MPD32 VS MPK25/49 WHICH ONE IS BETTER

So I'm moving into physical hardware for my setup. I run fruity loops,reason 6, logic pro 9 on my 2011 mac mini with 120 gd SSD using 16 gigs of ram. I'm leaning toward the mpk series because I could use the keys but I could use the on screen keys and opt for the mpd with its bigger pads. I make alot of soul sampled beats if that matters . And input is appreciated. Money isn't an issue the MPD32 is $239 and the MPK25 is $200 while the 49 hits for $300. Still not an issue . I just need some input from people that have these beast and drop knowledge on me . THX EVERYONE

for those pieces of software... I have to lean towards one of the models that have keys... however, do some research on the mpk models because some of them have an issue with popped keys. Also, I have a few friends with mpk keyboards and they often complain about terrible pads.

The keys will likely be more useful for using vst synths, since most of them are set up primarily to make use of keys.

THX MAN I'VE BEEN LOOKING AT A TON OF MPK25 YOUTUBE VIDEOS AND I THINK THATS WHAT MY CHOICE WILL BE

I have the MPD26 and i had to upgrade it with the fat pads because the standard pads were terrible. Lots of info about this on the forum. Beside that, it is a very good controller IMO. If i was to buy this kind of controller again, i would get the MPD32 because 6 knobs/sliders is not enough for me. I need at least 8 of each.

I used to have the Radium 49 and i liked it. No pads though.

Now i have the Axiom Pro 49 and i am loving it. I do recommend it.

Like mr_debauch said, do some research and check the reviews for the MPKs, i read about issues too regarding the keys/pads.

Check out the Axiom 49 mkII, it might be a good option if 8 pads is enough for you.

Or, if money is not an issue for you, why not get the Axiom 49 mkII or the Axiom Pro49 + MPD32. You get the keys, the pads + lots of knobs/sliders. Just remember that the standard pads on the MPDs suck, but you can upgrade them eventually.

When i work in a DAW with my Axiom Pro 49, i use the keys for the synths, i program the pads to play chords, and i use my upgraded MPD26 for my drums.

I also use the Axiom Pro as a MIDI controller with my MPC 2500-JJOS. (ie: i use the extra knobs/sliders + the keys when in instrument mode, pitch bend, modulation wheel, sustain).

Hmm I want an mpk49 can u swith pads ?

dBPRO wrote:Hmm I want an mpk49 can u swith pads ?

yeah you can get the fat pads from mpc stuff... make sure you get fat ones though.. not just coloured ones.

Also, beware of the keys on the mpk49, it's apparently one of the most returned midi controllers according to some forum members who work in music stores. Apparently they keys pop up on that version due to plastic being too thin on the part that hooks the key in place.

Hmm maybe the axiom is better. I just want some decent pads and a lot
Of controllers, I just feel naked on my mpc2500 when it comes to
Tweaking it with a lot of knobs and filtering. Just bought it :-\.
Main problem with mpc2500 is easy computer access and I want
Cubase and a decent sequenser.

Its kind of useless have 700$ mpc and only enjoy the pads.
I have a kinda bad laptop for music making. Still ok if
Not a lot of vsti working simultaneously.

Thx for quick answear.

I suggest you first find out what you want/need, then you check what's available considering your budget and then, you read the reviews/forums to decide which one fits the best your needs.

You can start by checking what's available at your local music store.

Then, read the reviews, like we do.

I red a lot of reviews of diffrent machines.
I need an mp49 or 61 with good pads and keys.
I'm was thinking getting rid of my midikeyboard and the mpc2500.

Mpd32 and my old keyboard is an option.

in my personal opinion... the axiom is a better buy than the mpk... the pads are not as good on the axiom as on an mpc... but the mpk pads I find are terrible.

if you get rid of the mpc, you should invest in a good computer if you plan on buying the mpd32 because how are you going to really make beats with a computer that cant handle it?

You have a point but I'm not that serious in music
Making yet and a student low on $$$.

I just got a new laptop only 4gig ram, 6gig is my max
For me and a decent processor.

I find pads hard on mpc2500 you have to bang
The originals real hard. Maybe the fatpads does
It better. I'm not a padguy just keys.just getting used
To them.

I'm currently deciding how to make music
Again more serious than before, Thats why
All these questiones.

My old maudio/evolution mk361c keyboard is ok.

As u said I'm about to try mp49 and axiom tomorrow
if they have it up in the stores. Would be handy to have
All in one with a turntable with it.

Or as u did. I keep my gear sync it with cubase and
Reason and use keyboard as midicontroller.

I just don't want pads Thats dosent work.
I make drums and some slicing samples
And rest is vsti and keys. Maybe axiom pro is
Good enough for this see tomorrow

Thx I'm kind of confused, try to find a middle way
in gear. U seem to have knowlege in this

Just some trigger sensitivity pads that dosent makes problems is good enough

I think the axiom pads are sensitive... they work very well... I just prefer the pads on my mpc60... because of the feel... (the axiom feels like a square rubber pad on a round sensor, where the mpc feels like a square rubber pad on a smaller square sensor... if that makes sense) but the axiom ones are sensitive. I think the difference between the axiom 25/49/61 and the axiom pro 25/49/61 is that the pro ones have aftertouch. I dont know if there is anything else.... if you aren't deep into key playing it may not even make any noticeable difference to you.

the mpk feels solid when you handle it... but like I said, those pads are like pushing rocks compared to the mpc2500 you have already.

I think you can go test out some of these things in the store, but if you already have a keyboard with midi... or a usb port... might as well get to downloading free vst instruments now, and checking into what sounds good... google search things like top 10 free vst instruments.

Use what you already have... it sounds to me like you may not even need anything new.

A mpc60 would be awsome. Hard to Find here.

I tried pads on axiom 25 and banged Em, they ok.
The mpk61 and axiom 49 generation2 unplugged.

The pro 49 version is totoally unavailable in stock.
But I orderd it to try it.

Mpk pads suck and keys heavy but I prefer axiom bettwr
Feelling in keys and semi heavy.

What I read the difference between pro and 2nd gen 49
Is numeric keypad and easier work with parameters. Am
I right and a couple of more things.

yeah for the original 49 (non pro), it had the keypad.. they got rid of it on the mk2... it isn't used that often anyways, but the + and - buttons would have been nice to keep. I do like the mod wheel and pitch bend on the mkii with the little indent though...