If you want a controller that will work well with MPC Software and be usable with an iPad, you should go with the Aura Beat Composer and map it yourself. I'm flabbergasted someone would make such a statement. The MPDs are notorious for inconsistencies in production quality.Īnd that's ignoring the far superior pads and triggers on the controller. Neither the MPK nor the MPD are even in the same realm of production quality of integration with the MPC software. The MPC Studio MK2 is basically an MPC One in Controller Mode with less Q Links and the large display removed. I don't even think the extra QLinks can even come close to making up the deficit, frankly. Outside of having more rotary knobs to be used as QLinks, these controllers are not even in the same realm of integration as the Studio MK2 with the MPC Software. Just grab an MPK or MPD (which ironically provide better integration with the MPC Software than the Studio Mk 2 in many respects.). If you want a Controller that works well with software and is mappable to 3rd party applications, but also works well with an iPad: Nektar Aura Beat Composer - probably the more optimal choice, since it can also run off of AC power. Also, MIDI Controllers with 16 Pads (Oxygen Pro, KeyLab MKII, LaunchKey MK3, etc.) may be good enough - not very iPad-friendly, though. PreSonus ATOM may also work (very budget choice). If you want a Controller that works well with software and is mappable to 3rd-party applications: Maschine Mikro or Maschine MK3. Only get the Studio MK2 if you are all in with using the MPC 2 Software.

Outside of that, they are practically unusable. The MPC Studio is designed to be used with the MPC Software (Standalone or Plug-in). The MPC Range of products are only mappable within the MPC Software, or when used standalone.

Akai professional mpc studio 2