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Of the delving I've made into digital music, I've learnt two things:

A) I don't get along with DAW's and midi
B) I really hate the way that keyboard keys feel for triggering samples



I really like the feel of proper pads (like MPC ones) however at the moment I really can't afford a proper MPC.

I was wondering if anyone had any experience or recommendations for pad-based sample triggers? I'm looking for the following qualities:

-Affordable
-Able to use on it's own without a PC
-Suitable for triggering with fingers, as opposed to drumsticks (I know there are quite a few sample pad triggers for drummers)
-Able to plug in to effects pedals
-Removable memory preferable


One of the things I'm looking to be able to do is finger drumming, and preferably being able to record those patterns in, but if needs be I can use my looper. I'm fine with loading my own samples in via PC to an SD card or similar which then goes into whatever the unit is.

From what I can gather, my most likely option is either the Akai MPX8 or MPX16 (most likely the 16). Does anyone have any experience with either of these two? Or can suggest an alternative option? I don't know an awful lot about the Volca sample, but I don't think it's suitable for my needs.

Looking forward to the input!

Roland Sp 404 sx sits your criteria. I got mine used for 250. Ive never messed with the pattern mode but its there so you can drum in a pattern and keep it going.

I've been looking at the SP404sx, and I might be tempted to go for one, but only used. I don't have the cash for one brand new.

I've tried experimenting with my brothers SP202 just in general and the pads feel really clicky. Does the 404sx use the same pads?

I've got an m-audio trigger finger you could have. Never used. Assume it works.

Hmmm..... just checked up the specs on that.


Possibly? If Ableton and I can stop fighting, then I may have to take you up on that offer!


Until that time though, I think I'd rather stick to hardware rather than controllers.

Maybe look for Zoom SB-246 or one of their other Cheapie Drum Machines. Their SampleTrak looks fun for the price too.

check out the Akai MPX8 or MPX16, i was looking into these, myself. or the new Korg Electribe sampler that will be released soon.

Moose wrote:Hmmm..... just checked up the specs on that.


Possibly? If Ableton and I can stop fighting, then I may have to take you up on that offer!


Until that time though, I think I'd rather stick to hardware rather than controllers.

Hit me up if you want it. I'll trade you it for a cool sticker or something.

Deltaphoenix wrote:Maybe look for Zoom SB-246 or one of their other Cheapie Drum Machines. Their SampleTrak looks fun for the price too.

The only concern I have with Zoom gear is how small their buttons are. I have concerns about my accuracy with those, whereas an SP 404sx or Akai MPWhatever has buttons large enough to facilitate room for error.

OddKnowledge wrote:check out the Akai MPX8 or MPX16, i was looking into these, myself. or the new Korg Electribe sampler that will be released soon.

The MPX's have been the main ones I've been looking at, mainly for their simplicity and straight-forward usability. Plus to me the layout of 2x8 makes more sense practically. I wonder if it's even worth getting one of these just to have a go and see how I get on. They have a nice set of options and abilities, without being too "LOOK AT ALL THE STUFF YOU CAN DO"

Edit: I forgot about the new electribe. I might wait to make a decision until that comes out and youtube is ravaged by demos of it.

goroth wrote:Hit me up if you want it. I'll trade you it for a cool sticker or something.

Thanks man, I'll bear that in mind

At the moment my stock of stickers is mostly limited to skateboard stickers & Classic Motorbike ones, if I do go for the trigger finger I'll see if I can get some more varied stock

I have the 404SX and it's really good for processing samples and creating sequences but I don't think the pads are ideal for the fast, fluid triggering of samples necessary with finger drumming. I think the MPX8 would probably be a good option.

MPXs are pretty good regarding the price, even for the exigent pad player I am.

Yeah, I kind of figure the 404SX is better for processing and for triggering lengthier samples, whereas the MPX would be better for beat making and finger drumming.

Plus, I'm fairly certain the MPX pads are the same as the MPC ones? Can anyone verify?


I remember having a go on a mates MPC years ago and absolutely loving the feel of the pads, the way it responded inspired me to use it as an instrument in itself.

I've not tried an MPX and I don't know how the pads compare to the pads of older MPC's but I believe they are superior to the 404SX pads. The SP303 supposedly had excellent pads but I've never tried that model.

There's also the MPC500 if you want something with sequencing capabilities, they're pretty cheap secondhand. Jamie XX used to do a lot of finger drumming using that unit.

I think what I'll do is wait for the new electribe to come out, see what I think of that and go from there.


At the moment, I think I'll go for an MPX or an MPC if I can pick one up secondhand cheap!



Thanks for all the input guys!

I would wait for the Electribe Sampler too. I was just going to pop in and say that.