What's the consensus on the fat pads?

I'm considering buying the 'fat pads' that MPCStuff are now producing to install in my 3000.

The primary reason, which may not be valid is that when I am not in full level mode, hitting the pads hard to get them to full level shakes the whole MP and that sound is louder than the one I'm trying to hear/record. These pads, being taller and with the addition of the pad corks, in my head would alleviate this problem by adding more 'padding' between the finger and MPC body and also increase the sensitivity. They also look a bit more comfortable than the regular pads.

However $45 is no joke so I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with them that they'd share, especially information pertaining to my issue. I read someone mentioned their timing was off when using the, and I could see that, even while I can't explain why.

always been easier to me to have nice nuances with the normal pads then with the fat ones...

the fat ones make u loose focus on ur pad and tend to double trigger certain samples... however they do look nice and feel nice under the fingers... if u mainly use note repeat its a nice little cushion for ur fingers... however i could use normal pads over them anytime...

but then again thats just MY opinion...

id use another screen anytime over a fat pad enhancement

for how much do they go these days?

Thanks for that. They are going for $45 + $7 shipping on mpcstuff. I think it's a bit much. I also tend to think generally instruments look the best in the colour schemes and sizes they were designed. Not really one for neon pads or even 'fat' ones, except if they serve a practical purpose.

Maybe I'll just try and refine my pads to make them more sensitive. Hopefully that'll get rid of the MPC body rattle that's prominent when the volume is low.

body rattle???

do u mean humm??

cuz forat offers an output boosting option..

keep it explicit im french haha

btw thats my opinion... some people may enjoy the fat pads... i dont..

i think he means his mpc makes an actual sound

Kalou, I know what you mean. If you're jamming out on some headphones banging the MPC gets kinda loud. I too was looking into some "FATPADS" but that price... They better make a helluva difference! My sensitivity is adjustable so that not that big of an issue. But they do look xtra comfy...

Yeah, when I say the 'body rattles' I'm not talking about an audible sound coming from the output. Especially I find with the 60 and 3000 if your volume is relatively low (as it needs to be when it's late) sometimes the sound from you hitting the pads and the shaking sound of the MPC itself drowns out the sound of the samples.

I mean it's not a huge problem but you can't always have the volume up and thought maybe the fat pads may help. Like you say Mike they look really comfy but I don't think I could commit unless I heard some really good things.

If you're really wanting to fix the "sound to noise ratio" so to speak of your late night sessions, I think a set of headphones would be a better investment than fat pads

So Kalou, did you get 'em?

I don't have the experience with fat pads but I wouldn't mess with them. I like the feel of the regular pads.

if you have to hit it that hard maybe you should think about getting a new set of pad sensors, not pads...

micb wrote:if you have to hit it that hard maybe you should think about getting a new set of pad sensors, not pads...

I got new pads and sensors and still need to hit pretty hard.

Ldizzy wrote:always been easier to me to have nice nuances with the normal pads then with the fat ones...

the fat ones make u loose focus on ur pad and tend to double trigger certain samples... however they do look nice and feel nice under the fingers... if u mainly use note repeat its a nice little cushion for ur fingers... however i could use normal pads over them anytime...

but then again thats just MY opinion...

id use another screen anytime over a fat pad enhancement

for how much do they go these days?

Thanks for the input as I'm trying to get a little feedback from people that have used these or own them. I have a couple of questions for you.

1. Do you currently have the "Thick Pads" on your Mpc? Did you order them and return them?


2. Concerning the "double triggering" pads...did you try adjusting the sensitivity of the pads to compensate for this? I know that the thickness along with the cork inserts make the pads more sensitive but I would think you could find a sweet spot through sensitivity adjustment.

I placed an order yesterday for these but for the MPD32 as the MPD32's pads are not as sensitive as my Mpc 2500's pads were and the pad sits lower in the casing of the MPD32 so there is about 2/3 of the pad showing compared to normal Mpc pads.....I figured the "Thick Pads" would solve both these issues.

Hey you're going to want to replace the pad sensors in order to reach full velocity with full level off.. I replaced mine and now I can EASILY reach full velocity on my pads. No need for full level at all anymore..

dmarz45 wrote:Hey you're going to want to replace the pad sensors in order to reach full velocity with full level off.. I replaced mine and now I can EASILY reach full velocity on my pads. No need for full level at all anymore..

Are you speaking about the MPD32? Didn't know that the sensor upgrade was recommended.