About to buy a Trigger Finger

[Novelty]

So I'm about to pick up a used M Audio Trigger Finger for $30, but it works through its MIDI output, and not through its USB connector.

Will this hinder its usefulness?

I can connect it to my interface with MIDI, I'm just wondering if there are any of you out there who own one of these and can tell me whether or not I should buy it if the USB port does not work.

Will I be missing out on some sort of feature that only works via USB? Or will I be able to use it as a fully functioning controller by simply using its MIDI outputs?

Thanks.

[nowaysj]

You'd be missing out on the awesome sensitivity and feel of the pad kontrol

[Novelty]

lol.. i'm not looking for something sensitive or amazing.. just something to tap beats out on and edit in a DAW.

Unless of course you guys think I should just get an MPD 32... If its worth it, I'd much rather go with that.

[nowaysj]

In all honesty the pad kontrol whoops on both of those for tapping out beats. Only thing that betters a pad kontrol for banging out beats is an mpc4000. In my opinion at least.

This opinion is very firmly held, after trying a grip of pad interfaces.

[Novelty]

Care to point out the pros and cons you came across?

I don't have a lot of time on my hands, so if you can describe to me what it is you like about the pad kontrol I'd greatly appreciate it

[Sharmaji]

Make sure it includes a power adapter then-- or get a whole heap of batteries.

[meer]

you could get a nanopad or w/e the mini MPD is called for pretty cheap.
i don't think the trigger finger is made as well as PKs or MPDs, the only cool feature about it is the pads are pressure sensitive and can send CC stuff that way, but meh. no usb would be a hassle.

[nowaysj]

Care to point out the pros and cons you came across?

I don't have a lot of time on my hands, so if you can describe to me what it is you like about the pad kontrol I'd greatly appreciate it

The pad kontrol just does what it's supposed to do. You hit a pad, it triggers your sample (or whatever). You hit the pad with the same force, you get the same velocity cc sent to your sample, time and time again. Playing the trigger finger (and mpd to a lesser, but still significant extent) is like banging a piece of wood. Double trigger, doesn't trigger sometimes, never get the same velocity values. If you wanna have fun, you just want to tap out your beats, you don't want to loose a take because the snare didn't trigger, or your hats double triggered.

Do a bit of research on the web, and you'll see pretty clearly.

Also would recommend going into a guitar center and trying them out. Make sure they're hooked up to something so you can tell how it feels and what type of sound you get. I brought my laptop wired up to battery.