I have a MPD18 16 pad midi controller that I'd like to use for creating midi drum tracks.  However, when I am using it, I hit the pads fairly hard and all the note velocities end up at 127.  I looked in the MPD18 manual and didn't find a way to reduce the sensitivity of the pads so that when I hit them there is some variability in velocities.  I know it will send lower velocities because if I tap the pads lightly, I get lower ones (but I can't keep time when I tap lightly.)  Anybody know how I might do that?
 
I know I can edit velocities in Sonar, but I would rather "get it right at the source" so to speak.

A look at the quick setup guide reveals a "Full Level" option which will send a 127 out no matter how hard or soft you hit the pads. I can't get into the editor software, but that is where I would look. Usually there is a velocity curve option to tailor the responses, however this is a pretty inexpensive box do maybe you are expecting more than it can give.

Thanks, I know about that button and that's not what's going on.  I can play softly and get lower velocities.  I may be expecting too much from this controller but I thought I'd ask before trying to change my play style (or just using my Midi keyboard.)

A quick Google check reveals that there is indeed no velocity curve options. However, I did find a forum post about changing the velocity. Involves modding the pads I think. Anyway here is the link:
https://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php?p=977619

Thanks for that link.  It seems like it solves the opposite problem I have.  I tap hard enough to get a midi event.  In fact I tap so hard that I get a midi event with a velocity of 127.  Holding back on my tapping force allows me to get a lower velocity midi event, but I struggle to get good rhythms when trying not to hit as hard.
 
I may still try to the mod to see if it makes any difference.  If I end up breaking the unit, its not that big a loss.  I may also see if I can swap out a different pad material, too.

Without being able to change velocity curves there is probably not a lot of options other than practice, practice, practice.
I was bemoaning my "lack of articulation" with pads and thought it was the pads fault until someone who is a drummer made me look foolish by making a really expressive beat in minutes.
I am now a lot better at it but for three levels of soft medium and hard which is enough most of the time, anything special I just edit velocities in the software

I have the opposite problem with my MPD26.
 
The 26 has threshold and sensitivity settings for pads.  Are you sure the 18 doesn't?

Ok, this is from left field..... How about pads or gloves for your fingers? Foam? Just a random thought.

Might lighter sticks help?

tlw
Might lighter sticks help?

Its not that kind of drum pad.  Its a 16 pad midi controller.  My fingers are my fingers (although there are a couple of suggestions up thread that might be interesting.)
 
If this was posted in Sarcastica Font (TM) I missed it.