PD705 Sample Pad Portable Multipad for Drummers - Compact Performance

Our review of the PD705 Sample Pad finds it best suited for drummers and beatmakers who need a compact, portable percussion solution with broad sound coverage. The PD705 shines as a practice and live backing device because it packs 9 dual-zone velocity sensitive pads and 592 built-in percussion and effects sounds into a small unit, plus recording and looping for creating simple backing parts. It is not a replacement for a full electronic kit, but it delivers immediate playability and connectivity for rehearsal, small gigs, and home production.

Key Features

• 9 Dual-zone Pads: Nine velocity sensitive pads let a single player trigger drum and cymbal sounds with dynamic response for expressive practice and performance.
• 592 Sounds and 30 Kits: A large library of drum, percussion and effect voices arranged into preset kits gives instant access to styles from rock to classic and regional flavors.
• Recording and Looping: Built-in record and playback functions allow quick creation of loops and patterns for rehearsals or layering during live sets.
• Flexible Connectivity: USB-B, 5-pin MIDI In/Out and 1/4 in stereo outputs make it easy to route audio, sync with DAW, or trigger external modules and backing tracks.
• Expandable Triggering: TRIG inputs and FS footswitch jacks support adding extra pads and hi-hat or kick pedals for more realistic setups.
• Onboard Effects and Processing: Equaliser, limiter and reverb let users shape the sound without external gear for quick tone tweaks on stage.

Who It's For

The PD705 is aimed at gigging drummers, percussionists in small venues or DJs who need a compact pad with a wide palette of sounds and easy connectivity to amps and computers. Its portability and built-in kits make it a practical practice tool for drummers who want realistic drum voices without hauling a full kit.

Prospective buyers who need high-end module reliability, a full multi-pad surface, or an extensive touchscreen interface should look elsewhere; some users report mixed experience with build and menu navigation so studio professionals wanting a premium workflow may prefer more expensive modules.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent value with a broad sound library and usable presets for many styles.
• Good playability from the 9 dual-zone velocity pads for expressive triggering.
• Strong connectivity options including USB-B and 5-pin MIDI for DAW integration.
• Expandable with extra triggers and footswitches to approximate a larger kit.

Cons

• Some users find the user manual and interface confusing, which can slow initial setup.
• Mixed reports on long-term build reliability from a few customers; expect basic construction rather than premium ruggedness.

Specifications

Pads	9 dual-zone velocity sensitive
Sound Library	592 drum, percussion and effects sounds
Preset / User Kits	30 preset kits, 20 user kits
Storage	512MB total, 128MB Flash-ROM, USB sample loading
Connections	USB-B, 5-pin MIDI In/Out, 1/4 in L/R outputs, 1/4 in headphone, 1/8 in AUX
Trigger Expansion	TRIG1/2 and TRIG3/4 inputs; FS1/FS2 footswitch inputs

Our Verdict

The PD705 Sample Pad is a smart, budget-friendly choice for drummers who want a portable multipad with a huge sound set and useful connectivity. It provides real value for practice, small live gigs and quick studio sketching, though buyers looking for premium build or a sophisticated interface should temper expectations. For the price, its sound variety and expandability make it a practical addition to many setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the PD705 connect to a DAW?
The PD705 uses USB-B and 5-pin MIDI to interface with a computer and can trigger DAW instruments or send MIDI for recording.

Can I add extra pads or pedals?
Yes, TRIG1/2 and TRIG3/4 accept extra trigger pads and FS1/FS2 accept hi-hat or kick footswitch pedals.

Does it support loading user samples?
Yes, the unit accepts user samples via USB stick into the 128MB Flash-ROM portion of its 512MB storage.