You can connect any class compliant USB audio interface or MIDI controller or keyboard to your iPhone or iPad. This article shows you what devices you can connect, and also includes some tips to ensure success when using the Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter.
The MPK mini MKII is an ultra-compact keyboard controller designed for the traveling musician and the desktop producer. With an array of hardware controls, MPK mini lets you record, compose, and perform with virtual instruments, effect plugins, and DAWs whenever inspiration strikes. This articles walks through the basics of getting to know the MPK mini MKII Editor.
The following guide walks through the procedure to erase and update the firmware on the Akai Professional MPK or MPD series controllers. This applies to the MPK25, MPK49, MPK61, MPK88, MPD24, MPD32.
Generally users will look for a firmware update for their product for one of two reasons:
Akai has added new controller presets for select software titles which may interest some customers. However, the feature set of the MPD and MPK products generally will not change over time via Firmware updates, and reinstalling the firmware is not recommended as a troubleshooting method for any specific difficulty. Because of this, only customers who require specific new controller presets offered by a particular update are encouraged to update.
Please carefully review the remainder of this guide for more information about whether you should consider a firmware update for your MPD or MPK series controller.
This guide provides an easy to follow introduction to setting up an Akai MPK mini with Ableton Live. Make sure to connect the MPK mini to a USB port before opening Ableton Live. The example below was performed using Windows XP and Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition, Version 8.1.3.
The MPK Mini MKII is an ultra-compact keyboard controller designed for the traveling musician and the desktop producer. If you just picked up on one of these handy controllers, you may be wondering: what do I do next? Look no further! This guide compiles all of the best articles and tutorials to help you get completely up and running, and take your productions to the next level.
The MPK mini MKII is an ultra-compact controller designed for the travelling musician and desktop producer. Along with MPC Essentials, the MPK Mini MKII comes with three content packs to help you get started producing beats and making music. This guide walks through where to find those content packs and how to use them.
The Akai MPK2 series controllers combine deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK225, MPK249, and MPK261 are engineered to be all-in-one controller solutions for comprehensive interfacing and manipulation of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. This articles walks through how to setup the MPK2 series controller with Logic Pro X.
The Akai MPK2 series controllers combine deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK225, MPK249, and MPK261 are engineered to be all-in-one controller solutions for comprehensive interfacing and manipulation of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. This articles is an overview of all the presets that are included on the Akai MPK2 series controller.
The MPK mini is an ultra-compact keyboard controller designed for the traveling musician and the desktop producer. With an array of hardware controls, MPK mini lets you record, compose, and perform with virtual instruments, effect plugins, and DAWs whenever inspiration strikes. This article walks through a number of Frequently Asked Questions about the Akai MPK Mini MKII.
The MPD218 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJs alike. Its intuitive blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production. This guide walks through how to setup the MPD218 with the included MPC Essentials program.
The Akai MPK2 series controllers combine deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK225, MPK249, and MPK261 are engineered to be all-in-one controller solutions for comprehensive interfacing and manipulation of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. This article walks through how to set up the MPK2 series controller with the MPC Essentials software.
The Akai MPK2 series controllers combine deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK225, MPK249, and MPK261 are engineered to be all-in-one controller solutions for comprehensive interfacing and manipulation of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. This articles walks through how to setup the MPK2 series controller with Ableton Live 9.
The Akai MPK2 series controllers combine deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK225, MPK249, and MPK261 are engineered to be all-in-one controller solutions for comprehensive interfacing and manipulation of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. This articles walks through how to setup the MPK2 series controller with FL Studio 11.
The MAX49 with Apple's Logic Pro X is a powerful and flexible production system. This guide covers the sync and transport settings as well as manually mapping the MAX49's touch faders to various controls in Logic Pro X.
MPC Essentials is a one-track version of the full MPC software. Although this may seem limiting at first, there are plenty of ways to use this to your advantage and allow MPC Essentials to expand with you as your productions grow. This guide uses the MPK Mini MKII and Ableton Live Lite to go over the basics of using MPC Essentials as a plugin in your DAW, and how to use multiple instances for several tracks worth of MPC features and functionality.
One user asked us how to setup the Akai MPK49, and the Akai APC40 with Ableton so that both devices act as Control Surfaces, while allowing the APC40 (only) to also be manually mapped to additional controls.
This is a great question, and something we thought a lot of other people out there may want to do as well. So here's the walkthrough...
The Akai MPK2 series controllers combine deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK225, MPK249, and MPK261 are engineered to be all-in-one controller solutions for comprehensive interfacing and manipulation of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. This articles walks through how to setup the MPK2 series controller with Steinberg Cubase.
The MPK and MPD controllers are extremely versatile USB MIDI controllers. Whether you are looking for an all in one production setup with keys and pads or a more beat oriented workflow, the MPK and MPD controller series give the user as much creative potential as they can dream up. This guide covers how to configure the MIDI setup in FL Studio for an MPK or MPD and how to MIDI map your controller in the software.
The Akai MPK mini MKII series controllers combine deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK series are engineered to be all-in-one controller solutions for comprehensive interfacing and manipulation of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. This articles walks through how to setup the MPK mini MKII series controller with FL Studio.
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.
The Akai MPK2 series controllers combine deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK225, MPK249, and MPK261 are engineered to be all-in-one controller solutions for comprehensive interfacing and manipulation of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. This articles walks through how to setup the MPK2 series controller with Pro Tools 11.
The MPD218 is USB/MIDI pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJ's alike. It's intuitive blend of MPC controls and technology mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production. This guide discusses how to completely set up your MPD218 with the Ableton Live Lite software.
The Akai MPK Mini allows for more advanced Preset editing, opening up the ability to change the way the controller interacts with your virtual instrument or DAW. This guide walks through the basics of the installation of the preset editing software as well as how to change and upload those changes back to the controller.
We know - you love your MPK. We do too! We also know that there are a lot of questions on how to utilize the MPK to its fullest extent. So we put our heads together and created a list of often-asked questions and answers about the Akai MPK series controllers and here is what we came up with!
The new MPK Mini MKII is an ultra-compact keyboard controller designed for the traveling musician and the desktop producer. With an array of hardware controls, MPK Mini MKII lets you record, compose, and perform with virtual instruments, effect plugins, and DAWs whenever inspiration strikes. This guide will walk you through setting up your MPK Mini MKII with Garageband, along with the included plugins: Air Hybrid and Sonivox Wobble.
The Akai MPK2 series controllers combine deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK225, MPK249, and MPK261 are engineered to be all-in-one controller solutions for comprehensive interfacing and manipulation of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. This article walks through a number of frequently asked questions about the Akai MPK2 series controllers.
We've gathered together answers for five of the most common questions about the Akai MAX49 MIDI controller. This article covers details about compatibility, connections, features, and more.
In this video, we'll show the Akai MPK25 in-use making a beat using Ableton Live. A full feature-overview and tutorial are included.
The MPD218 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJ's alike. Its intuitive blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production. This guide walks through downloading, installing and authorizing the included MPC Essentials, Big Bang Drums and Big Bang Cinematic Percussion.
The MAX49 can provide powerful control of Cubase's user interface and virtual instruments. This guide will provide you with quick setup instructions for the MAX49's Cubase preset, and Cubase's preferences to setup the MAX49 for MIDI Note transmission, surface and transport control.
The MPD218 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJs alike. Its intuitive blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production.
Samples are digitized snippets of audio that can either be recorded using the recording function of your MPC software or loaded from the File Browser. Have a keyboard, vocal, or instrument that you want to sample? With MPC Essentials, it has never been easier! The following article will show you how to take a sample, assign it to a pad, and chop it up.
The MPD218 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJ's alike. Its intuitive blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production. Here is a guide to show you how to set this up with the included Ableton Live Lite software.
The Akai MPK2 series controllers combine deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK225, MPK249, and MPK261 are engineered to be all-in-one controller solutions for comprehensive interfacing and manipulation of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. This articles walks through how to setup the MPK2 series controller with PreSonus Studio One.
The MPD226 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJ's alike. Its intuitive blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production.
The MAX49 provides versatile options to control virtually all industry standard Digital Audio Workstations. However, sometimes users seek a DAW that will provide industry standard features at a price that won't break the bank. Cockos Reaper is certainly that DAW. On top of having one of the lengthiest trial periods for DAW's, you'll find the price to be very affordable considering the feature set. In this tutorial we'll cover Reaper's industry standard features for MIDI controllers by setting up a MAX49 for keyboard, control surface and transport control, as well as MIDI mapping and MIDI Sync.
The Akai Professional Max Series are portable keyboard controller with MPC production controls. Syncing with Pro Tools allows hardware transport control, fader control, and slaving of the Arpeggiator and Note Repeat functions. This guide walks through setting up the MAX25 and MAX49 to take full advantage of this Pro Tools integration.
With the Advance Keyboard’s custom-designed Virtual Instrument Player (VIP) software application, your entire VSTi library is controlled by one application. The included videos and article walk through a number of frequently asked questions about the VIP software.
The Akai MPD and MPK series controllers offer powerful options for electronic music creation. The transport controls, Arpeggiator, and Note Repeat functions require that your controller be synced together with your DAW via MIDI. This guide walks through syncing your MPD or MPK with Pro Tools.
The MPD226 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJ's alike. Its intuitive blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production. Here is a guide to show you how to set this up with the included Ableton Live Lite software.
The Akai MPD series preset settings can be adjusted and changed in a nearly infinite amount of ways by using the Vyzex editing software, which can be downloaded from the MPD product page. By default, the pad banks overlap on most presets. This guide walks through how to use the Vyzex editing software to change an existing preset or create a brand new one with four independent, non-overlapping pad banks.
With the Virtual Instrument Player (VIP) software application, your entire VSTi library is controlled by one application. The videos in this article walk through how to log into your AkaiPro.com user account, download the included software, and install it on your computer.
Do you want to be able to trigger drum samples using the pads on the MPK series controller keyboard, while simultaneously playing a bassline or melody on the keys? This article provides insight on the basic concept of how this type of configuration works, along with a few examples of applying it in your DAW.
The Akai MAX25 has the ability to control nearly any parameter in Propellerhead's Reason software. Reason Remote is a protocol developed by Propellerhead to allow the ability for a single control surface to map to each of the modules in Reason, including the Transport Controls. Akai Professional has developed and included all the files necessary to enable Reason to find the MAX25 and map its controls to whatever module you have selected in the Reason sequencer. This guide walks through how to set it up.
The MPK and MPD controllers are extremely versatile USB MIDI controllers. Whether you are looking for an all-in-one production setup with keys and pads, or a more beat-only oriented workflow, the MPK and MPD controller series give the user as much creative potential as you can dream up. This guide covers how to configure the MIDI setup for an MPK or MPD series controller in FL Studio.
The MPD218 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJ's alike. Its intuitive blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production. This guide walks through downloading, installing and using the included Sample Content.
The Virtual Instrument Player (VIP) software application allows you to control your entire VSTi library from one application. A Multi is a user-created patch that allows the user to layer up to eight patches into a single "Multi" patch which can then be mixed, panned, soloed, muted, and set to keyboard ranges/splits. This article and video walks through how to create and adjust a Multi.
The MPD232 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJ's alike. Its intuitive blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production. Here is a guide to show you how to set this up with the included Ableton Live Lite software.
The MPD232 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJs alike. Its intuitive blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production. This guide walks through how to setup the MPD232 with the included MPC Essentials program.
The MAX49 with Apple's Logic Pro is a powerful and flexible production system. This guide outlines syncing the tempo and transport controls between the MAX49 and Logic, as well as one method of assigning the MAX49's touch faders to a parameter in Logic.
The Akai MPK series controllers are amazing machines that inspire creativity with every touch of the keys, or smash of the pads. They link seamlessly with music production DAW's and give you the power and flexibility every musician needs. With built in tools that integrate perfectly with a variety of popular digital audio software your imagination is your only battle. This guide covers how to setup your MPK with Presonus Studio One 2.
The MPD226 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJs alike. Its intuitive blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production. This guide walks through how to setup the MPD226 with the included MPC Essentials program.
The Akai MPK2 series controllers combine deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK225, MPK249, and MPK261 are engineered to be all-in-one controller solutions for comprehensive interfacing and manipulation of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. This articles walks through how to setup the MPK2 series controller with Reason 7.
Akai Professional’s Advance Keyboards are like nothing else you've ever played. The Advance 49 gives you unprecedented playability and unrestricted manipulation of any virtual instrument with an exclusive interactive, full-color display, complemented by performance-friendly hardware controls. The included videos and article walk through a number of frequently asked questions about the Akai Pro Advance series controllers.
Up until now, there was just no solution for musicians and producers who needed a compact, easily portable way to mix and process their projects on site. But MIDImix is the best solution for portable mixing on the go. MIDImix offers an intuitive, familiar mixer layout, solid connectivity with the most popular DAWs, and legendary Akai Professional quality. MIDImix is exactly what you need to do great mixes and professional processing on site—at the same time. Here is a guide to show you how to set this up with the included Ableton Live Lite software.
The MPD232 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJ's alike. Its intuitive blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production.
Have a keyboard, vocal, or instrument that you want to sample? With MPC Essentials, it has never been easier! The following article walks through how to record a sample using your computer's internal sound card, or an external audio interface.
Logic Pro can create and save templates, which can then be used as starting points for new projects. Templates store the number of tracks, their names, the effects created in them, window positions, and just about every aspect of your project except for the Audio and MIDI itself. Making good use of templates can dramatically increase workflow speed.
This guide details how to map knobs and sliders in the Logic Pro mixer to the knobs and sliders on a MPK or MPD controller and then how to save these mappings as part of a template.
The Akai MPK2 series controllers combine deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK225, MPK249, and MPK261 are engineered to be all-in-one controller solutions for comprehensive interfacing and manipulation of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. This article walks through how to integrate the MPK2 series controller with your external MIDI hardware.
VIP is a powerful application that allows users to control virtually any VST plugin from their Akai Pro Advance, Alesis VX49 or M-Audio CTRL49 keyboards. To do so, the application utilizes "Plugin Maps" to connect the hardware controls to software parameters, as well as manage presets and settings. This guide will walk through creating a personalized map for a plugin.
The MPD and MPK series controllers are extremely versatile USB MIDI controllers. Whether you are looking for an all in one production setup with keys and pads, or a more beat-oriented workflow, the MPD and MPK controller series gives you a ton of creative potential in a single piece of hardware. This guide covers how to set up the MPD and MPK controller for use with Ableton Live 9 Lite.
You've finally finished your beat or your song and you're ready to share it with the world, so now what? The MPC Essentials software gives a few different options for exporting your music. The following guide will walk you through the four basic ways you can export your music from MPC Essentials.
The MAX49 is always a great tool that adds flexibilty and improved workflow to nearly any studio. Studio One is an ever increasingly popular DAW by PreSonus. This guide takes the user through the steps to using these two great products together seemlessly in a Windows 7 operating system.
MPD226 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller designed for producers, programmers, musicians and DJs. Its blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with USB connectivity brings the feel of classic beat making into computer music production. This guide walks through downloading, installing and using the included Sample Content.
Up until now, there was just no solution for musicians and producers who needed a compact, easily portable way to mix and process their projects on site. But MIDImix is the best solution for portable mixing on the go. MIDImix offers an intuitive, familiar mixer layout, solid connectivity with the most popular DAWs, and legendary Akai Professional quality. MIDImix is exactly what you need to do great mixes and professional processing on site at the same time.
The new MPK mini is an ultra-compact keyboard controller designed for the traveling musician and the desktop producer. This guide walks through the steps to update the firmware.
With the Advance Keyboard’s custom-designed Virtual Instrument Player (VIP) software application, your entire VSTi library is controlled by one application. This video walks through how to manage your all your plugins and presets in VIP, including Scanning Your Plugins, Plugins with Expansions (Kontakt 5), Importing User Presets, and Auto Importing.
A keygroup is a type of program in MPC that will take a sample and pitch it across all of the keys on your MIDI controller or pads on your MPC, essentially creating your own virtual instrument. For example, you could turn a single bass note sample into an entire playable bass program by creating a keygroup with the sample. Keygroups are useful for adding melodic elements to your songs without using plugins or instruments, or for adding pitched layers to your drums. This guide will walk through how to create a simple keygroup program with MPC Essentials.
The MPD226 is a USB/MIDI pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJ's alike. Its intuitive blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production. This provides presets, preference files, and instructions on how to easily map setup the controller with Logic Pro X.
The Akai MPK mini MKII series controllers combine deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK series are engineered to be all-in-one controller solutions for comprehensive interfacing and manipulation of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. This article walks through how to setup the MPK mini MKII series controller with Presonus Studio One Prime.
The MPD232 is a USB/MIDI pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJ's alike. Its intuitive blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production. This provides presets, preference files, and instructions on how to easily map setup the controller with Logic Pro X.
Don’t let wires tie you down; the Akai Pro LPK25 Wireless connects wirelessly to your device running both MacOS and iOS! The LPK25 Wireless is ideal for musicians that want to take their projects with them on the go or just want to rid themselves of the restrictions of a wired connection. Utilizing a Bluetooth LE connection, the LPK25 Wireless bridges the gap between you and the music - no strings attached.
VIP is a ground-breaking, award-winning music software platform that provides musicians and composers with a total control solution for their virtual instrument and virtual effect collection. VIP provides you with unparalleled access to your virtual instrument and effect collection, seamlessly integrating the hardware/software experience and grants the unrestricted freedom to create in a user-friendly, intuitive format. This article will take a more in-depth look at Chord Progressions within the Key Control feature.
Tripping over your wires? The Akai Pro LPD8 Wireless connects wirelessly to your device running both MacOS and iOS! The LPD8 Wireless is ideal for musicians that want to take their projects with them on the go or just want to rid themselves of the restrictions of a wired connection. Utilizing a Bluetooth LE connection, the LPD8 Wireless bridges the gap between you and the music - no strings attached.
The MPK Mini MKII is an ultra-compact keyboard controller designed for the traveling musician and the desktop producer. With an array of hardware controls, MPK Mini MKII lets you record, compose, and perform with virtual instruments, effect plugins, and DAWs whenever inspiration strikes. This article walks through setting up the Akai Pro MPK Mini MKII with Pro Tools First.
The Virtual Instrument Player (VIP) software application allows you to control your entire VSTi library from one application. A Setlist allows users to order their patches in a “set” for quick selection when playing live or just stepping through a list of favorite patches. This article and video walks through creating and accessing setlists in the VIP software.
Akai Professional’s Advance Keyboards are like nothing else you've ever played. The Advance controller gives you unprecedented playability and unrestricted manipulation of any virtual instrument with an exclusive interactive, full-color display, complemented by performance-friendly hardware controls. This article and video walks through how to create and adjust keyboard splits both from the VIP software and directly from the Akai Pro Advance controller.
With the Virtual Instrument Player (VIP) software application, your entire VSTi library is controlled by one application. This article walks through how to customize and adjust category tags associated with individual plugin presets.
MPD232 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller designed for producers, programmers, musicians and DJs. Its blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with USB connectivity brings the feel of classic beat making into computer music production. This guide walks through downloading, installing and using the included Sample Content.
VIP gives you immediate access to any virtual instrument in your collection, with or without a DAW. It's a powerful way to play virtual instruments live or integrate them into a recording session. Kontakt is one of the most commonly used plugins, but because of it's unique structure, the process for using it inside of VIP requires a little more explanation. This guide will walk through using the VIP Plugin Manager to activate Kontakt and it's expansions.