How do I use my Akai MPK and MPD series controllers with a computer via USB and an external device via MIDI at the same time?

The following information was taken from this document from Akai’s knowledge base. Please refer to the document for a table describing the functions of the MIDI I/O as it is presented to your computer.

When the controller is powered via the optional MP6-1 power adapter alone (and is not connected via USB), the MIDI Out jack functions like it would on a stand-alone (non-USB) keyboard or MIDI controller. Any MIDI generated from the keys, pads, or controls will be sent out the MIDI Out jack.

However, when the controller is connected to the computer via USB, the MIDI In and MIDI Out jacks on the controller become inputs and outputs for the computer. The advantage of this is that in this situation, its like you have a USB MIDI controller, and a separate 1-in, 1-out USB MIDI interface.

So, when the controller is connected via USB, and you want to get MIDI from it’s keys, pads or controls to an external MIDI device connected to it’s MIDI Out jack, the signal needs to go into the computer and get routed (by your software) back out USB Audio Device (2) (or AKAI controller (2) on the Macintosh) to the controller’s MIDI Out jack, and on to your external MIDI device.

In Protools, Cubase, Sonar, or Ableton

1. In any existing project, create a new MIDI track.
2. Set the MIDI input for this track to USB Audio Device (or AKAI MPxxx on the Macintosh), or if you’ve set yourcontroller to send MIDI from output B, choose USB Audio Device (2) (or AKAI MPxxx (2) on the Macintosh).
3. Set the MIDI output for this track to USB Audio Device (2) (or AKAI MPxxx (2) on the Macintosh)
4. Set input monitoring for this track to On or In, so that incoming MIDI from the controller will be monitored and sentright back out the chosen output.
5. Note: If you experience a delay between the time when you strike a key or a pad, and when you hear a soundfrom your software or external MIDI module, open your software’s audio options, and reduce the buffer size of your sound card. This will reduce the overall latency, and will improve any MIDI delay you are experiencing.

In Logic

1. In any existing project, create a new External MIDI track.
2. Set the Port (MIDI output) for this track to AKAI MPxxx (2)
3. Turn on Record Ready for the MIDI track.
4. Note: If you experience a delay between the time when you strike a key or a pad, and when you hear a soundfrom your software or external MIDI module, open your software’s audio options, and reduce the buffer size of your sound card. This will reduce the overall latency, and will improve any MIDI delay you are experiencing.