The MPC Renaissance and Studio give you a fully integrated production solution. For the latest video walk through of the download, installation, and authorization of the included MPC software - and how to quickly get up and running and making music - visit the following link:
This video and accompanying download walk you though integrating Logic Pro into your MPC-centered studio. In this setup, we use the MPC as the sequencer, with Logic Pro acting a sound module. We also incorporate a USB MIDI keyboard controller.
The MPC series of drum machines are powerful sequencers in their own right. Additional capability can be added to our MPC when used in conjunction with Ableton Live. The following guide will show you how to use your MPC as both a master and slave device with Ableton Live.
The MPC Renaissance and Studio include a powerful standalone MPC application. You can also use the MPC software as a plugin within your favorite DAW such as Logic Pro. This video guide walks you through everything you need to know about using the Akai MPC Renaissance or Studio plugin inside Logic Pro.
The MPC Renaissance and Studio include a powerful standalone MPC application. You can also use the MPC software as a plugin within your favorite DAW such as Ableton Live. This video guide walks you through everything you need to know about using the MPC plugin inside Ableton Live.
The MPC series of drum machines are powerful sequencers in their own right. Additional capability can be added to our MPC when used in conjunction with your favorite DAW. The following guide will show you how to use your MPC as both a master and slave device with Pro Tools.
The Akai MPC Element is a portable solution for musicians looking to take their work on the go. Using the included MPC Essentials Software, or an unlocked copy of the MPC Software, the MPC Element allows for powerful groove production and composition in a compact form factor. This guide walks through registration, installation, and unlocking the software for your MPC Element.
The latest update to the MPC Software, version 1.4, includes 64-bit support for PC/Mac. The standalone application, VST and Audio Unit plugins now have 64-bit versions. These updated 64-bit plugin versions will now load in supported 64-Bit DAW's. If you are running the 64-bit version of the MPC Standalone or Plugin one of the first differences you may notice is that some 3rd party plugins that were previously available in the 32-bit version are no longer available. In this overview, we'll cover how to run the 64 and 32 bit versions of the MPC Software and Plugin , and review what 3rd party plugins will be available depending on the bit type version of MPC Software you are running.
Transferring iMPC content to and from your computer is straight foward and takes only a few minutes. In this article we show you how to save your exported iMPC sequences, projects, and songs to your computer. We also show you how to transfer samples from your computer to the iMPC App.
Class compliant USB audio interfaces, MIDI controllers and keyboards can be connected to the iPad using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit. These devices can be used to trigger the pads in your iMPC App. This article shows you how achieve this.
Have a keyboard, vocal, or instrument that you want to sample? With the MPC Renaissance/MPC Software it has never been easier. You can even quantize the sample with legendary MPC swing! The following article will show you how to record a sample, assign it to a pad, and chop it up.
Akai Pro's MPC Element and MPC Essentials stretch the boundaries of how MPC users will integrate classic MPC workflow with their computers. The MPC Element's slim design, pad play integration, and ease of use with many of today's modern music applications provides the feature set to help users produce in a portable way. The MPC Element is also bundled with MPC Essentials Software, which combines to make a dedicated hardware and software experience. This article will help answer user's questions about the MPC Element and MPC Essentials Software, how they integrate, and how they add to the modern MPC experience with the MPC Renaissance, MPC Studio, and MPC Software.
The MPC Renaissance and Studio include an MPC Software plugin for use within your favorite DAW such as Pro Tools. When using the MPC plugin, all of the features you'll find in the Standalone MPC software are available from within your favorite DAW. This guide walks you through using key features of the MPC plugin inside Pro Tools, on PC and Mac like setting up audio preferences, routing MIDI from the MPC Plugin to a Pro Tools Instrument Track, and more.
The MPC Renaissance and Studio include a powerful standalone MPC application. You can also use the MPC software as a plugin within your favorite DAW such as Cubase. This guide walks you through using key features of the MPC plugin inside Cubase.
Both the MPC X and MPC Live are capable of interfacing with your computer to transfer files to and from the hardware. File transfers will allow you to maintain an unbroken workflow whether you are using your MPC hardware in standalone mode or as a controller for the MPC Software. Start your projects on the hardware and continue working on your computer or vice versa - wherever you are, the music won't be far behind! This guide will walk through the process of properly formatting your external or internal drive as well as transferring project files, MPC expansions, and sample content.
Video tutorials for the Akai Pro MPC Renaissance are being released both by Akai and by users at a rapid pace. We've collected our favorites together here in one place.
This article walks you though how to route MIDI input from external MIDI controllers to specific Software Instrument tracks and MIDI channels in Logic Pro 8 or 9.We've put together answers to some of the most common questions about the Akai Pro MPC Renaissance, MPC Studio and MPC Software. With the tips in this FAQ under your belt, you'll have even better control over your new hardware and software.
The following article demonstrates how to record streaming audio using Soundflower. Soundflower is an OS X system extension that allows applications to pass audio to other applications. Soundflower is a free, open-source utility and runs on Mac Intel and PPC computers.
FL Studio is a popular and powerful music production software that an Akai MPC complements very well. With any piece of music production equipment, accurate timing is very important. This guide covers how to synchronize the tempo of your MPC with FL Studio, with FL Studio as the master.
Many of the latest MIDI controllers feature built-in arpeggiators, noterepeat or even step sequencers. To help you integrate these features into your MPC workflow, the MPC Renaissance lets you to send MIDI Beat Clock sync out to your external MIDI controllers. This article takes the user through syncing the standalone MPC app with various Akai MIDI controllers. Just hook up your MIDI controller, follow the steps below, and make some music!
The MPC software can be used as a plugin inside of a variety of DAWs. This guide will cover how to open the MPC software as a plugin with FL Studio.
The MPC Software and Essentials empowers you with unprecedented, expandable production capabilities on your Mac or PC, and as usual, Akai Professional continues to add updates and expansions to these ground-breaking software titles. Check out the latest features to the MPC Software in this article.
iMPC Pro is a 64-track music production powerhouse for your iPad. Developed in partnership with Retronyms, the iMPC Pro app comes with built-in sampling functionality, a sound library, effects, and performance-driven features that bring the functionality of Akai Professional's coveted Music Production Center to your iPad. The iMPC Pro app comes with numerous enhancements for creating when inspiration strikes and this article contains a number of in-depth videos which walk through the many various features included in the iMPC Pro app.
We've put together screenshots of the entire MPC Renaissance installation process. Whether you're troubleshooting, or just curious, this step-by-step visualization of the installation could be just what you're looking for.
You can always track your instruments right from the MPC Renaissance or Studio by using the 16 velocity sensitive pads, but when you want to record intricate chord changes, large key sweeps, or even perform something across multiple octaves, using a keyboard controller can make all the difference in your performance.
When using the AKAI Pro MAX49 along with the MPC-R/S you gain the ability to use the exclusive features of the MAX49 controller to manipulate and adjust parameters that you could not do otherwise. Use of the buttons and touch faders, intuitive step-sequencer, and even it's unique CV controls will bring your MPC projects to a whole new level.
The MPC Plugin allows users to transmit MIDI data from the plugin to a software instrument track in their DAW. For most DAW's that support VST, AU and RTAS this is relatively simple to set up. However, Reason, which does not support those plugin formats needs additional workarounds to make this kind of routing capable to control its instruments. Sometimes it's realistic to have Reason slaved in Rewire to a DAW, that can then transmit MIDI to various instruments. Sometimes this is not practical because you don't have another DAW to Rewire. This guide will help you setup the Standalone MPC Software to transmit MIDI to Reason's instruments.
A working studio can include several MIDI controllers with pad play features, like the MPD32, MPK49, LPD8, MAX49, and many others. The MPC Renaissance and MPC Studio pads are implemented with the MPC Software in a way that doesn't require user's to know what MIDI note values are being transmit from the controller. The MPC software can also accept MIDI note values from external MIDI controllers to trigger samples, and this article shows you, by Bank and Sample Pad, what MIDI note values the MPC Software accepts when the instrument type is MPC, or better know as a sample program.
Everyone wants more. If you are lucky enough to own an Akai MPC and an Akai MPK, then you should know that these can be synced together using MIDI Clock. This allows for perfect timing and instantaneous messaging between all synced devices and programs. Check out the guide below on how to sync an Akai MPK, an MPC, and Propellerhead's Reason software. Once you do this, beware! The dangers of such unlimited potential may be hazardous to your health!
Creating a patched phrase allows automatic beat matching of loops and phrases to your sequence's tempo. This guide will walk through how to turn any loop into a patched phrase in the MPC software.
Akai professional brings classic MPC producion to the power and convenience of iOS devices, like the iPad, iPod Touch, and iPhone. We've collected tips, tricks, and answers to your top iMPC questions into one mega iMPC FAQ for your reading pleasure.
The Export option in the MPC Software allows for the exportation of a project's data in various formats. The most popular Export formats offered by the MPC software include Audio Mixdown, Project Archive and standard MIDI file data. This article walks through the various exportation options and basic reasons for using each one.
The MPC Renaissance can be used in many different ways and with the Digital Audio Workstation of your choosing. This guide covers how to route MIDI messages from the MPC Renaissance hardware to a Studio One Instrument track.
The MPC software can easily be used as a plugin inside Pro Tools, but you can also sync both applications while the MPC software is in standalone mode. The following will show you how to use Pro Tools as the slave and as the master using MIDI Time Code.
Have you ever used a drum loop in your project, but wanted a way to easily transform that repetitive beat into interesting drum fills, transitions and alternate patterns? With the MPC software, you have the ability to chop any pre-recorded audio loop into individual hits quickly and easily. This powerful feature allows for the ability to extract 'slices' from a pre-recorded loop in order to transform or build upon a beat with very little effort. Check out this article to find out how!
In this video, we'll cover loading and saving on the Akai MPC5000. This will include samples, programs, sequences and songs.
The MPC series are powerful sequencers and drum machines. Additional capability can be added to the MPC when used in conjunction with Digital Performer. The following guide shows how to use the MPC as both a master and slave device with Digital Performer.
The MPC Plugin allows users to transmit MIDI data from the plugin to a software instrument track in their DAW. For most DAW's that support VST, AU and RTAS this is relatively simple to set up. However, Reason, which does not support those plugin formats needs additional workarounds to make this kind of routing capable to control it's instruments. Sometimes it's realistic to have Reason slaved in Rewire to a DAW, that can then transmit MIDI to various instruments. Sometimes this is not practical because you don't have another DAW to Rewire. This guide will help you setup the Standalone MPC Software to transmit MIDI to Reason's instruments.
The Akai MPC Touch boasts a 7" touchscreen that allows you to have full control over your projects without ever looking away from the hardware. The MPC Touch is recognized by your computer as an extra display, so making sure that it is set up properly is very important. This guide reviews some of the most common questions and concerns you could about the display while configuring or using the MPC Touch.
The MPC Renaissance software can be used as a plugin within many DAWs allowing for greatly expanded creative options. This guide walks through setting up MPC Renaissance as a Plugin in Sonar X2.
Combining the might of a pro-level piece of production gear truly fit to carry the MPC shield with the tactile ease of use found on smartphones and tablets, the Touch is truly a workflow revolution. It incorporates the ease of a touchscreen right on the device for quicker production. This guide thoroughly walks through the installation procedure.
The Akai MPC1000 is a portable but powerful version of the larger MPC series units. It not only operates as a standalone production studio, but can easily control Ableton Live via MIDI. The following article will walk you through how to map your MPC1000 to be used with the Ableton Live Drum Rack.
Keygroups allow you to take a sample and map it across the keys of a MIDI controller, essentially creating a custom virtual instrument. This guide walks through creating a simple keygroup using the MPC software.
There are lots of creative possibilities when it comes to the MPC Renaissance and its ability to route and be routed to various places. This guide walks through how to trigger an external sound module from the MPC Renaissance while running the MPC software as a plugin within Ableton Live 8.
The MPC2500 is a staple of music production, used by professional producers, beatmakers, and other musicians everywhere. MPCs make it quick and easy to make beats and shape them to perfection. In this column, we’ll give you some ideas on how to get even more out of your MPC2500. Nearly all MPC users can benefit from these tips, with the exception of the Auto Chromatic feature, which is just for the MPC2500.
The Akai Pro MPC Touch is truly a workflow revolution. It incorporates the ease of a touch screen right on the device for quicker production. This guide walks through how to get up and running and start making music quickly using the MPC Touch.
A step-by-step walkthrough on how to synchronize your MPC with Cubase and Nuendo.
A step-by-step walkthrough on how to synchronize your MPC with Reason.
The MPC Renaissance and Studio include a powerful standalone MPC application. You can also use the MPC software as a plugin within your favorite DAW such as MOTU's Digital Performer. This guide walks you through using key features of the MPC plugin inside Digital Performer.
Introducing a new approach to music production with an ultra fast and super intuitive workflow, the Touch is powered by a radiant 7" color multi-touch display. Literally grab and pinch waveforms, draw midi events, adjust envelopes, chop samples, add effects and precisely set your controls using your fingertips. If you just purchased one of these production machines, you may be wondering: what do I do next? Look no further! This guide compiles all the best articles and tutorials to help you get completely up and running with your new MPC and take your productions to the next level.
The MPC1000 is a powerful sequencer and sampler. The capabilities of the MPC1000 can be expanded when used as a sequencer to trigger external sound modules such as a Motif, Venom, etc. This guide walks through the procedure for using the MPC1000 to trigger an external sound module.
The MPC 1000 puts the classic MPC workflow and sound into a portable and affordable package. It can operate as a standalone unit or as a MIDI device synced to your favorite DAW. This guide covers how to MIDI sync the MPC 1000 with Reason 7.
There's a lot of excitement brewing about the release of the Akai Professional MPC Fly. We've gathered answers to your most common questions together in this article.
A step-by-step walkthrough on how to synchronize your MPC with Fruity Loops.
A step-by-step walkthrough on how to synchronize your MPC with Ableton Live.
A step-by-step walkthrough on how to synchronize your MPC with Cubase LE.
Using VST plugins within the MPC software is a great way to expand your creative possibilities. Because of its design similarities with Akai's longstanding line of MPC sequencers, MOTU BPM is a very useful tool when mapped properly to the pads of the MPC Renaissance or MPC Studio, allowing you to utilize its soundbanks in a way that closely mirrors a traditional MPC program.
The Akai MPC500 is a portable but powerful version of the larger MPC series units. Not only is it a capable sampler and sequencer in its own right, but it can also serve conveniently as a MIDI controller for Ableton Live. The following article will walk you through how to map your MPC500 to be used with the Ableton Live Drum Rack.
This quick tutorial will show you how to utilize AudioCopy to copy an iMPC sequence into another App that supports AudioPaste.
A step-by-step walkthrough on how to synchronize your MPC with Sonar.
A step-by-step walkthrough on how to synchronize your MPC with Pro Tools.
Some people can hit it just right and some people can't. For those of us with lighter touches or for those of us who are just plain heavy-handed, the MPC 500/2500/5000 allows the user to adjust the velocity curve of the assigned sound to better suit a particular playing style. Check out this article to find out more.
The MPC5000 not only features great tools for song and beat production, it's also a powerful live-performance instrument. From dirty, gritty, in-your-face distortions to wacky modulation effects, the MPC5000's effects engine could easily replace an entire suitcase of pedals and other effects units. On top of the effects engine, the MPC5000's Q-Link assignable controllers, sampling engine, and of course, the velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads make for an incredible live performance tool. In this article, we will showcase a handful of live performance tricks.
Your MPC Live is capable of handling complex processing when sequencing MIDI data and audio. Just like an operating system on your computer, steps can be taken to optimize your workflow to experience the best possible performance. This article will cover some basic guidelines for optimizing the MPC Live's battery life, getting the best performance from its CPU, and managing RAM usage. We will also touch upon managing storage devices with the MPC Live and transferring data both to and from the MPC hardware with a computer.
Whether you prefer to go computer-free or not, it can’t be denied that there are some fantastic sounding VST instruments and effects out there. For those times when you need your favorite plugins, the MPC X effortlessly goes from formidable standalone to high-powered MIDI controller, explicitly designed to run the feature-rich MPC Software 2.0 in your favorite DAW. This article will walk you through a full setup with the MPC X or MPC Live and Cubase, including hardware setup, opening MPC 2.0, and routing tracks in Cubase.
In creating the MPC Touch, we have once again established the iconic MPC series as the thought leader in music production technology. Combining the might of a pro-level piece of production gear truly fit to carry the MPC shield with the tactile ease of use found on smartphones and tablets, the Touch is truly a workflow revolution. How producers interact with all aspects of their sound has been forever changed. This article answers your frequently asked questions about the Akai Professional MPC Touch.
Many external synthesizers and modules have parameters such as filters, envelopes, and oscillators that can be controlled by MIDI Continuous Controllers (CCs). You can use MPC5000 Q-Link controls to send and sequence MIDI CCs to control these parameters. You save a program with Q-Link assignments and recall them for later use.
Here's an effects chain that’s designed for absolute distortion craziness. We recommend trying it on drums, hits, and 16th note arpeggiated synths.
Frequency Shifter is an effect that has been around for a long time, but fell out of favor in the late 1970s. Today, producers are rediscovering this effect that does NOT do what its name implies. A frequency shifter does not function as a pitch shifter; it creates a harmonic shift. In small does, using frequency shifter can sound like a nice stereo chorus. In larger amounts, the effect takes on more of a ring modulator character. This tip will enable you to use frequency shifter as a stereo chorus that will make whatever you put into it sound huge!
This article walks through all the basics steps of how to install and open your Expansion plugin in the MPC software. Third-party plugins can be opened in the same manner. To find out how to install and setup the Expansion Pack plugins, check out this article and then jump right in!
The new MPC Live makes the process of performing your studio inventions on stage incredibly seamless by combining the power of a production centerpiece with the portability and rugged design of an on stage workhorse. This article will walk through setting up a MIDI controller with the MPC Live.
When making music with any software, it's easy to get carried away and forget about all the files and data that are being stored and recalled behind the scenes. Without proper file management and backup, one missing file can bring any creative flow to a grinding halt. In this guide, we will cover tips and tricks pertaining to basic project and file management, including creating backups, exporting a project as an archive, and freeing up extra HD space so you can focus more on your music.
The MPC Touch and included MPC software combine to create a powerful beat-making machine, incorporating all elements of the legendary MPC workflow. Using the MPC software as a plugin adds even more features and options to connect and interact with your favorite DAW. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about using the Akai Pro MPC Touch as a plug-in inside Cubase.
Many of the latest MIDI controllers feature built-in arpeggiators, noterepeat or even step sequencers. To help you integrate these features into your MPC workflow, the MPC Touch lets you send MIDI Beat Clock sync out to your external MIDI controllers. This article takes the user through syncing the standalone MPC app with MIDI controllers.
Time Signature, or meter, is a written indicator that shows the number of beats per measure and the type of note that carries the beat in a piece of music. This article will walk you through how to change the time signature in your sequence as well as the project default time signature in the MPC 2.0 software.
The MPC Touch and included MPC software combine to create a powerful beat-making machine, incorporating all elements of the legendary MPC workflow. Using the MPC software as a plugin adds even more features and options to connect and interact with your favorite DAW. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about using the Akai Pro MPC Touch as a plugin inside Logic Pro X.
Fusing Akai Professional's legendary MPC layout and workflow with the power of your computer, MPC Renaissance and MPC Studio are the unrivaled instruments for music production. If you just purchased one of these productions beasts, you may be wondering: what do I do next? Look no further! This guide compiles all the best articles and tutorials to help you get completely up and running with your new MPC and take your productions to the next level.
The MPC Touch offers all of the connectivity and features you need to integrate your favorite synthesizers and drum modules into your performance workflow. This guide will walk through the steps necessary to get your analog synthesizer/drum modules connected and synchronized with your MPC Touch.
In this video we walk through how to install or replace the CDM25 DVD-ROM drive in an Akai Professional MPC500 or MPC2500. The plug-and-play DVD drive comes right out with no tools, and can be swapped out in about 2 minutes. Just a screw driver is needed to open the access panel.