- MPC Essentials<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Big Bang<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Setup and connections<\/strong><\/a>
- USB<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- MIDI<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- iOS device<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Customize the pad controls<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nRegister the Akai MPD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before we start, the first thing you\u2019ll need to do is create an account with Akai and register the MPD to your account. When you register your device, you\u2019ll gain access to the MPD software, drivers, and a premium collection of sounds. Follow these steps to register your device and then continue to Setup and connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n- Log in to your Akai account.<\/a> If you don\u2019t have an account yet, you can create one here<\/a>.<\/li>
- On the My Account<\/strong> page, click My Registered Products<\/strong> and enter the serial number located on the bottom of your device, then click Register Product<\/strong>. The serial number begins with (21).<\/li>
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your registration.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"AKAI](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2020\/02\/AKAI-Registration-page-1-1024x447.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nReturn to top<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDownload and install the bundled software<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve registered the MPD, you\u2019ll be able to download and install the bundled software. The MPC Renaissance DAW, Big Bang Drums, and Big Bang Cinematic Percussion sound libraries. Please note that you\u2019ll need to create an iLok account to activate the Big Bang plug-ins, so if you\u2019re new to iLok, keep this tab open and check out our iLok Quickstart Guide<\/a> and iLok License and Activation article<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
MPC Essentials<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n- On your account page, locate the latest version of MPC Essentials<\/strong>, and choose the installer for your OS.<\/li>
- Go to your Downloads <\/em>folder, and extract the installer.
- PC<\/strong>: Right-click the .zip<\/strong> file, select Extract All\u2026,<\/strong> then launch the installer.<\/li>
- Mac<\/strong>: Double-click the .zip<\/strong> file, then launch the installer.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Fill out the information, including the MPC Beats serial number located on your account page, to complete the authorization.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nBig Bang<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IMPORTANT: <\/strong>At the end of the Big Bang installation, you will be prompted to restart your computer. DO NOT <\/strong>restart your computer. Rather, download and install the latest version of iLok License Manager. If you already have iLok License Manager, uninstall that version, then install the latest version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t have an iLok account, you\u2019ll need to create one at this time. Check out our iLok Quickstart Guide for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n- On your account page, locate the latest version of Big Bang Drums<\/strong> and Big Bang Cinematic Percussion 2.5<\/strong>, and choose the installer for your OS.<\/li>
- Go to your Downloads <\/em>folder, and extract the installer.
- PC<\/strong>: Right-click the .zip<\/strong> file, select Extract All\u2026,<\/strong> then launch the installer.<\/li>
- Mac<\/strong>: Double-click the .zip<\/strong> file, then launch the installer.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Launch the iLok License Manager app.<\/li>
- Click the \u201c..I\u201d<\/strong> button (next to the search bar) to view the prompt.<\/li>
- Enter the codes located in your Akai account and click Next<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Select where you want to activate the licenses, then click Activate<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n![\"iLok](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2018\/11\/iLok-Quickstart-Hero-Image-1024x536.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLearn more about how to get up and running with iLok and iLok License manager<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\nLearn More<\/a>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Activate](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2018\/11\/iLok-Activation-Codes-and-Licenses-Hero-Image-1024x536.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLearn more about how to get up and running with iLok licenses and activation!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nLearn More<\/a>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nReturn to top<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nSetup and connections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve registered the MPD with Akai, we\u2019ll walk you through the different types of connections you can make on the device. From external synths and drum machines to computers, the way you can create music is endless. Depending on what gear you\u2019re connecting, no additional setup is required, either.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nUSB<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The MPD is typically used as a drum machine connected to a computer. All you need to do is use the included USB cable and connect it to your computer. It\u2019s class-compliant as well, meaning no additional drivers are necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also bus-powered<\/a>, but we recommend connecting it directly to the computer, using the AKAI MP6-1 power supply<\/a>, or using a powered USB hub. Connecting it to an unpowered hub can result in loss of connectivity and performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My MPD isn’t showing up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the device is powering on but not being recognized by your computer, try a different USB port and USB cable. Also, be sure that they are fully connected at both ends. If neither of these solutions works, check out our guide for more information on how to troubleshoot MIDI devices on PC and Mac<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"MIDI](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/MIDI-troubleshooting-guide-1024x536.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nResolving MIDI Device Issues on PC and Mac<\/a>\n\n\n\nLearn more about how to resolve MIDI device issues on PC and Mac<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learn More \u2192<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMIDI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NOTE: <\/strong>The MIDI physical MIDI connections are only available on the MPD226, but the process outlined below applies to both the MPD218 and 226.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The MPD comes with two 5-pin MIDI to 3.5mm cables for you to connect external MIDI devices such as a synth or drum machine. Just like USB connections, the MIDI connections are straightforward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n- If an external device is connected to the MIDI Out<\/strong>, your computer can send MIDI messages out along this path: Computer > MPD226 > External Device<\/em>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- If an external device is connected to the MIDI In<\/strong>, the external device sends MIDI messages in along this path: External Device > MPD226 > Computer<\/em>. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
How do I change the clock source on my MPD?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have something tempo-based that you want to sync the MPD to, you\u2019ll need to change the MIDI clock source. You can change the clock<\/a> of your MPD from Internal <\/em>to External <\/em>at any time you want. For example, if you want your MPD to follow the tempo of your DAW, you would need to set the clock to External<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n- To change it on the MPD218, press Pad 15<\/strong>. If the light is on, it means the MPD218 is set to external. <\/li>
- To change it on the MPD226, press the Global <\/strong>button, then use the arrow buttons until you get to the Clock GLOBAL <\/em>display. Use the knob to switch between internal and external.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Sync-MIDI-Devices-Featured-Image\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2020\/10\/Sync-MIDI-Devices-Featured-Image-1024x536.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nPlays Well with Others – How to Sync Your MIDI Hardware<\/a>\n\n\n\nLearn more about how to sync your MIDI hardware<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learn More \u2192<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\niOS device<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re an iOS user, then you’re in luck. You can connect your MPD to your iOS device and create music on the fly! All you need is an official Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter<\/a>. No additional power supply is necessary, either. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n- Turn your iPad on and launch the MIDI app you’ll be using.<\/li>
- Press and hold the Note Repeat <\/strong>button (MPD218) <\/em>or the Up<\/strong> cursor button (MPD226).<\/em><\/li>
- Connect the MPD to the iPad via the Lighting to USB Camera Adapter.<\/a><\/li>
- The MPD should now be in low-power mode and ready to use!<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nReturn to top<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nCustomize the controls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Another great thing about the MPD is that it has dedicated standalone software to edit pad, fader, and knob parameters outside of your DAW. Having the ability to customize everything is especially useful if you’re using a different DAW, different plugins, or other sets altogether. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
TIP: <\/strong>If you’re planning on assigning a drum to a pad, change its Trigger Mode<\/em> to Momentary<\/strong>. Or, if it’s a loop or a pad, select Toggle<\/strong>. Momentary is essentially a “one-shot” where Toggle is like a light switch. The loop\/pad won’t stop until you press the pad it’s assigned to again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n- Go to your MPD\u2019s product page on the Akai website, locate the MPD Editor <\/strong>in the Downloads <\/em>section, and choose the download for your OS.
- MPD218<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- MPD226<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Navigate to your Downloads <\/em>folder, launch the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions.<\/li>
- Connect the MPD to your computer and launch the MPD Editor<\/strong> app.<\/li>
- Click on the pad\/fader\/knob you wish to edit to change the parameters. <\/li>
- Click any parameter at the top right of the window (PRESET section)<\/em> to make global changes to your preset.<\/li>
- Once complete, go to File<\/strong>, then click Send To Hardware<\/strong>. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"MPD](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2020\/12\/MPD-Editor-screenshot.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMPD Editor home screen<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n - MPD226<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- MPD218<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Connect the MPD to the iPad via the Lighting to USB Camera Adapter.<\/a><\/li>
- To change it on the MPD226, press the Global <\/strong>button, then use the arrow buttons until you get to the Clock GLOBAL <\/em>display. Use the knob to switch between internal and external.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- To change it on the MPD218, press Pad 15<\/strong>. If the light is on, it means the MPD218 is set to external. <\/li>
- If an external device is connected to the MIDI In<\/strong>, the external device sends MIDI messages in along this path: External Device > MPD226 > Computer<\/em>. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Mac<\/strong>: Double-click the .zip<\/strong> file, then launch the installer.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Go to your Downloads <\/em>folder, and extract the installer.
- Mac<\/strong>: Double-click the .zip<\/strong> file, then launch the installer.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Go to your Downloads <\/em>folder, and extract the installer.
- On the My Account<\/strong> page, click My Registered Products<\/strong> and enter the serial number located on the bottom of your device, then click Register Product<\/strong>. The serial number begins with (21).<\/li>
- MIDI<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Big Bang<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>