Anyone know if someone makes a unit like the discontinued Alesis Control Pad?
A set of pads without sounds that just function as a trigger/control unit. Midi could be through a standard midi cable or usb.
I've seen a fair amount of trigger units, and pads with sounds, but it seems there's a big hole in the market for a set
of multi pads that's just a controller.
If Alesis would re-issue it, I'd probably pick one up. Most used ones I've seen have issues or are overpriced.
It's been almost 20 years since the ControlPad was released.
Market changed..more users want more compact setups with onboard sounds or the capability to import ..strictly MIDI Controllers or TMI also require additional hardware etc.
The Alesis Multipads/Samplepads can also be used as a MIDI Controllers and range from $150-500 (4-8 Pads) for used.
There were numerous versions over the years...
Roland Octapads have been around since the 1980's..Roland PAD-8..Octapad II..
They are MIDI Only..you can find used early versions in the $200-250 range.
The later Model Octapads..SPD.. have onboard sound etc and much higher price.
There is a Knock-Off often referred to as OKTOPAD...Carlsbro (OKTO A Multipad)
Alternate Mode/
KAT Percussion (once upon a time..the same company)...started off with the MalletKAT (1984) and are one of the few left to still offer just MIDI Controllers..and are often out of stock.They do offer upgrades for older Models...ebay and Reverb are usually loaded with the older DrumKATs.
The low end controller is the KTMP1 (2014) Multipad (onboard sound)... a 4 Pad for $120
Used drumKAT (1988) or DrumKAT Turbo (1993) MIDI Controller..same $200-250 range as the older Roland gear..
The older units didn't require a separate a Trigger Box or Interface.
the more recent HybriKIT is in the $500 range..requires an additonal FSR interface..
The High End Multipad MIDI Controller is the TrapKAT $2K
Older MIDI gear didn't have USB so you'll see
"Untested" DrumKATs or early Roland Octapads (PAD 8,PAD 80,SPD 8 etc ) in the $100-200 range
Yamaha has the DTX-MULTI M12 (2010)...early Yamaha Multipad was the Yamaha DD-5 (1990)
It depends on how many Pads and budget...and what you consider overpriced.
Older gear typically may require some form of maintenance/restoration...especially 30-40 year old Jacks/Pads/Piezos etc...the clocks ticking..and reliability comes into question , along with parts availability.
You can DIY a setup ..program an Arduino, Raspberry PI etc as a TMI , however you'll easily spend as much if not more than a used Multipad.
Check Amazon..there are numerous Multipad Knockoffs (mostly Chinese) in the $250-400 that can also be used a MIDI Controllers
Drum modules/Multipads are all TMI..what has changed/evolved over the years is the addition of an onboard Sound Generator and the capability of importing users samples.
I don't see anyone releasing just a MIDI Controller version of a MultiPad in the foreseeable future..
There just simply isn't a demand for it..
EDIT:Added Image,links.
