Oh cool,
Well, aside from my issue with having to disconnect the MPD32 to release that process upon a crash - There's not a lot of negatives I have to share about my experience using the MPD32. Overall, I'm still quite happy with it - though there are a lot of products out there that seem to be pretty awesome.
Pros and cons rundown from my own experience so far:
Cons:
-The above issue that may be resolved if/when I upgrade my OS as it's pretty much plug n' play on the driver side.
-The Vyzex editor installation took me a few runs before I got everything working although it's fantastic for linking and editing NN and CC assignments to the MPD32 and saving/editing Presets for it - I can't get rid of an error box that I send to the task bar and can not close it without exiting the Vyzex Editor.
-Their support is there but not amazing - both Akai Pro and Vyzex/Psicraft. Although, I haven't needed to contact anyone for support so far,just read their forums and website product info/support when a need arose.
Pros:
-The hardware is well made, sturdy and has been reliable.
-The MPC type pads when tweaked to suit are really responsive and expressive. Pressure sensitivity/after-touch comes in nicely.
-All of the Pads, sliders, buttons (aside from a few), encoder knobs and transport controls can be assigned to a heap of things.
-No issues for syncing with Reaper that I've used.
-gives you an extra midi in and a midi out for connecting up the 5pin variety of midi hardware into your pc/reaper etc..
-I now am use to and like the hands on editing on the unit itself (mapping notes etc)
I have thought at times though that a more no frills type MPC Pad style midi controller from Akai and perhaps something like what Novation offer for Daw/Software/Plug-in controllers could be somewhat better - but that's just a thought.. From what I've read and watched I think the Automap software that Novation use with their midi controllers are the bomb!
Hey hang in there with the girl trouble mate - Things always come good one way or another...
-a