Finding the best MIDI controller can be a difficult task. There are so many different controllers to choose from, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. The problem is that it’s hard to know which controller will work best for your needs without spending hours researching them all.
Check out our LPD8 Wireless Reviews. We have some reviews of some of the most popular wireless MIDI controllers on the market today, as well as helpful tips on how to find the right one for you! We’ll help you make an informed decision about which controller is right for you in less than 5 minutes!
Table of Contents
Things To Consider When Buying LPD8 Wireless
Range
The first factor to consider before purchasing a wireless MIDI controller is the range. The wireless MIDI controller should have a range that suits your needs. You want to ensure that the controller can recognize and control your equipment from a distance of at least 20 feet away from the receiver. If you need to be able to use your remote from further away, you may find that you need an additional receiver or booster.
Compatibility
Another thing to consider is compatibility with various types of equipment. Generally, this means that if you purchase a receiver for your PC, then only wireless controllers that are compatible with PCs should be considered.
However, some manufacturers offer receivers for other devices as well such as game consoles and set-top boxes. If you plan on using your controller with multiple devices, you will need to carefully consider the supported devices for each receiver.
Signal Strength
Another important factor to consider is signal strength as this can have a significant impact on the smoothness of play. In order to use your wireless MIDI controller from a distance away from your equipment, you will want a strong remote signal so that the wireless controller is always connecting to your receiver.
You can find out how strong of a signal you will receive by checking the manufacturer’s specifications for signal strength. In general, the higher the number is, the stronger your signal will be.
Stringency
The stringency level of a wireless MIDI controller’s signal indicates how tolerant it is to outside interference from other signals. Most devices have a high stringency which means that they are more resistant to interference from other signals, but there may be times where you need a low stringency.
For example, if you tend to play near other devices that use wireless signals such as cordless phones or WiFi routers, then you may need a controller with a lower stringency for smoother play.
Size
In addition to those factors, it is also important to consider the size of your keyboard and the legs on the controller. A controller with smaller legs may not be able to support larger keyboards, so if the keyboard is on the larger side, you will want to make sure that your controller has enough legroom.
If you plan on attaching a pedal or two to your controller, then you will need enough space for each one so that they do not impede your ability to press other keys on the controller.
Construction
The construction of your wireless MIDI controller is also another important factor to consider. Once you purchase a receiver, it will be difficult to switch the receiver so you may want to choose one that feels more solid or durable if you plan on using it for long periods of time.
Button Layout
It is important to consider the placement and layout of buttons on your controller. The size and shape of your controller should fit your preferences and needs so that you can play comfortably without any issues.
You also want to make sure that each button or pedal performs a function that you will frequently use in order to avoid any unnecessary complications when playing.
Sound Effects
If you are using your controller with a keyboard, it is important to make sure that the controller includes sound effects if they are important for you. Some controllers make sounds when keys are pressed or buttons are pressed while others do not include any sound effects at all. If possible, try out the controller before purchasing it by pressing different keys and pedals to see how it responds.
Portability
If you plan on using your controller in a variety of locations, then portability may be an important factor to consider. Some controllers are lightweight and small which makes them ideal for travel.
In general, the lighter and smaller a controller is, the more portable it will be which is ideal if you want to take your keyboard with you when traveling or commuting.
Price
The price of your controller will also be a factor depending on how much you are willing to spend on your new MIDI equipment. You can find wireless controllers that are relatively cheap or even professional models that are more expensive depending on the features desired. If you need certain features in order to achieve the best quality, then you should expect to pay more for a better model.
In conclusion, there are many different factors to consider when purchasing a wireless MIDI controller for your equipment. There are even times where you can get away with using non-wireless controllers such as keyboard stands. If you want the best quality and performance from your controller, then it is important to research each of these factors to find the best controller for your particular needs.
LPD8 Wireless Review
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LPD8 Wireless MIDI controller is a pretty great MIDI controller for people who use their keyboard or piano as a virtual instrument, especially if you already have one. It comes with everything you need to set up and start playing right out of the box, including a USB receiver and two AA batteries.
The build quality is top-notch: it’s extremely sturdy and has no loose parts. The black finish is an excellent choice, as it has the feel of a professional device. It lacks any bright colors or LED lights, which makes it ready for the stage.
The MIDI controller has eight pushbuttons arranged in two rows of four along with pitch bend and modulation wheels, octave up/down buttons, an assignable data slider, and the ability to send program change messages. This MIDI controller lacks any dedicated transport controls (play/pause/stop buttons), but it’s easy enough to map this functionality elsewhere.
The keyboard action of LPD8 Wireless is surprisingly good for a wireless device of this size; the keys feel great with only a bit of springiness to them, and they decay quickly to let you know that your note has been registered.
Who Is LPD8 Wireless For?
LPD8 wireless is for someone who wants to save money. This is for someone who does not want to pay the high price of cable. A person will not have to deal with paying a bill each month.
It is also for someone who does not want to be limited by the number of channels they are able to access. They may also want LPD8 wireless because they are always on the go and do not have time for cable at home.
There are plenty of benefits associated with LPD8 wireless service, including saving money, having access to over 200 live TV channels, and the ability to stream movies without buffering or interruptions.
Pros Of LPD8 Wireless MIDI controller
The pros of LPD8 wireless are that there are no contracts or cancellation fees. You can also save money by not having to pay for cable anymore, and you will never have to worry about whether there is good reception because you do not need cable.
LPD8 Wireless MIDI Controller is also able to connect wirelessly with many devices, including game consoles and mobile phones. This is beneficial for people who enjoy playing games on the Wii or Xbox. They no longer need to purchase a special device (e.g., Kinnect) and can use their LPD8 Wireless MIDI controller instead.
There are also many TV channels available, and you only pay one flat fee for service each month. You may find it beneficial to switch to LPD8 Wireless because it is cheaper than your current cable service.
Cons of LPD8 Wireless
The only con of the system is that it is not compatible with satellites. If you have a dish, you can still use it by getting their wireless adapter and hooking up your equipment the same way as if it were hooked up to cable. You also need an Internet connection in order to use the service.
Features & Benefits
Design
LPD8 Wireless MIDI Controller has a great design. It is lightweight but not too light. The weight distribution makes it feel very comfortable when holding the controller for long periods of time, even while standing up.
LPD8 Wireless has a great layout with logical placement of its buttons and knobs. The pads are responsive and should suit every style of music production perfectly.
LPD8 Wireless MIDI controller has a compact and lightweight design to fit nicely on any desktop and go everywhere with you. All controls are within easy reach, letting you stay engaged in the creative process while performing or producing music. You can leave your mouse behind and focus all your energy on the music.
Weight Distribution
The weight distribution of the LPD8 Wireless controller is designed to be comfortable when held, making it suitable for long periods of time while standing up. The pads are responsive and should suit every style of music production perfectly.
Power Supply & USB Cable
Through many years of research, we have figured out how to install a rechargeable battery into a MIDI controller that can last for a very long time. The LPD8 Wireless has a built-in lithium polymer battery, which is easily rechargeable through the Micro USB cable provided with the controller.
Compatibility
LPD8 Wireless works great with all of your music software, including Ableton Live. Go ahead and plug the wireless controller right into the USB port on your computer – no need for any drivers! Your MIDI controller will be ready to play in seconds.
Efficient Layout
LPD8 Wireless MIDI controller has a well-thought-out design that gives you maximum efficiency. All of its components are where they need to be, no more and no less, giving the LPD8 Wireless MIDI controller a clean look with minimal clutter. When you’re performing live, each button and knob is exactly where you need it to be.
Power Switch
On the back of the LPD8 Wireless MIDI controller, you’ll find a power switch that can help you save battery when not in use. The LED will also turn red while charging and turn green when fully charged.
Battery Indicator
The LED on the back of the LPD8 Wireless will turn red when charging and turns green when fully charged. It blinks when it’s about to die.
Encoders & Buttons
LPD8 Wireless has great feeling encoders and buttons. They feel durable, will last a long time, and never miss a click. LPD8 Wireless transmits its MIDI signal through a high-speed digital link that will not interfere with your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. The controller can be safely used near other wireless devices without the risk of interference.
Connectivity
LPD8 Wireless MIDI controller is a fully self-contained wireless MIDI controller and can connect to any software without the need for any external interfaces. The USB cable lets you use the LPD8 Wireless as a standard wired MIDI controller too. It can function as both a wireless and wired device at the same time, giving you lots of choices.
No Drivers Needed
LPD8 Wireless MIDI controller is a plug-and-play device for your computer. Simply plug in the USB cable and it’s ready to use – no software or complicated setup is required! LPD8 Wireless also works on tablets that support USB OTG (on-the-go) and USB MIDI class.
Sound Effects
LPD8 Wireless MIDI controller comes with a bunch of built-in professional sound effects designed to take your productions to the next level. Make gunshots, sirens, and laser sounds, or create your own unique sound effects quickly and easily. All sound effects can be tweaked in real-time.
Other Functions
LPD8 Wireless MIDI controller comes built-in with a lot of other functions that add extra possibilities to your music production workflow. You can start and stop the transport from the pads, use the octave buttons to change the octave of your playing, and even make a 9th button for toggling the scale lock. The touch strip gives you additional ways of controlling whatever parameter you assign it to.
Alternatives
Akai Professional LPK25 Wireless
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Akai Professional LPK25 Wireless is a 25-key Bluetooth wireless MIDI controller keyboard for iPad, iPhone, and Mac. The included USB receiver works with Mac and Windows, enabling you to perform wirelessly from your laptop.
It is compact in build but it has a nice set of features that make it worth considering. It is a Bluetooth device so you need to make sure that your iOS device has a Bluetooth module otherwise you will not be able to use this. Since it is compact in build, it is recommended that you mostly use this on a table or a desk.
This MIDI keyboard can be powered with batteries but the good news is that they are rechargeable via a USB cable which also powers up your iOS device when plugged into an electrical outlet.
The USB connection here serves more than one purpose aside from powering the MIDI controller and connecting it to your iOS device. It can also be plugged into a USB port of a computer so you can use this MIDI keyboard with Windows operating system.
The touch strip is something that sets this apart from most other keyboards available on the market today. You can slide your finger along this strip to alter parameters or control effects. It is a cool feature but it can be hit or miss since this will depend on your personal preference.
AKAI Professional MPD218
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AKAI Professional MPD218 is a 2-channel USB MIDI pad controller with 16 backlit MPC-style velocity-sensitive drum pads and a bank of eight Q-Link knobs. Four pad banks allow for the programming of 48 samples/short programs (16 each).
Configure the Q-Link knobs to control recording or playback parameters, depending on your software; or use them for MIDI control changes, track volume, panning, send levels, etc.
Two assignable footswitch jacks provide pedal flexibility. A USB port and included USB cable make it a breeze to connect with your Mac or PC.
MPD218 is bundled with Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software, an excellent tool for creating and producing musical tracks. You can also use it with any other music software you like. If you’re using an MPD218 with a hardware sequencer, the Q-Link knobs can be programmed to control nearly any MIDI parameters.
If there’s one drawback, it may be that the factory settings only send the Q-Link data on channel 2. While this is fine for most applications, some users may prefer to have both channels sent at the same time. The MPD218 is a MIDI controller and does not include sounds of its own, nor is it a USB-MIDI interface for Mac or PC
AKAI Professional MPX8
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AKAI Professional MPX8 is a versatile USB MIDI controller with 16 MPC Pads. It is designed for producers, programmers, musicians, and DJs. At first sight, the device looks good.
The pads are made of rubberized material – not so hard as on some other devices but also not so soft that they feel squeezed until the sound gets lost in between. The pads are medium-sized and have a distinctive feel.
The response is quite crisp, not rubber-like at all. Each pad has a small LED below it. Normally they are red or green depending on the status of the pad but when you touch them, they turn white and light up with a bright LED light. This is a pleasant addition because it helps in programming – you can quickly see if your finger touches the right place at the right time.
There is also a larger (and much brighter) LED display and various buttons and knobs on it. The main controls are 16 MPC pads, 3 transport buttons for Stop/Record/Play, Auto-Loop button (sets auto Loops), Pitch Bend wheel, etc. There is also a knob that changes function depending on which model you set.
The controller has a MIDI IN/OUT, USB port (it is powered by the computer), sustain pedal input, and volume control for headphone out. The device comes with Ableton Live Lite 8 but it also works with other popular music production programs. It uses M-Audio’s Uno Usb interface chipset that offers great performance and reliability.
There are 12 pad banks around the MPX8 – one is already pre-programmed with samples, loops, and phrases from various genres (EDM, Hip Hop, etc.). You can use it directly or customize it to your taste. The controller also has 100 ready-to-use presets that allow for pre-mapping the pads with various samples or other controllers.
FAQs
What is the LPD8 Wireless Controller?
The LPD8 Wireless Controller is a MIDI controller that combines the power of a drum pad, a keyboard, and a trigger pad into one compact yet fully-featured device. It’s the first wireless MIDI controller that is compatible with all major music software.
How easy is it to set up the LPD8 Wireless Controller with my Mac or PC?
Setting up the controller is easy. The latest version of the software (1.3) gives you a plug-and-play MIDI connection between your Mac or Windows laptop and your LPD8 controller with no configuration required.
Just connect the two with the included USB cable and start making music. The LPD8 Wireless Controller plays nice with most popular music software, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, GarageBand, and Reason among others.
Are there any special MIDI features that I should know about?
The LPD8 Wireless Controller has its own synth engine that turns it into a powerful 32-voice synthesizer/sampler. You can also load your own samples onto the device to create custom patches with truly unique sounds.
How many drum pads are there?
There are eight velocity-sensitive drum pads with aftertouch, making them great for triggering drums sounds or loops in your software. You can play them like a keyboard, too.
Conclusion
LPD8 Wireless MIDI Controller is a versatile tool that can be utilized in any musical situation. Whether you’re an experienced musician or just starting out, the LPD8 will help take your sound to new heights and make performing for audiences of all sizes more enjoyable than ever before. With this device, you get total control without being tethered by cords so it’s easy to move around on stage. So, what are you searching for?