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The MPD24 takes its design cues from Akai's MPC range of samplers

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The MPD’s bright backlit display shows the current preset name and the MIDI information being sent by the currently-selected pad. It’s clear and pleasant to look at, and would be a major benefit in a dingy venue or studio. It’s even sufficient for setting menu options or reconfiguring the pads if needed, but the bundled editing software is always going to be more intuitive.

Anyone who’s thinking that they’d have to spend time tinkering with the MPD24 to get the best out of it needn’t wory. Tthere are factory presets for Reason, FXpansion Guru, Stylus, Native Instruments Battery, Cubase, BFD Lite, Live and several others. That said, if you want to create a complex patch for yourself, you can do so via the front panel (a little cumbersome due to the menu pages, but no more so than on most other hardware units) or by using UniQuest, the included editing software. Each pad’s note value, MIDI channel and pressure type (channel or polyphonic) can be selected, and a note-toggle mode is also included. Pads can even be set to send Program Change rather than MIDI notes, enabling more sophisticated control of your DAW or other hardware.

While UniQuest does give you some fairly complex editing tools, it’s not always the most intuitive application. Syncing it to the MPD can get a little confusing, but to be fair, it does the job it’s supposed to and you’ll be able to forgive its quirks. The MPD24 is a substantial and satisfyingly solid piece of gear: excellent build quality and the tactile nature of its controls are major selling points, particularly to live performers. We strongly recommend that you try out the pads before you buy, but if you take to them, the robust and fun nature of the MPD will certainly appeal. After all, £150 isn't much for a controller that will give you a characterful, beat-based alternative to a standard MIDI keyboard.