Akai Announces PD16 USB/MIDI Pad Control Surface
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(Click for a close-up) |
January 31, 2002
Expanding on the legacy of the MPC series, Akai
introduced the PD16 USB/MIDI Pad Control Surface. The PD16 is a
self-contained unit which connects via USB and/or MIDI to computers and
sound engines which include drum
program set-ups as well as the standard keyboard-assigned programming.
16 MPC-spec
pressure-and-velocity sensitive drum pads generate Note-On velocity when
tapped. In Full-Level mode, the PD16 produces data with velocity value of 127,
regardless of the velocity of the pad tapped and in 16-Level mode it allows you to
generate the note velocity in 16 steps with 16 pads. The active pad (note number)
is the last banks of sounds. The Active key enables the fader which outputs MIDI
control changes. The various parameter settings, such as MIDI Note Assign,
MIDI Channel, MIDI Control Change, etc. can be assigned from the computer
via USB.
PD16 set-up is facillitated with the PD16 Utility and PC/MAC driver software
CDROM. The PD16 can be powered via computer USB or the included AC
adapter.
MSRP: 349. The PD16 is expected to ship in April.
For more information, visit their web site at www.akaipro.com. | 
