Beat pads are the key to your success in playing the drums. It’s one of the first things you should learn before venturing out to play in the band.
In this post, we’ll tell you about the best beat pads available today. We’ve rounded up the best beat pads for beginners, so you can choose the one that will get you started off on the right foot.
Comparison Table
Best beat pad for beginners Features In 2023
SaleBestseller No. 1
Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker with 16 Beat Pads, 2 Assignable Fader & Knobs and Music Production Software Included, USB MIDI Pad Controller STARRYPAD with 40 Free Courses
- 【16 Colorful Beat Pad Record 48 Custom Sound Sources】 The MIDI drum pad STARRYPAD's 16 soft silicone backlit pads can trigger drums, samples, effects and more. One convenient key allows you to quickly switch between 3 different pad banks for a total of 48 assignable pads. In addition, the beat maker STARRYPAD can handle polyphony and comes with adjustable velocity sensitivity. Regardless of your mood, the STARRYPAD will fill your rhythm with soul.
- 【Exclusive Equipment, Stamped with Your Personality】The drum pad machine STARRYPAD has an assignable custom group with 2 fader, 2 knobs, and 3 buttons, and you can customize the controls for a completely personalized instrument with DAW and VST. As a beat maker machine, the most commonly used semitones and octaves can be adjusted with one key SHIFT, sample and convenient.
- 【Powerful Compatibility】The beat machine comes with a standard USB C power supply and data interface for easy plug and play. (Tips: if you want to connect to your iPhone or iPad, you need to buy an Apple Lightning to USB Adapter) The additional MIDI in/out allows you to connect to an external synthesizer or other MIDI equipment. So no matter how you use it, the music pad STARRYPAD provides compatibility you can count on. (Comes with USB cable, type c adapter and MIDI cable)
- 【Your Exclusive Lighting Engineer】The midi controller pad STARRYPAD lights up the stage with 7 dazzling colors. Use playing instructions to trigger the brilliant lights making your rhythm doubly dynamic, or set the colors through editor and control the atmosphere on the dance floor.(Tips: the editor only can set the STAYYPAD, doesn't have the function of recording and arranging music)
- 【Boost Your Rhythm Game】Worried about a weak sense of rhythm? Tap Tempo is directly synchronized with DAW to help you quickly grasp the BPMs of any song and play along. In addition, Note Repeat's ultra-low latency perfectly connects each sample segment without getting stuck or errors!
Bestseller No. 2
AKAI Professional MPD218 - USB MIDI Controller with 16 MPC Drum Pads, 6 Assignable Knobs, Note Repeat & Full Level Buttons and Production Software
- Beat Production, Anywhere - Ultra-portable, feature-packed and USB powered pad controller with 16 thick fat MPC pads for triggering drums, melodic samples, effects and more
- Expandable Banks - Easily accessible dedicated controls for three pad banks provides a total of 48 assignable pads
- Assignable Control - 18 fully assignable 360-Degree potentiometers accessible via three banks for controlling DAW, virtual effect and virtual instrument parameters
- Feature Packed - MPC note repeat and full level controls for immersive expressive performances
- Comprehensive Software Suite Included - Ableton Live Lite, Drum Synth 500 by AIR Music Tech
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the finest features and essential production tools from the Akai Professional MPC Series
- iOS Connectivity Covered - Control your iOS apps and open up a world of pad control capability using the Camera Connection Kit (sold separately)
Bestseller No. 3
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software Included (White)
- Music Production and Beat Maker Essential – USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual synthesizer control and beat production
- Total Control of your Production - Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, plus a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes
- The MPC Experience - 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style MIDI beat pads with Note Repeat and Full Level for programming drums, triggering samples and controlling virtual synthesizer / DAW controls
- Complete Command of your Virtual Instruments and FX - 8 360-degree knobs assign to all your music studio plugins for mixing, tweaking synth controls and more
- 1500 plus Sounds and Everything You Need for Pro Production – Complete Music Production Starter Kit including MPC Beats, 6 Virtual Instruments and 2GB of sound content
SaleBestseller No. 4
Vangoa MIDI Keyboard Controller 25 Keys, Worlde Panda MINI USB Midi Keyboard with Drum Pads, Beat Maker Machine Pad, Black
- 🎹 [Portable Beat Maker Machine] Ultra-compact Worlde panda mini midi keyboard gives hands-on access to your music in no time when seized by sudden inspiration, ideal for get-go beginners, bedroom/home studio producers, YouTubers, vloggers, and DJs. Plug and play capability with USB powered release more time to create your next hit
- 🎹 [Get Midi Easily Under Control] 4+4 knobs, sliders, 4 memory banks, program, mod, and octave buttons within reach for instant recall of personal control preferences. After mapping it to your software, no more frequently switch from pc to midi controller. Help you concentrate all your efforts on music composition
- ✨ [Visualize Your Talents] midi keyboard with drum pads has 7 RGB colors assignable via the editor, provides rich visual feedback, dazzling light shines when you tap on it, adding delight-to-ear rhythm and strong visual appeal to your music
- 🎹 [Considerate Design for Users] Height difference in the control panel and keyboard section, add relative comfort for hands, sufficiently achieve flexible management of control-play interaction. 4 durable silicone pads underneath offer a stable performance on any surface, allowing you to dial up your music at will
- 💗 [Sincere Customer Service] We were keenly aware of what we should do to help beginners to start, so we prepared detailed user guides in word and video forms under the product page. You could rest assured that you will receive our best care
Bestseller No. 5
Hip-Hop Drum Pads 24
- - professional studio sounds
- - new soundpacks every month
- - video and tutorials
- - pitch slider bar
- - fresh design
- English (Publication Language)
Bestseller No. 6
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 – DJ controller with USB, ideal for beginners learning to mix - 2 tracks with 8 pads and sound card - Software and tutorials included
- Learn the Basics of Djing With the Controller'S Exclusive Features: Tempo and Beat Align Guides That Light Up, In Addition to The Assistant and Energy Functions
- Comprehensive Djing Software Included: Discover the Basics of Djing With Interactive Help and Integrated Tutorial Videos
- Choose Your Tracks Easily with The Intelligent Music Assistant, and Its Suggestions of today’s Hottest Tracks
- Learn the Right Moves Thanks to The Layout of the Buttons and Sliders, Like Those Found on A Professional Controller
- OS: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 / macOS 10.11 & higher
SaleBestseller No. 7
PreSonus ATOM Production & Performance Midi Pad Controller with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite Recording Software
- Tight integration with included Studio One Artist and Ableton Live (live 10 Lite included) music production software gets your mind off the screen and back on the beat.
- Produce, play virtual instruments, and trigger samples and loops with unsurpassed expressiveness and flexibility.
- Trigger loops and effects and play virtual instruments with 16 full-size velocity- and pressure-sensitive, RGB LED pads (and 8 assignable pad banks).
- Comes with over $1000 of computer recording software plug-ins – Studio Magic Plug-In Suite.
- Selectable pad velocity curves and pressure thresholds customize the pads' response for maximum expression.
- Equipped with 20 assignable buttons and 4 endless rotary encoders.
- MIDI "keyboard" mode, Note Repeat mode, and Full Velocity mode (application dependent).
- Includes MVP Loops content custom-curated for ATOM.
- Compatible with most music production and performance software via USB.
- Set looping points, navigate the timeline, zoom in/out on the timeline or events, and edit/quantize MIDI events.
SaleBestseller No. 8
![Novation Launchpad Mini [MK3] — Portable MIDI 64-Pad, USB Grid Controller for Ableton Live and Logic Pro Performances](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Qyi2af+jL._SL160_.jpg)
Novation Launchpad Mini [MK3] — Portable MIDI 64-Pad, USB Grid Controller for Ableton Live and Logic Pro Performances
- Seamless performances made easy - 64 vibrant RGB pads give you a perfect reflection of your Ableton Live session, making it easier than ever to see your clips. Know exactly which clips you are triggering for a seamless performance.
- The perfect companion for Ableton Live - Quickly launch your clips and scenes at the press of a button with our exceptional Ableton Live Integration. Stop, Solo, and Mute controls make it easier and more tactile to control your performances right from your Launchpad Mini, no mouse needed.
- Full of customisation for your needs - Novation Components is a tool to help you customise your Launchpad Mini. With three Custom Modes, edit mappings and control anything MIDI easily.
- Anytime. Anywhere. The portable device - Small and light, Launchpad Mini’s slim, lightweight design means it’ll fit into any setup, so that you have the control you need at all times. The bus-powered hardware is perfect for when you’re travelling around and need to save important space for your other items.
- Get started easily - It’s never been easier to get started. Download all the software you want with step-by-step video guides to get you set up and making music in minutes through Novation's interactive on boarding.
Bestseller No. 9
PreSonus ATOM Production/MIDI and Performance Pad Controller w/Professional Studio Microphone and Recording Kit
- Get everything you need in one box, and start recording straight away
- 16 full-size velocity- and pressure-sensitive, RGB LED pads
- Pressure switchable between MIDI aftertouch, channel pressure, and CC messages
- 20 assignable buttons and four endless rotary encoders
- LyxPro Professional microphone with Studio-Grade Mesh Microphone Pop Filter Improves Vocal Recording Quality & Eliminates Harsh Plosive Sounds
SaleBestseller No. 10
30-Minute Watercolor Painting for Beginners: Easy Step-by-Step Lessons and Techniques
- Rockridge Press (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 122 Pages - 07/26/2022 (Publication Date) - Rockridge Press (Publisher)
Is the MPD218 good for beginners?
The Akai Professional MPD218 comes with 16 high-quality velocity-sensitive pads.
If you need it, it also comes with 6 rotary encoders, 6 navigational buttons, and a remote control.
This MIDI controller comes with Ableton live. Ableton live is a popular DAW.
What MIDI controller should I start with?
The Akai MPK225 MIDI keyboard is a great choice for a beginner as it is easy to use, moderately priced, and will last for years into your music journey.
Is a MIDI keyboard good for beginners?
Learn the piano from scratch? If you’re looking to learn the piano, you’ve come to the right place.
It’s okay to start out with a MIDI keyboard. If you learn to play it well, you’ll be able to expand your skills
It will help you to save space and will make it easier to transport.
Some keyboards are more expensive than others, but if you can find a good, weighted 88 key keyboard, it’s really not that much
Do I Need a Beat Pad?
It’s critical to practice as much as possible, and on a real kit, if you can.
In fact, though it’s not always possible or practical to use a real drum kit every time you practice, it’s important to have one to get the most out of your practicing.
What do rappers use to make beats?
Our top pick for the best music software for rappers is Adobe Audition.
You can also use FL Studio and Samplitude Pro X5 to make awesome beats
Does the MPC Studio come with sounds?
Included with MPC Studio. You also get The 809, an MPC Expansion for punching the perfect beat—full collection of classic drum machine sounds, each with its own controls for maximum tweaking ability.
What is a MIDI drum pad?
Midi drum controllers work like midi keyboards, except you use pads instead of keys. They’re great for drums or percussion.
These controllers are used with virtual instruments in sequencing software to create beats and to trigger samples and are often found in home recording studio setups.
Are MIDI controllers worth it?
You’ll need to invest in an inexpensive MIDI keyboard if you are serious about recording at home.
Entering MIDI parts using a keyboard and mouse or controller is way easier than entering them in a piano roll editor.
This is not music that sounds robotic. This is how an instrument plays when a person is playing it, as opposed to sounding robotic.