Akai MPD24 Drums User Manual


 
14
Editing Pads
The pads on the MPD24 can either be set to transmit Note or Program Change information
when they are hit. The default operation of the pads is set to Note, which means that when a
pad is hit it will generate Note On/Off messages to trigger sounds. The pads may also be set
up to transmit Program Change information, which allows you to switch to different programs
(instruments or sound banks) on your DAW or external device by hitting the pads. If you
would like to know more about Program Change, please read ‘Program Change Mode’ on
page 25.
What is a Note Message?
A Note Message is a MIDI message that tells an instrument to play
a note. More generally, this means that Note Messages are used to
start and stop sounds. When you press one of the pads, a ‘Note On’
message is sent to your DAW or external device. This toggles a
note or sample. When you release the pad, a ‘Note Off’ message is
sent. This message will stop the note or sample.
What is a Program Change?
A Program Change Message allows you to tell your DAW or
external device to switch to a new program. Most often, these
programs are collections of samples or instruments. You can use
Program Change to tell your DAW or external device to switch to a
new instrument or bank of sounds.
For more information, see ‘Program Change Mode’ on page
25.