I ' m pretty sure it ' s more about the software DAW you run on the Mac . Some Pads include their own software , others come with bundled versions of something like the industry standard Ableton Live . You can check out system requirements and download a trial at their site . I don ' t think Garageband fully supports all controllers , something to do with Control Surface support ? Not really sure , tbh . iRig Pads are sold in Apple Stores Novation ' s Launchpads . Akai also make Abletoncompatible Drum Padscontrollers You can also find iOS apps to turn iPads into Beat Pads . Some of the above Pads will also interface with an iPad , but be careful because some of the Pads expect to be powered from the USB bus . <| sep |> Tarabas from Princess Fantaghiro