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Quick facts: Akai · Akai MPD218 · MIDI controllers · €10 + VAT per unit and day · rental in Madrid and across Spain, availability on request.
About the Akai MPD218
The Akai MPD218 is a USB MIDI pad controller with 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, descended from Akai Professional's MPC pads. It is the go-to tool for beatmakers, producers and live artists who trigger samples, clips or drum sounds from a laptop. It is rented for electronic and hip hop live sets, showcases, workshops and temporary studio sessions where a compact, reliable pad controller is needed without bringing your own gear. Peak Entertainment offers Akai MPD218 rental in Madrid and across Spain: check availability and ask for a quote.
What it is rented for
The MPD218 is used in hybrid live sets where the artist fires samples, loops or Ableton Live clips from the DJ booth, in hip hop and electronic showcases, and in finger-drumming and production workshops. Its size and USB power let it fit into any festival, club or brand-activation booth. At Peak we pair it with the Audibax Laptop Stand, the SSL 2+ interface to get audio out of the laptop and the Radial J48 stereo DI for a clean feed to the mixer; for fuller Ableton mapping, add the Akai APC40 MKII or the Akai MIDImix.
Key specs
- 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, red-backlit; 3 banks (Pad Bank) give access to 48 pads.
- 6 assignable 360° potentiometers with 3 banks (Ctrl Bank): up to 18 parameters.
- Note Repeat with 1/4 to 1/32 time divisions (including triplets), Swing from 54% to 62%, Tap Tempo and internal or external MIDI clock.
- Full Level mode: pads always play at maximum velocity (127).
- 16 pad programs (presets) selectable via Prog Select; MPD218 Editor software downloadable from akaipro.com.
- USB bus-powered, no adapter; 1 USB port, Kensington lock slot, no DIN MIDI. Works with iOS apps via the Camera Connection Kit (not included).
- 23.9 × 20.1 × 4.1 cm and 0.75 kg; launched in July 2015 as the replacement for the MPD18.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent the Akai MPD218?
The rental price on the Peak Entertainment website is €10 excluding VAT. To confirm availability, dates and a final quote, email info@peaksound.es or message us on WhatsApp at +34 636 410 986.
Does it need external power or drivers?
No. The MPD218 is powered by the computer's USB port and works plug-and-play on Mac and PC; you simply select it as the controller in your DAW preferences. On iOS it works through Apple's Camera Connection Kit.
Can I use it without a computer to control synths or drum machines?
Not directly: the MPD218 only has a USB connection and no DIN MIDI output, so it is designed to trigger sounds in a DAW or app. For a hardware-based set, get in touch and we will suggest a setup from the catalogue.
