Akai MPC Sample Quickstart Guide

The Akai MPC Sample is a great portable sampler for DJs and producers of all skill levels. In this guide, we will show you how to register and use the hardware. Follow the sections below to get started. This guide will show you the basics, so be sure to refer to the MPC Sample User Guide and Akai’s MPC Sample Academy playlist for more in-depth information!

1. Register the MPC Sample
   • Akai MPC Sample Firmware Update
2. Connect Your Gear
   • USB Audio & MIDI
3. How to Use the MPC Sample
   • Kits & Samples
   • Songs & Sequences

Register the MPC Sample

Before you get set up, you must register the MPC Sample with Akai. After registering the unit, you will receive free licenses for the MPC software and plugins as well as a three-year extended warranty.

1. Log in to your inMusic account. If you don’t have an account yet, then you can create one here.
2. On your account home page, click “REGISTER NEW PRODUCT,” enter the serial number located on the unit (excluding the “21”), and complete the registration process.

Akai MPC Sample Firmware Update

IMPORTANT! Make sure you update the firmware before first use, as it adds day-one features and fixes that may not have been present in the previously installed version.

Keeping your MPC Sample up to date ensures you have the latest features and optimal performance. Akai has made the firmware update process a breeze. Updating the firmware online is the preferred method and the most straightforward.

1. Connect the MPC Sample to your computer or smart device then power the hardware. Make sure to use the factory-supplied cable!
2. Open your browser and go to http://mpc-sample.local, which is the Akai MPC Sample’s web updater.
3. If your device is out of date, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the firmware update.

Firmware Update Issues?

If you’re experiencing issues updating the MPC Sample firmware, here are a few things you can check.

• Make sure there’s a stable internet connection.
• Restart the device while it’s connected to your computer.
• Enter 192.168.155.1 into your browser instead.
• If you’re a Windows 10 user, then download the MPC driver first.

Getting Started with MPC Sample | How to Update MPC Sample

Connect Your Gear

NOTE: The MPC Sample features a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 5 hours, depending on use.

The MPC Sample is great for travel, but it’s also wonderful at home, as you can connect your audio and MIDI hardware (including CV). It also supports audio and MIDI over USB-C, which is perfect for recording directly from the unit. Here are a few setup and connection tips:

• Depending on the power sources and USB cable being used, the MPC Sample may only charge when it’s turned off. This is why it’s recommended to use the factory-supplied cable or a USB-C cable with a 5-volt, 2-amp power source.
• Both MIDI and CV configurations can be found in the MIDI Configuration menu.
• The built-in speakers will be deactivated when you connect headphones.
  

Getting Started with MPC Sample | Using External and MIDI Synths

USB Audio & MIDI

The MPC Sample can pass both audio and MIDI over USB. Depending on your connection configuration, you may need to enable it in the Input Configuration settings.

1. Hold SHIFT and press “SAMPLE (INPUT CONFIG).”
2. Navigate to Source and choose “USB.” This will enable USB audio.
3. Hold SHIFT and press pad 8 (MIDI CONFIG).
4. Navigate to MIDI Port and choose “USB.” This will enable MIDI over USB.
   • Make sure Pad MIDI Out is set to OFF If you want to trigger or sample an external synth via USB (such as a synth app on a mobile device).

Getting Started with MPC Sample | Using USB-C Audio and MIDI

Getting Started with MPC Sample | Sampling with Smart Device Using USB-C

How to Use the MPC Sample

NOTE: Use the main encoder to select the highlighted operation or folder.

The MPC Sample is a powerful sampler that is straightforward to use, making it perfect for creating quick beats and even recording full songs.

Kits & Samples

The MPC Sample offers hundreds of fantastic kits and samples, all fully customizable. You can also build your own kits from scratch from both factory and user samples, so you can create music in no time.

Loading Kits

1. To load a kit, hold SHIFT and press pad 16 (PROJECT).
2. Use the main encoder and navigate to Kits, locate the kit of your choice, then press “Load Kit” (function button 3, located above the display).

Creating Kits

To create a new kit, press “Pad Bank” to choose an empty bank.

Loading Samples

1. To load a sample, press the pad to which you wish to assign the sample, then press “SAMPLE SELECT.”
2. Use the main encoder to select the category and sample.

Getting Started with MPC Sample | Load and Save Samples

Import Samples via USB-C

NOTE: The MPC Sample supports .wav, .mp3, .aiff, .snd, .s1s, .s3s, .flac, and .ogg files at 24-bit or 16-bit; 44.1kHz, 48kHz, or 96kHz sample rate.

1. Insert an SD card then connect the MPC Sample to your computer.
2. Hold SHIFT,press pad 16 (PROJECT), then use the encoder to choose “SD Card Access.” The device will then be mounted to your computer.
3. Drag and drop your samples into the MPC Sample drive. Once complete, press “Exit” (function button 1) and disconnect the gear.
4. Press “Sample Select” and use the encoder to choose “SD Card Access”to start using imported samples.

Getting Started with MPC Sample | Transferring Sounds from Mac and PC

Sequences & Songs

TIP:If you have MPC3, then your MPC Sample projects can be transferred over for further tweaking!

Sequences are the building blocks of the MPC Sample. You can create a total of eight banks of 16 sequences, and those sequences can be arranged into a song. The great thing about the MPC Sample is that it’s simple to record your ideas.

Record Sequences

1. Press “SEQ”to enter Sequence Mode and press a dimly lit performance pad.
   • Dimly lit pads indicate an empty sequence.
2. Use the three Function buttons (above the display) and K1–K3 knobs to update the sequence’s settings (e.g., pattern length, BPM, quantization).
3. Press “SEQ REC”to record enable and then press “PLAY”to start recording. Once the sequence ends, it will automatically begin overdub recording.
4. Press “SEQ REC”to stop recording while continuing playback, or press “STOP”to stop both recording and playback.

Arrange Songs

1. Hold SHIFT and press pad 12 (SONG) to enter song mode.
2. Press the sequence you wish to add then press function button 3 to insert the sequence into the current slot. To remove a sequence from the slot, highlight it and press function button 2.

Getting Started with MPC Sample | How to Use Song Mode

Knowledge Base