Hi, I am a padKontrol user and love it. You can download "scenes" (korg's terminology for "presets") that map each pad to a particular scale. Brilliant for using it as a keyboard alternative (never hit a wrong note ever again!!) I use it alot for electronica. It adds a different view of playing keyboards. Easy to come up with interesting bass and lead lines. My 2p anyway. I cant say much about the MPD24, as i've never used it. -monkey-

Ah yeah thanks Monkey, that's the impression I've got, sounds like a great tool. I'm just torn on the Akai cos I'd like to have the faders and the general build quality sounds more sturdy. Anyone here with experience playing melody on the Akai?

The MPD24 may have one feature that may *potentially* be useful, though it likely won't be. It has a polyphonic aftertouch feature, i.e. it sends pressure values for each pad (note) separately, which can allow for very expressive playing. The only problem is finding a synth that supports that feature. And, of course, learning to use it in a musically useful way! Also, I have an earlier model (MPD16) and the normal "velocity-sensitive" mode requires plenty of strength and aiming exactly at the center of each pad to get any usable velocity response. You can only assign notes to the pads, not chords or sequences. On the other hand, the Korg may have a different problem. The smaller, cheapo model (NanoPad) seems to use a kind of sensors that breaks over time, leading to "stuck" and missed notes. I don't know how common that is, but it happened to me at least. I don't know if PadKontrol is also affected or not.

wow, interesting... a few questions: 1. Anyone know if the aftertouch CCs could be used to control something else, say LFO speed or filter? Could be a great way to tweak interesting synth sounds. 2. I'm still not sure if either device can play tones like a keyboard, ie. for as long as you hold down the note - can anyone enlighten me? 3. Can the Akai download scales like the padkontrol? Thanks!!

Had a tinker with Operator and my old MIDI keyboard, and remembered how much fun pitch-bend is... so I went for the Padkontrol (in black ;)) as there's no way I'm gonna do decent pitch-bend (that returns to pitch) on the Akai! Thanks for all your replies! Well looking forward to trying this out now. Anyone care to recommend some good resources on how to use it?

I owned a MPD-24 for 30 days and returned it. The pads were not responsive... very hard to predictably hit the pads. I was really bummed because I liked the extra sliders + aftertouch. Instead I got a padKONTROL and love it. The pads "just work" which is what I need in a drum pad. So, if you get one make sure you can return if you don't like it. (got mine at GC). edit - dur, didn't read the whole thread and see you got the korg. good call :)

heh... just ordered online but I've now realised I may have time go buy one in person tomorrow. Might have to cancel that order!