PreSonus ATOM
A beginner USB pad controller with no keys, aimed at beat making, loop triggering and bank-based pad control, with tight Studio One integration. It's an entry point for producers who work primarily with pads and live in PreSonus's DAW. With no keybed and no CV/gate, melodic players or anyone needing hardware-synth control should pass.
Scores
BreakdownHideOverall55±6Caliber-forward blend — tier caliber + within-tier price rank 30%, value 25%, confidence 20%, compatibility 15%, upgrade path 10% — renormalized over applicable dimensions; excluded here: compatibility (no ecosystem dimension).
Scores
BreakdownHideCaliber-forward blend — tier caliber + within-tier price rank 30%, value 25%, confidence 20%, compatibility 15%, upgrade path 10% — renormalized over applicable dimensions; excluded here: compatibility (no ecosystem dimension).
The ± band on the overall score reflects sourcing confidence — wider when fewer specs are verified.
How each score is computed: our scoring methodology.
Specifications
| Spec | Value | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| keys | 0Flagged | Flagged |
| connection | USBPartially sourced | Partially sourced |
| cv gate | noPartially sourced | Partially sourced |
0/3 detail specs sourced · 1 flagged for verification. Amber rows are flagged for verification — we show them as reported, not confirmed.
Verdict
Best for
- Studio One integration
- budget pad control with banks
- beat making and loop triggering
Who should skip this
- Non-Studio One users — its tightest integration is with PreSonus's DAW, so others lose its main draw
- Modular players — there's no CV/Gate to drive analog hardware
- Melodic players — it's a pad grid with no keys for chords or leads
Where to buy
List price $130
Prices are a guide and can change — confirm the current price on the retailer's site before buying.
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Compatibility
No platform-specific compatibility requirements — this works in any standard music production setup.
Upgrade path
Buying today, the Akai Professional MPD218 scores higher for less — the smarter pick in midi controllers unless you specifically want this one. See it →