IK iRig Pads – MIDI Groove Controller for iPhone, iPad, Mac & PC

The iRig Pads is a compact MIDI pad controller with 16 velocity-sensitive, backlit pads, built for finger drumming, triggering samples and launching loops on an iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC. It suits beat makers who work on the go, producers who want pads next to their keyboard, and iPad musicians who want real pads instead of tapping glass.

16 velocity-sensitive pads

The pads sit in the classic 4 x 4 grid used by most beat-making software, so drum kits and sample banks map naturally. They respond to how hard you hit, and their lighting changes between three colours to reflect your playing velocity and the MIDI data coming from your app. You can see what’s happening without looking at the screen.

Controls for more than drums

Beside the pads you get two knobs, two pushbuttons, a slider and a push-button rotary encoder. Every control is MIDI-assignable, so you can map them to filter sweeps, effect sends, volume or sample parameters in your software.

16 scenes for instant recall

Your custom mappings can be stored as up to 16 user scenes and recalled instantly, so you can keep one layout for drums, another for a synth and another for your DAW. Six scenes come pre-programmed, and IK’s free editor for Mac and PC lets you build and transfer your own.

Thin, light and bus powered

At 190 x 205 x 23 mm, the iRig Pads is smaller than an iPad and thin enough for a laptop bag. It draws its power from the device it’s connected to, so there are no batteries to charge and no power adapter to carry. It is MIDI class-compliant, which means it works with any MIDI-capable app or DAW without special drivers.

Connections

A Lightning cable connects it to iPhone and iPad, and a USB cable connects it to a Mac or PC; both are included. Older iOS devices with a 30-pin connector need a separate 30-pin cable. There’s also an expression/sustain pedal input, so you can hold notes or sweep a parameter with your foot while your hands stay on the pads.

Who is the iRig Pads for?

• Beat makers who want to program drums on an iPad or laptop while travelling
• Producers who already have a keyboard and want dedicated pads for drums and samples
• Live performers who trigger loops, one-shots or backing parts from a computer
• Beginners who want an affordable, simple way into finger drumming

Who should look elsewhere?

The iRig Pads has no built-in sounds and no audio interface, so it always needs a computer, iPhone or iPad running a music app. If you want a box that makes sound on its own, browse our drum machines and pad controllers. If you also need to record a vocal or guitar, you’ll need one of our audio interfaces.

iRig Pads vs iRig Keys I/O 25

Both are portable IK controllers that work with iOS, Mac and PC. The iRig Pads focuses on pads, with 16 of them in a full 4 x 4 grid. The iRig Keys I/O 25 has 8 pads plus 25 full-size keys and a built-in audio interface with a mic/guitar input. Choose the iRig Pads if you mainly program drums and trigger samples, or if you already own a keyboard and interface. Choose the Keys I/O 25 if you want one device for melodies, beats and recording. Compare more options in our MIDI controllers range.

Getting started tips

• Load a drum kit in your app or DAW first, then select the matching pre-programmed scene so the pads line up with the sounds.
• Use the knobs and slider for the parameters you change most often, such as filter, reverb send or volume, and save the layout as your own scene.
• Add a sustain pedal if you also use the pads to play chords or melodic samples.

Key Features

• 16 velocity-sensitive, backlit rubber pads in a 4 x 4 grid
• Pad lighting in three colours responds to velocity and MIDI data
• 2 knobs, 2 pushbuttons, 1 slider and 1 push-button rotary encoder, all programmable
• 16 user scenes plus 6 pre-programmed scenes
• Free scene editor for Mac and PC
• Expression/sustain pedal input
• MIDI class-compliant: sends and receives MIDI
• Bus powered: no batteries or adapter needed
• Lightning and USB cables included

iRig Pads FAQ

Does the iRig Pads need batteries or a power supply?

No. It is powered by the device it’s connected to, over the Lightning or USB cable.

Does it make sound on its own?

No. It is a MIDI controller, so it plays sounds in an app or DAW on your iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC.

Which cables are in the box?

A Lightning cable for iPhone and iPad, and a USB cable for Mac and PC. A 30-pin cable for older iOS devices is sold separately.

Will it work with my DAW?

It is MIDI class-compliant, so it works with any app or DAW that accepts MIDI input, and every control can be assigned to the parameters you need.

Can I connect a sustain or expression pedal?

Yes. There is a dedicated pedal input for an expression or sustain pedal (sold separately).

Why buy from 10dB

10dB is an Australian online audio store. Orders leave the warehouse the same day they are placed and ship with Australia Post, usually arriving within 3 to 5 days. You can pay with PayPal, Afterpay, Zip, Google Pay or card, with no card surcharge. Have a question before you buy? Call 1300 755 540 or email support@10db.com.au.