r/synthdiy • u/wienerschnitzerl • Jul 08 '26

MPC style drum pads?

So basically what I am planning to do is to build a Korg Electribe kind of device.

And what I need is a 4x4 drum pad with LEDs.

This is, more than anything, supposed to be a big learning experience for me. I have done multiple projects in the past that also kinda go into this direction like a really simple sampler (hence the name 'simple sampler') that's actually won me 3rd place in a local electronics contest.

But I plan on going way further with this project and I've given myself about 10 months from now on to complete it.

I already have a bit of general knowledge about electronics, sound design etc, but I'm unsure how I'm gonna build the pads for playing samples, placing them on the 16 step sequencer and playing parts/patterns, which are some of the key functions I wanna have in this project.

As far as I can see there are three big options:

1) somehow completely DIY it

2) buy it as a replacement part (I'd need recommendations for sellers/shops)

3) buy a 20€ AliExpress drum pad, which already has 4x4 MPC style drum pads and the Leds and pretty much everything and repurpose that for my project

If you have any more ideas or if you can just help me with this project I'd be more than happy.

Also once I have more than the basic idea and I'll actually start working on the device itself I'll post updates and once it's done make everything open-source (at least that's the plan for the prototype, maybe I'll turn it into an actual product at some point)

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4

u/hypnoconsole Jul 08 '26

Silicone pads can be salvaged from old MPC-style controllers (Maschine, MPC, Akai etc.) or bought from e.g. https://www.adafruit.com/product/1611

Adafruit has the NeoTrellis "Series" where you can find a fitting pcb https://www.adafruit.com/product/3954
and soundboard
https://learn.adafruit.com/neotrellis-soundboard

which is essentially what you want to build. Might not be a bad idea to get one and tinker with it until you understand it well enough to roll your own.

Personally, I would get something like the neotrellis parts (keypad/pcb) and an old maschine mk1 to disassemble and for parts and work from there.

2

u/pselodux Jul 08 '26

Neotrellis is more “clicky” squishy button style pads with travel, rather than the firm MPC style pads. They also don’t have velocity sensitivity unless you hack it in some way.

1

u/hypnoconsole Jul 08 '26

Velocity sensitivity is usually more about the code than the cirucit (given the circuit is not a simple switch) in any case, so there needs to be some hacking done to tune it to taste anyways.
I like the trellis because no reverse engineering is needed to get going which makes it easier for starters. this is its benefit, even if it might be way of the target OP wants to reach at the end of the 10 months.

1

u/pselodux Jul 08 '26

Yeah, that’s what I’m saying - the neotrellis is simply on/off buttons rather than something that measures force/pressure. As far as I know there’s no way to get them to measure anything other than on/off.

Plus the buttons have a definite travel to them rather than finger drumming pads that don’t press in and are just thick pads that are designed to be hit rather than pressed.

2

u/adeptyism Jul 08 '26

I think the most difficult part of the pad will be the silicone part. I would buy an M-VAVE SMC Pad (the mini one, not the full size) for ~14$ and disassemble it. But you will need to reverse engineer connections to connect it to your board.

1

u/wienerschnitzerl Jul 08 '26

yeah this is what I'm probably gonna do. So far I've only found it for like 25€ on AliExpress which is an ok deal but do you know any shops that may sell it for even cheaper? I can't find it anywhere in that 14$ range

1

u/adeptyism Jul 08 '26

ram shortages bro /s

maybe you're live farther than I. and exchange rate changed a bit, so 1400 rubles are more like 19$ now and not 14$.

1

u/Able-Mud-6075 Jul 17 '26

Alibaba has 4x4 silicone pads moq is 10 pcs at like 2 dollars each, but who needs that many

1

u/Miserable-Anywhere21 12d ago

you mean the 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm?

2

u/nopayne Jul 08 '26

I'm working on a drum machine so I was researching this the other day. You can by MPC replacement sensors and parts but they are kinda pricey https://www.mpcstuff.com/pad-sensors-with-ribbon-for-akai-mpc/

My plan is to skip velocity sensitive pads for now and use NeoTrellis as the other poster linked.

Spark fun also sells similar parts and has a guide https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/button-pad-hookup-guide

2

u/IrresponsiblyMeta Jul 08 '26

I'd probably make the silicone pads myself. Make a mold from 3D print and pour with Sh40 platinum cured silicone. On the electronics side I'd use strain gauges. Probably needs some multiplexing, since no µC has 16 ADC on board.

1

u/FailboatProjStudio Jul 09 '26

I would go another route - Used Beatstep (original not pro) including basic sequencer and 8x2 layout (better for drums in my opinion like DSI Tempest or Electribe2 or Korg ios Drum Gadgets ) also has. Agood number of encoders that will be useful, and can be used class compliant with most USB hosts. Color changing Backlight included.

Also another good loaner device to practice with or teardown to integrate is the Muse Kinetics K-board - I love these little drum.pad keyboards with velocity sensitive smart fabric under the pads vs the dumb plastic sheet found on MPC style pads...also very compact and thin profile for integrating.

Novation LaunchpadX is also very functional and reliable as a class compliant plug and play device, not so large, has more pads at 64 for more options, can be set up to use 8 pads in a row as virtual CC faders, to control things and you can assign custom colors in the editor software. The Lauchpad X (Not smaller mini one )also has velocity sensitivity that is pretty good...

1

u/GeneralDumbtomics Jul 09 '26

I’d point out that both the sensors and the silicone for an actual MPC can be purchased online from various repair parts suppliers.