Some of these MIDI drum pad controllers offer playback on the device and utilize TRS line ins and line outs. So basically any drum pad controller will be able to transmit MIDI via USB, though for versatility, some of these devices offer multiple ins & outs that are perfect for live setups with a bit more complexity.įor example, a MIDI drum pad with a traditional 5-pin MIDI out would allow you to connect to vintage hardware synths. If you've watched your favorite beat producers online using their MIDI drum pad controller to lay down tasty bass lines and synth melodies, you’ve most likely seen them dig their fingers a bit deeper into the pads to create an aftertouch sound.Īftertouch is mostly available on higher-end devices, and allows players to play more expressively by letting them introduce vibrato, volume, and an array of other parameters, just by pressing into the pads with more gusto!Īftertouch is undoubtedly one of those things you don’t know you need until you’ve used it, but once you learn how to take full advantage of it, it opens up an entirely new world of music creation. If you’re looking for an authentic feel in your music making process, this is a feature we highly recommend keeping an eye out for.

Many software synths and drum kits have parameters that are adjustable and can be controlled in real time. Just like the pads, these faders, knobs, and buttons transfer MIDI data and can give you a much more hands-on experience with the ability to adjust and fine tune as you play. In addition to the pads on MIDI drum pad devices, some actually come with a variety of knobs, faders, and buttons. Some people only need a simple 8-pad setup that reflects a standard drum kit, while some may want a larger device with a 64-pad setup to trigger multiple instruments and sequence beats. The size also goes hand in hand with the number of pads that are present on the device. These are just a few questions that you should ask yourself before making a purchase. What to Consider Before Purchasing a Midi Pad Controller PortabilityĪre you looking to take your MIDI drum pad with you on the road?

1 What to Consider Before Purchasing a Midi Pad Controller.

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