as Launchpad Pro Mk3.
i hope they'll increase sample slots number in next firmware updates (they massively increased total sample time already), and this would make Circuit Tracks an excellent 100% standalone finger drumming solution.
The pad part of these devices deserves to be treated as an instrument in its own right by manufacturers. Maybe if Rob's finger drumming style catches on with a big enough audience we can ask the manufacturers to give us the instrument we really want and need.
Been hoping and praying since I discovered David Haynes and Jeremy Ellis way back in 2010 aha
I have made an effort towards the goal you mention.
@@MusicTechPrototypes Awesome. Nice prototype! Interesting damped pad arrangement there. How are you detecting the hits? I was trying this with piezos :)
@@scribblygumsartist Thank you Stuart! I am currently practicing playing and improvising on it, and I will be uploading some less technical and more musical videos. According to the interest it gains I will decide whether to share the details of the design or manufacture it and sell it. I hope you forgive me for not currently answering your question!
This looks amazing! Let me know if you need help testing things out (with discretion)
to speak about 4x4 controllers - i really like IK Multimedia iRig Pads.
works very well at medium/high pad sensitivity settings (but still not that sensitive as my all times favorite - Korg PadKontrol)
I sprung for a Maschine Plus because of it being a stand-alone. I've played with some DAWs, and they kind of frustrate me. The M+ is serious beast!
I use launch pad.
I do a mirrored left right map
And play it diagonally
I like having lots of articulations for snare and have some hits on multiple pads next to each other,
to make 32nds,and up,easier.
I also use an mpd218 and 226,
in tandem right/left for electronic beats.
My mpd218 is really old and has no issues.
The 226 is a little stiff
Which is why I don’t use it with my acoustic samples.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I love my Maschine Mikro mk3
Lots of useful/interesting stuff, thanks for putting this together! Funny that I seem to be the only finger drummer swearing by the old Launchpad Pro (I've got two of them, both have consistently great pad sensitivity and velocity response, I prefer them to my Maschine Mikro Mk3). =)
Interesting. I have a Launchpad pro mk2 and it's pretty good, but both my Maschine mikro mk3 units blow it away in terms of pad responsiveness. Might be again an issue where different units of the same type respond differently. That said, the Launchpad pro mk3 is definitely on par with the maschine units.
@@TheQuestforGroove I've just re-tested my Maschine Mikro Mk3 against my (second) Launchpad Pro. I haven't touched my Maschine for a while, so I first updated its firmware. I used a technique I've been practicing a lot lately: "rolling" on one pad by hitting it with different fingers of the same hand multiple times. Despite the larger pads I found it much more difficult to do this consistently on the Maschine. Even at pad sensitivity set to the maximum, it just didn't trigger all of the softer hits while the Launchpad did.
Another Maschine issue I keep running into is that when I hit two pads at the same time, sometimes other pads are also triggered. This can be eliminated by reducing sensitivity, but then the whole thing isn't that suitable for expressive finger drumming. I've seen similar things on the Launchpad X and the Push 2, but never on my Launchpad Pros.
Sorry about the long reply, I thought you should know about my (apparently rather unique) data point. It's possible that I was very lucky with both my Launchpad Pros and unlucky with my Maschine, it's just surprising. I've yet to try the Launchpad Pro Mk3, although I wasn't a fan of the Launchpad X and I was told the Pro Mk3 has the exact same sensor and pads, just different firmware.
Thank you for your reply and keep up the great work!
My MKII it 's good as a crap, can' t play anything on it!! Very regrat. A had to buy aura nektar. It works very good for Finger Drumming
@@NularMusic Interesting, do you have the launchpad pro MkI?
@@CjKillinit I've got the original Launchpad Pro, which some people refer to as MKII.
Great news! I bought the maschine mikro mk3. It's everything you emphasized in the video and more. Your video was convincing enough for me NOT to buy the newer and less expensive Atom SQ from Presonus, even though I have Studio One 5, and a Faderport 16. I am completely confident in this purchase, and now my abilities to produce wonderful music for world to enjoy, for generations to come!! Thank you.
This makes my day, thank you for letting me know!
I returned my presonus because the pads wasnt good
when the "quest for groove" song came on you immediately got my sub and like lol!!
haha, thanks! A secret not known by many is that it's cut out of a random jam that I posted a couple of months after I launched the channel: ua-cam.com/video/Ljznb_8sQaI/v-deo.html
I watched this video and bought Nektar Aura!.
If I had bought Nektar Aura before watching this video, I would have thought Nektar Aura was a bad device maybe.
so, Because the default pad sensitivity was not very good.
Yes, I adjusted the pad sensitivity and it became a very good device.
Thank you!
This should be Akai's area/specialty. They really need a MPD 3 series. Their MPK 2 series line has better pads
Akai Force for life bro's, amazing instrument.
Haven't played it but I guess the same advice applies. Y=If you know what you're gonna use the 64 pads for and if you know your purpose for the standalone functionality go for it :-) Otherwise it's too much money for a midi controller to just play some drums with.
I would really like to see your review of the Synido Tempo Pad
It's not for sale here in Europe it seems... :-(
@@TheQuestforGroove Thanks for replying to my comments. I ordered one. I don't make content, but I'll comment back what I think.
I bought an Akai MPK mini mk3 and returned it after a couple days. The pads were very hard and inconsistent to trigger. I did see the modification videos but did not want to modify a brand new piece of gear.
So glad I watched this video, thank you. I've been wanting to get more involved in my drumming than clicking in midi notes, but when I tried finger drumming with my Alesis v25, it was just awful. Pads won't respond, kinda glitch, seem to stay triggered (as in, I couldn't drum fast bc it would stay stuck on the previous note being triggered) and was overall frustrated. But now that desire to drum again has come back, and getting into a real e-drum is not really feasible at the moment. I'm becoming hopeful that with a proper device, I can have a fun experience with finger drumming.
There are the new stand-alone finger-drumming instruments Yamaha FGDP-50 and FGDP-30. It would be really helpful to get your opinion about pads quality on these two devices.
Yeah I ordered them and they'll be coming in this week. So as soon as I tested them out I will publish my findings. I'll keep people up to date on the QFG messageboard as well in this topic: questforgroove.discourse.group/t/yamaha-fgdp-50-and-fgdp-30/1135/9
THE QUEST FOR GROOOOOVE
🎶 wohowowowoowoooooo (that's me ad libbing)
@@TheQuestforGroove 🤣😂
Could you do a tutorial on jackin' house/d'n'b drums? Its quite challenging to play those triplets in hihats and maybe some variation techniques?
I'll put it on the list!
@@TheQuestforGroove wow, cool!
I don't know about jackin house but check out a guy on UA-cam called spinscott for dnb finger drum. He's absolutely nuts.
Well I have an FGPD 30 and an older launchpad mini, plus a newer mini mk3, and a launch control so. Also a few flakey 37+49 with the 16 pads. Right now looking into getting a 61 key but thinking of launchkey this time but the 49 key is enough for now. Having an extra octave would be good, also found some midi plugins and one of then can be used for splitting any midi keyboard (not sure if they work for launchpads, probably.) being able to have one instrument on the bass keys and another on the treble is handy. They work with most iPad auv3 apps like AUM. It’s called midi tools suite as I remember and started configuring AUM to map the launchpads and all with them. It has to be possible.
Hows sensitivity of fgpd vs the other ones you have
@@cyb I came to prefer FGDP rather the others because it has an internal sound card and I can use the head phone jack plug as stereo sound source after mapping as many other play heads in AUM to go out from it directly. And yes absolutely it is great sensitivity-wise. Alongside the internal drum sets and all it is the best in my opinion especially when used as a source of feed with a looper pedal.
@KandMe1 thanks with that im now down with the fgdp30 or 50. Im also thinking of using it with ipad similar to how you explained it. Any idea if theres any benefits to getting 50 vs the 30?
@@cyb the 30 does it for me because it forces me to invent a drum and bass live in one pass then play overtop of it in real time using boss rc-1 looper pedal. Forces me to simplify everything. The 50 has 99 memory slots, that would be great but the FGPD30 has no memories so this way have to create something on the spot and extend myself. Same with the looper pedal it has no memory banks to use so have to delete the loop and go onto the next song. It’s much cheaper this way and also forces me to just do it. Probably the more expensive way would not make so much progress or increase skill level so fast. The FGPD50 and RC600 would be cool but this forces creativity.
@@KandMe1 thanks that makes it easier for me since im leaning for the white one as well due to the limitations as you said.
I upgraded from an MPK Mini Mk3 to a Nektar Aura based on this video and the difference is night and day. My drum parts have dynamics now!! I also got it for only $250 from Sam Ash on clearance bc I believe they're making room for the rebranded version with the moderately cringe name, Aruba
Haha, Aruba? Seriously?
I just found a maschine mk2 for 66$ it works fine, do you still recommend older devices ?
Maschine mk2 is definitely not a bad device. MPCstuff.com also sells pad sensor sheets for the older models so even if it's a bit worn out you could 'fix' it and get a sweet deal!
Native also now sells the software as a stand-alone. Hmu if you need the link as its kinda hidden.
@@omagro8267 post link
Thanks, this was informative.
Thank you so much for making this.
Hey my pleasure. I was thinking about a 2022 updated video,but I must say, right now it looks like everything still stands today, so yeah. It's still an up to date recommendation!
As a drummer, pedal inputs are my issue. Also, you need 8x8 for sure. I can get so many sounds from 1 real snare or 1 cymbal its a huge issue. Superior drummer with these things is amazing. I have used edrum kick and hat controllers and it works well.
This was excellent. Thank you. Went with the first mid tier device. Mikro mk3
Great! Make sure to test out every pad. It should respond as well as I say, and if not you quickly return it and get another one! Chance of getting a dud is small but it's not 0%. I personally only had good ones (owned 4 of them in total)
@@TheQuestforGroove I'm actually going to rewatch your video when it arrives tomorrow and do that period thank you! Question why have you owned four? Lol
@@phoenixflyz_ Because it's my main recommendation I buy one sometimes to see if they still make em like they used to 😀But full disclosure, I returned the first one I bought, then bought another later on when midi standalone mode was introduced and I gave away one as a gift, so I now own two!
@@TheQuestforGroove that's righteous
Hey man, brilliant video. I'd be extrememly interested in seeing / hearing a video of yours about "Best Drumming Software". For example, your take on SSD / Superior Drummer / Addictive Drums, etc. Keep up the brilliant work; what a great channel this is
Oh yeah, I still want to make that one day. I own Superior drummer and Addictive drums 2 and I always go back to Addictive drums 2 because I can quickly craft the sound I need for a song with that. Superior Drummer seems a little harder to work with even though it's definitely very high quality.
i am new to all this. i used to drum djembe and want to move to midi (because i can control the volume, especially indoors). I have considerd making my own . (have you?)
Thank you for your detail and enthusiasm. you come across as a decent dude who knows what he is talking about...... thanks.
I think with experience in percussion, you're off to a good start. You might want to look into the "Boppad". You have 4 quadrants that respond very nicely to percussion style playing. For me I need more pads, so I prefer my Maschine mk3 but you might not need more for the time being and then the Boppad is good value for money and more like a regular percussion instrument.
Please add more B roll to the video. Would love to see performance of the product when you’re talking about it
I understand where you're coming from. I haven't really figured out how to do this effectively since the sounds are generated by software. So you won't really hear or see a big difference between devices. A firm tap vs a soft tap is almost invisible on camera. The best way is to play and feel how the devices respond so I just stuck with doing that and reporting back to all of you.
I got a second hand Micro MK3 and it's great . Can't say the same for MPC One .
The pads on One are smaller but sensitive enough with no double triggering issues .
But they are harder/stiff ,not enjoying hitting them as the pads on the Micro.
Thanks for the video :)
Do you know if the Mikro mk3 is compatible for phone daw mapping?
I appreciate so much your consideration in Linux users.
Hey thanks, you're welcome! I used Linux for a while. In theory I'm 100% behind the idea of Linux but I did switch to Mac because for music production it just seems like the most solid, well tested option. I don't have time to "fix" issues by typing commands in the terminal, which was something I had to do in Linux. But hey... maybe one day I will return. Still have love for Tux!
My experience with the MPD218 is that it is really good it has the perfect sensitive for me but overtime started to trigger ghost notes to the point of annoyance, but as the times passes and the more I use it the ghosting faded, I still get some ghost notes from time to time, but I don't want open it up I'm scared of ruining it, as long as the ghosting isn't too annoying I'm fine, but I'll try to improve my device when I have some money.
That sounds like a smart plan! In my experience opening it up is less scary than it might seem, but I do think it is smart to wait until you have some extra money so you can keep playing no matter what happens.
Hi, I have 2 questions.
1- Will Maschine work as Midi controller inside DAW if I buy it second hand without License Software.
2 - if I buy a brand new Maschine with the software, can I use all those functions like (Key, Pad, Chord, Note Repeat) using it in Midi Mode, controlling 3thpart VSTs as Omnisphere, Serum, ADDICTIVE DRUMS, etc. Cuz, honestly I'm long time Cubase user/prosucer and I'm not planing to use Maschine Software.
I could go for Akai MPD226 but I already got one, PAD quality is garbage and quality got worse over the last years.
I'm trying to decide my buy.
Hey!
- In my experience you will need to install Maschine software and activate it before the hardware works properly. After activation you can not use the software at all but they do seem to lock the hardware unfortunately.
- All the buttons and knobs in MIDI mode will be midi notes or CC modifiers. If you can set your software to work with those midi inputs and or CC knobs and sliders, you can control all kinds of things with it. But there has to be compatibility with midi control surfaces inside the software you want to control.
I bought MPD218 year ago with tought that if fingerdrumming is for me I'm gonna upgrade. Thanks for this video becouse now I know there's no need on my level only if I'm gonna need more sensitive pads gonna switch to machine micro mk3.
Yes that seems like a wise decision!
I use my Maschine MK3 for writing and composing; but nothing beats my Akai MPD218 for just finger drumming practice.
Originally I bought the MPD218 from your recommendation initially but unfortunately only a week in it started to double actuate :(. Funny enough though I upgraded to your first recommendation, the maschine mikro which I found hilarious to see them both in here.
thanks a lot!
i was leaning to the Maschine Mikro but i have noticed that the Mk3 offers a lot more connectivity, so i hope i can trigger my other synths with the Mk3 pads 🙂
Superb Work 💜
Thank you so much 😀
Amazing, Thorough. You hit a lot of great information, and planned the video flow very well. for that I subscribed. Did you ever notice double triggering on the Mikro? or the full size? My Alesis v25, happens to have pads that double trigger notes.
Thank you! I think double triggering does happen a little bit sometimes, but I never noticed it. So the double notes sent out are rare and very low in velocity.
Thank you for your detailed review, it's priceless! Did you have a chance to try the new Circuit Tracks? It looks very similar to the LaunchpadPro Mk3. If it has pads of the same quality - it may be a unique combination of relatively low price, standalone operation and pads of the top league
Not yet, but it does look interesting for sure! Maybe in the near future I'll go and give it a spin.
I recently bought the MPD232 (MPD226 with twice the faders/knobs/buttons and a built-in sequencer, only sold in Europe) because most of the complaints about double-triggering on Amazon were about the MPD218 and I believed I needed the extra controls. It turned out that my MPD232 does have frequent double-triggering issues even on highest threshold. I also was unable to get the included MPC Beats software to run as it didn't recognice my device's S/N, which is required for it to work. I'm going to have Amazon fix it.
If one does need 8 faders and 8 knobs (and has under 500 euros to spend), I believe there's only one other device out there, the Worlde Orca Pad48. There are no actual reviews of it, so I'd be happy if you could get one and make a video. I'd be interested in the configuration options and how the backlight works.
I looked into the Worlde Orcapad but the problem with it is that I can only get it for the exact same price as the Launchpad X when ordering through amazon. It's cheaper when bought through Ali express but in all honesty that's a pretty big risk. If you buy there you basically have no consumer protection and you might not even get a device that follows the safety rules of your country. I'm not saying it's a guaranteed bad device but it's too much of a risk to recommend people buying from ali express.
You recommend the maschine mikro mk3 and I’m really interested, but do you have a more in-depth video on the device? Would be really helpful. Great video, ty!
Thanks! I don't think I have that much more information. I don't review devices based on anything else than the pads, so that's what this video covers extensively. For the rest I'de look into other reviewers who can tell you more about beatmaking workflow and stuff like that.
Hi, have you done a video which shows how to set up a Novation Launchpad Pro Mk 3 with Ableton Live 11 please? Thanks from the UK.
Hey I'm not an Ableton user so I don't really know the details on how to set things up over there. But I do have a topic on the messageboards of someone who set it up using drum rack. Plus presets: questforgroove.discourse.group/t/ableton-drum-effects-rack-for-finger-drumming/182
Looking at getting a dedicated one I've been using the novation launchkey mk3 as my pads. I originally got it mainly for the midi functions and to practice keyboard but I've just found myself jaming using the pads 99% of the time it's so much fun!
Yes it is right?!
Excellent thumbnail bro
Yes! Thank you! This did not get enough love for the work that was put in :-) You made my day.
Great video, thanks for sharing! I got a launchpad x for the ipad or android phone with koala and a push one for the computer and am happy with both. I tried a lot different controllers and liked the maschine controllers a lot but couldn't get into the workflow.
Akai should really fix their pad 'quality' issue on the MPD218. There's really no excuse for having significant part-to-part variation with a capable device under such a legendary brand.
Yeah agreed. What sucks about this is that even if they do fix the pad quality, it will take a few years for everybody to truly "believe" they've taken a turn for the better. I got myself a couple of good mpd218s last year, so that's a hopeful start. But I cannot in good conscience start recommending these things again right now. It will take time and more devices of consistent good quality.
Based on your recommendation I investigated the Machine Mikro MK3. Beyond just finger drumming the Mikro and the LaunchPad X are quite different. The Mikro is a composition tool, whereas the LaunchPad X is a generic controller with Logic integration. If you commit to the Mikro you’ll use the delivered Maschine and Komplete Kontrol plugins for managing samples, slicing and chopping, arranging samples into scenes, adding instruments and plugins and sequencing. By contrast, using the LaunchPad you’d be using Logic’s sample manger, Quick Sampler for slicing and chopping, Drum Machine Designer for assigning pads and making beats, Live Loops for samples and scenes, and Step Sequencer. I feel they serve two different approaches to similar results.
Yeah personally I just use the Mikro in midi mode, completely bypassing the Maschine software. I like the controller and it's pads, but for the rest it doesn't work for me a sa creative tool. I just need to be able to play grooves the way I feel them and get those midi notes into my DAW. No looping and sampling etc. :-) The only thorough advice I give about pad controllers is about how they respond when you play them, since that is the only thing I use them for and therefore the only thing I can say anything meaningful about. I usually refer people who need information about other aspects of the devices besides the pads to the QFG messageboards or other music gear reviewers.
To The Quest for Groove can you answer the million dollar question that has been asked all over the internet but no definitive answer yet? Can the pads on the Maschine Mikro be used in Logic to control Logic drums such as the Producers Kits? I know the Maschine software can be added as a plug-in in Logic for the Mikro to trigger, but that’s not what many of us Logic Producer Kit users want. With this, I assume the pads are user assignable note keys (C1, D1, etc)?
Many thanks.
@@TheQuestforGroove I know you said that we are better off sticking with a laptop... But if I wanted to Buy a midi controller for Koala beatmaking would you recomend me the Mikro Mk3?
@@chilledm.136 The Maschine units I would not recommend because they don't seem to turn on unless an OS is running and at the moment a mobile OS does not seem to make them turn on. Right now I would look into something like the Nektar Aura which seems to remain fully operational even if you don't plug in into a computer. You still might need a powered usb hub for enough power though.
@@TheQuestforGroove Thanks for replying I really apretiate it. Then Mikro mk3 dismissed for me... Too bad for now :(.
But I wanted to asked, between your 2 recomendations: Presonus ATOM and the MPD218. Wich one would you recomend ti me if I'm searching something for gettin better at fingerdrumming and have fun overall playing drums and samples?
Excellently thorough, thanks a lot! So looking forward to triggering my samples instead of tediously painting them. I just wanna jam!
Yes! 2022 is going to be the year of more jamming and less painting! :-)
I still use Machine mk2) Good video, thank you)
I just ordered a MPD218, I hope it's a good one!!
Update, I got it! Great knobs and the pads are an improvement from the MPK mini MK2. I did notice a few instances (using Melodics app) that there were times when I'd hit the pads (pad 3 maybe pad 6/7) when the pad would maybe send out an extra hit a split second after my finger left the pad. It happened a handful of times out of hours of bashing away, so maybe I can accept it. I won't keep it forever, I want to get good enough to invest in an actual standalone MPC model. Cheers!
I wonder why they don't make actual micro electronic drum kits with the real drum layout that people can navigate and play with their finger tips instead of the boring chess board layout with boring square pads.
Maybe provide like a hard finger tip cap that resembles the tip of the drum sticks so the pads respond better than to the soft finger tips, and so that people can make more precise hits when hitting a single pad fast.
If they can pull out the size, as well as the sound, or give it a top notch midi capabilities, as well as responsive and sensitive pedals for the kick drum and the HI Hat, that would sell like crazy.
In my opinion.
I have not seen in your videos the test to the Presonus Atom SQ, yes of course, you have done it with the 16 pads. Have you tried it?
No I haven't had the chance to test the Atom SQ yet. Sorry!
So will the maschine micro intergrate with superior drummer? I am look for a controller that I can trigger SD3. My DAW is PT12. Thanks
Yeah, no problem. You can just switch it into midi mode and then it's like a midi keyboard.
@@TheQuestforGroove Cool thanks
just came from the bitcoin environment, trading, DeFi, staking, etc.
I expected to distract my head for a bit form all this stressful crypto-rush... hurts cringyly to hear again the word "bitcoin" again(in some channel I would expect it to come out) realising I missed greats deals many times while watching something else hahhahaah (no joke)
great reviews fella... about MPD218, absolutely true, they're PitA...but tape does the trick reeeeally well, I'll love to test and own some launchpad... used to have a launchkey mkII great pads, prefectly suitable for ableton, though I migrated DAW and hobby, I'd like to trigger tons of sound samples for DJ setlists... are launchapds a good choice??? (I'd love velocity also in order to practise finger-drumming)
Always fun to watch your vids, you're a real finger drumming master, you inspire tons!!!!
Hey thank you for the kind words! If you feel like your head starts to explode, it's probably very nice to just play some drums, connect to the inner caveman and get grounded a bit :-) The launchpad pro mk3 and the launchpad x are great devices for the money at the moment. If you can spare the $350 easily I would get the pro and otherwise try the X. In my experience there are small differences between devices so sometimes you get a launchpad x that is not that great, in which case you should quickly send it back and get another one which then will usually be good. Have fun!
Hello!thank you so very much for going through the effort and work to help everyone with your excellent videos! They are tremendous! I had a question and was hoping you could point me in the right direction.I want something very small in size and need 8x8 pads. The launch pad mini works in size but it’s not velocity sensitive. Do you know of any other device which is small but velocity sensitive? Thank you for sharing your expertise!
I think the Launchpad X is the closest to what you're looking for!
@@TheQuestforGroove thank you!!
Does the maschine micro play better with Protools? The launchapd doesn't seem to trigger superior inside the DAW. Any ideas?
It's basically like this: If you can use a regular midi keyboard with it, you can use a Maschine mikro mk3 (in midi mode) or a Launchpadvmk3 (earlier models are no good). They're both midi controllers and it doesnt matter if they have pads or keyboard keys. So if your launchpad (mk3) does not seem to work there's a configuration issue but not a hardware issue.
@@TheQuestforGroove thanks very much. I got the LP X from Amazon although it was built in 2018. So maybe it is the issue. I have a Novato on keyboard which works perfectly so I am not sure why it doesn’t play with PT. I ordered the MK3 anyway to see what the issue is. For some reason protools does not want to recognize the device even though it sees it under midi controllers and I configured it. The true test is when I get the MK3. Thanks.
Thanks!
You should add Akai MPC Studio Mk2 to this list. It’s on par with Maschine Micro.
Got you covered! ua-cam.com/video/qrZVp-Nka0s/v-deo.html
Really great Video. I was thinking about getting the maschine mk2 because it´s much cheaper then the mk3 and still has the 8 knobs unlike the mk3 micro. Do you think the mk2 or the mk3 micro is a better choice? Keep up the work!
I've never had the chance to play a mk2 but from what I hear those units are decent as well. Obviously it has to be in good condition but even then you could replace the sensor sheets with ones from mpcstuff and probably make it as good as new!
What I am still looking for is good pad controller with BLE MIDI support for using with iPhone. Its strange and sad that manufacturers are still ignoring this technology and we stuck in the past. For now I am using PUC+ in combination with AKAI MPD218 (tuned with the help of MPC STUFF special cork set)
I think it will happen. Might take a few more years but really with those M1 chips in new mac computers and basically everything moving to the chips that were only used in smartphones before it should become a no brainer to start being serious about mobile music making. I remember when you needed a freakin' minidisc for mobile recording while mp3 players had been out for a while and then... one day... Zoom came out with a mobile mp3 / wav recorder that put your recordings on an sd card. It felt like 3 years late to me, but it did happen and now it's normal. The same thing should happen with what you're waiting for.
Would you consider evaluating samplers/pads on keyboards like Roland FA-08?
Honestly, no, I don't want to open that can of worms so to speak. The thing is, I only started doing these reviews because I wanted to teach people finger drumming and it was hard to figure out which pad controller to buy. I'm not actually a real gear reviewer if you know what I mean. :-) So bringing in the keyboards would be a huge amount of work that I'd rather spend on making educational content.
I got to be “like” 👍🏻 number 1k it was satisfying watching it change from 999
Haha awesome, thanks! I recently bought another Maschine mikro mk3 just to see if they still make em like they used to and the one I got was once again great. So yeah, the video seems to be pretty much up to date still.
Hi Rob, thanks for these videos! I recently bought an Artiphon instrument 1 and this got me going on finger drumming. As a guitarist its also awesome that I can use it to play harmonic and melodic software instruments. It feels like it has decent sensitivity but I've never played anything else. Have you ever played it? How does it stack up against the Mashine Mikro Mk3 in your opinion?
Hey! no I've never played an Artiphon so cannot give you a comparison. I can say that with the good sensitive pad controllers, just softly letting your hand/finger fall down n a pad without using any force already triggers it!
@@TheQuestforGroove Thanks, that's very useful! With a stiff finger the weight of my hand is enough to trigger, but if I only move my fingers without force that isn't enough. I'll keep on practicing with this for now and head to a store to compare some time soon :)
Quality content!
The way you break it down is really insighfull man, So i m just gonna shoot
I play guitar, mostly on t road and I've been using a BOSS RC3 looper pedal for years. It's awesome but Id like to improve my drums & finetune the diff layers.
Is there a compact, easy-to-use, all-in-one drum pad, that I can use without a laptop or with very little tech?
Any recommendations? Or am I wishful thinking here : -)
Man, I wish that existed. I actually tried a Maschine+ last week and was completely underwhelmed by its standalone sounds. And since that unit costs $1300 I figured at this time having something like a Macbook Air M1 would be a better investment :-) If you don't mind more electronic sounding stuff you might want to tru the MPC one. That's standalone, but still costs you $700 I think.
great review..thanks a lot dear
My english is not very good i'm sorry..
But I need you guys 😜
I am playing on my smartphone for 5 years(with drumpad 24 or dpm on android)
The sensitivity is correct if your cpu of your phone is good (and if creator of apps don't make bullshit for add and destroy sensitivity, time to respond,quality of sound and other)
Today I need a serious device/machine to perform my skills and play with a group of friend and solo. 🔥
I need really good sensitivity(You know i play jungle and drum n bass ahah) but i need samples, melody, bassline etc for have a really liberty of choice and creation ! 😁😁😁
I need too add sample and create sample
And after saw this video i think i have to do a choice between pleasure of drumming or creativity
Which machine i need if i want create a completly song with real good sensitivity, no "ghost tapping", and 10 pad max can be touch in same time with no problem?
I need to play melodie chord bass but when i'd play on a launchpad mini (if i don't forget the name of this device) i really didn't like the sensitivity , the "touch" but with abbleton we can have possibility to create a completly song with a software or firmware (i don't know the difference between in english 🤷)
I hope someone could help me..
Thanks for this vidéo, your honnestly and your "professionnal side" help me and help guy or girl like me to create, be happy, and show how a fingerdrummer is a real musician ❤️
I hope like you for new technology for fingerdrumming, we need more ergonomic device to create really good song not like another 🔥😜 Perform skill, and why not be on grand stage 🤷
Big up from France 🔥
Hi QFG whats your take on the Roland HPD-20 Handsonic Electronic Percussion Pad? Thanks
I haven't played it because of the price and form factor. I (selfishly) mostly focus on controllers that are compatible with my lessons here and on questforgroove.com. But the handsonic is on my radar. If I have a good month with some extra income I might just buy one and give it a spin. Right now I cannot say anything about it because I haven't played it at all.
Such a great video! Is Novation Launchpad X fully integrated and compatible with Logic Pro as well?
It's originally meant for Ableton, but you can configure it in all kinds of ways using Novation components and then you can use it as a normal midi controller in any DAW, including Logic.
Hey there! Have you checked out the Akai pad upgrade kits? I've seen those and was curious how well they work.
I have only done the Maschine pad sensor sheets but from what I heard it seems the upgrade kits are sort of hit or miss. So you can get some good results, but you can also get good results by just putting some tape on the pads on the inside. And that also does not always work... So there is no guaranteed way to fix something like an mpd218. There's differences between devices and pads. Maybe check this video out first: ua-cam.com/video/Y9LkGODzQck/v-deo.html
Any update for the IOS world. I really hope we will use an M1 powered Ipad in the future. I respect your opinion on the Maschine, but I'm leaning toward the Launchpad Pro mk3 because of its existing IOS support . Have you reviewed the IK media pad controller? THanks
Launchpad pro mk3 is a great option! NI already has a Maschine app for ios so my guess is they will follow up at some point with hardware controller support. For now I'd go with launchpad pro mk3. IK multimedia irig pads wasn't that great. I did test it.
Thank you for video. But what about M-Audio Trigger Finger Pro, BKE Beat Thang or even Casio XW-PD1 ??
All of those units are no longer in production. I've never played them and I probably never will, so I cannot really say anything about them to help in making a purchase decision. Sorry!