Akai Pro MPK and MPD Series - Setup with Logic Pro X

The Akai MPK and MPD series controllers are powerful music production tools that integrate well with a variety of popular digital audio software. This guide covers how to setup your MPK or MPD controllers with Apple's Logic Pro X.

Contents

1. MPK/MPD Hardware Settings
2. Logic Pro X Sync and Transport Settings
3. Logic Pro X Controller Assignments
4. Further Technical Support

MPK/MPD Hardware Settings

1. Connect your MPK/MPD series controllers to your computer with a USB cable.
2. Choose a Generic preset.
   
   1. Press the Preset button.
   2. Turn the value knob until you reach any preset labeled Generic.
   3. Push down on the value knob to finalize the selection.
3. Press the GLOBAL button.
4. Using the left/right cursor arrows (below the value knob), navigate to the right until you reach the MIDI CLK menu.
5. Turn the value knob until this reads EXTERNAL.
6. Push down on the value knob to finalize the selection.
7. Press the PRESET button to return to the main menu.
   
   

Logic Pro X Sync and Transport Settings

1. Open Logic Pro X and create a new session.
2. From the top bar, click the ProjectSettings button and select Synchronization.
   
   

   
   
   

3. In the Syncronization window, select the MIDI tab.
4. In the MIDI Clock section, check the Destination 1 box and, in the drop down menu below, select Port 1 for whichever MPD or MPK series controller you have. In the MIDI Machine Control (MMC) section, check the Listen to MMC Input box.

Logic Pro X Controller Assignments

1. From the top bar, select Logic Pro X > Control Surfaces > Controller Assignments. This menu allows you to map the faders and knobs of your MPK or MPD controller to continuous controls in Logic Pro X like volume, pan, as well as any parameter in Logic Pro X's effects and instruments. Many 3rd party effects and instruments will also work in this same way.
   
   

   
   
   

2. In the Controller Assignments window, click the Learn Mode button at the bottom right corner so it is highlighted in blue.
   
   

   
   
   

3. While Learn Mode is active, click and move any parameter in Logic Pro X you want to control such as the channel strip controls (volume, pan). You will see the Control and Parameter columns change.
   
   

   
   
   

4. Next, move the MPD/MPK fader or knob you want to assign to that control. The parameter should begin to move/respond to the control immediately. You will see the Control and Parameter columns change to reflect which control has been learned.
   
   
   
   
5. Repeat these steps for any other type of parameter you want to map. When you are finished, make sure to click Learn Mode again (so it is no longer highlighted).

NOTE: Logic Pro X stores these controller assignments globally. If you close and re-open the software or start a new project, your controller assignments will always remain. 

Technical Support & Warranty Service

Each product has a dedicated support page on the website where you can find manuals, specifications, software updates, drivers and troubleshooting guides: www.akaipro.com

Visit the link below to connect with any of the following support options: online community support, phone support, email support.

www.akaipro.com/support