Vestax Pad One

A MIDI pad controller is particularly practical if you want to trigger clips, samples or hardware instruments directly via pads. The Vestax Pad One combines twelve velocity-sensitive, illuminated pads with an X/Y touchpad and four switchable banks for this purpose. It sends MIDI commands to compatible software or external devices and is also suitable for mobile use thanks to its robust aluminium housing.

The pads respond to velocity and can be used in up to four banks with different assignments. You can set MIDI notes, velocity, controller values and MIDI channels directly on the device. During editing, the controller also sends the changes as MIDI commands so that you can check the assignment immediately. A separate software editor is not required for this.

The X/Y touchpad controls MIDI parameters in real time. Together with the ROLL and CHROMATIC functions, it performs additional tasks: With ROLL, a pad repeats MIDI commands at the tempo set via TAP. The X-axis changes the repetition speed, while the Y-axis controls the volume. CHROMATIC divides the tempo into fixed rhythmic values; the HOLD function retains the last selected setting of the touchpad.

USB is available for connection to a computer; power is usually supplied via the USB bus. If the available USB power is insufficient, a 5-volt, 500 mA power supply unit can be used, which is available separately. For external MIDI devices, you use the mini-MIDI connector with the included adapter to a five-pin DIN MIDI connector.

With its compact dimensions and durable housing, the Pad One fits into mobile DJ and production setups. It is a suitable addition if you want to control software or MIDI hardware via pads and adjust assignments directly on the controller.