Akai MPD16 User manual

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English
04/10/2002
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE MANU-
FACTURER FOR COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO
OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT. 32-En
WARNING!
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
1-En
Thelightningflashwitharrowheadsymbol,withinanequilateraltriangle,
is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage”withintheproduct’senclosure;thatmaybeofsufficientmagni-
tude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
5B-En
THE SYMBOLS ARE RULED BY UL STANDARDS (U.S.A.)

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WARNING
The MPD16 is designed to be used in a standard household environment.
PROTECTING YOURSELF AND THE MPD16
• Allow only an AKAI professional dealer or qualified professional engineer to repair or
reassemble the MPD16.
• Do not put, or allow anyone to put any object, especially metal objects, into the MPD16.
• Use only the DC power supply specified. Never use an AC power supply directly.
• If water or any other liquid is spilled into or onto the MPD16, disconnect the power and/or
battery, and call your dealer.
• Make sure that the unit is well-ventilated, and away from direct sunlight.
• Toavoiddamagetointernalcircuitry,aswellastheexternalfinish,keeptheMPD16awayfrom
sources of direct heat (stoves, radiators, etc.).
• Avoid using aerosol insecticides, etc. near the MPD16. They may damage the surface, and
may ignite.
• Do not use denaturated alcohol, thinner or similar chemicals to clean the MPD16. They will
damage the finish.
• Modificationofthisequipmentisdangerous,andcanresultinthefunctionsoftheMPD16being
impaired. Never attempt to modify the equipment in any way.
• Make sure that the MPD16 is always well-supported when in use on a firm level surface.
• In order to assure optimum performance of your MPD16, select the setup location carefully,
and make sure the equipment is used properly. Avoid setting up the MPD16 in the following
locations:
1.In a humid or dusty environment
2.In a room with poor ventilation
3.On a surface which is not horizontal
4.Inside a vehicle such as a car, where it will be subject to vibration
5.In an extremely hot or cold environment
• Be sure to wait for a few seconds before tuning the unit on again after the power has been
turned off to ensure proper operation.
English

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The MPD16 USB/MIDI Pad Control Unit is built with the Drum Pad taken from the MPC series
models inherited since the MIDI Production Center MPC60. The MPD16 makes the drum
sequencing and/or phrase/loop play, that felt awkward with the keyboard, easier for the drum-
mers and/or DJs with the same feeling of MPC series models.
The MPD16 has two banks, BANKA and BANK B. Each bank holds 16 notes assignable to 16
pads and the banks can be switched in real time for playing up to 32 notes. The Slider can
control various settings by assigning it an appropriate Control Change number.
When connected to the computer, the MIDI information is directly sent to the computer through
the USB port via a single USB cable.
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1. FULL LEVEL
Pressing this key turns the FULL LEVEL mode and its LED on. In FULL LEVEL mode,
the Note-On velocity is fixed at the maximum level (127) regardless of how hard or soft
you tap the Pad.
2. 16 LEVELS
Pressing this key turns the 16 LEVELS mode and its LED on. In 16 LEVELS mode, each
Pad plays the same note in 16 different Note-On velocity steps. The note played is the
note (Pad) you last played before pressing this key.
3. BANK
Pressing this key switches the pad bank to BANK B and turns its LED on, allowing you
to play the notes assigned in BANK B. The BANKA is active while this LED is off.

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4. ACTIVE
Pressing this key turns the ACTIVE mode and its LED on. In ACTIVE mode, the Control
Change message is generated using with the Slider.
5. Slider
The Control Change message assigned to the Slider is generated when this Slider is
moved. The value of the Control Change message is determined by the position of the
Slider. The Slider is effective only while theACTIVE mode is on.
6. Pad 1-16
The Note-On/Off messages assigned on each Pad is generated when the Pad is tapped.
Its Note-On velocity value depends on how hard or soft the Pad is tapped.TheAftertouch
(Key pressure) is generated when the Pad is held pressed and the pressure is varied.
7. DC IN
Connects the optional DC 9V AC Adaptor (MP-9) here.
Note 1: It is not required when connected via USB.
Note 2:This unit has no power switch. It always stays on while theACAdaptor is connected.
8. USB
Connects the USB port of computer via USB cable.
Note 1: The connected computer is required to have the USB Driver software installed to
properly recognize the MPD16. For the installation of USB Driver software, refer to the CD-
ROM disc included.
Note 2: This unit has no power switch. It always stays on while connected to the computer
via the USB cable.
9. MIDI OUT
Connects the other MIDI devices than the computer.
Note: The optional AC Adaptor is required, if not connected via the USB cable.
Notes on operation
1. The USB cable is used to connect to the computer and the MIDI cable is used to connect
to the other MIDI devices. When the MIDI cable only is used, it is required to use the
optional AC Adaptor.
2. The assignment of the Note number to each pad, Control Change number to the Slider,
and MIDI transmit channel of the MPD16 can be set/changed. Refer to “Settings” (see
later) for the details.
3. The assignment of the Note number, Control Change number, and MIDI transmit channel
can be set/changed conveniently from the computer with the MPD16 Utility software
includedon theCD-ROMdisc.ThisUtility softwarealso allowsto set/changethe sensitivity
of each Pad. For the installation and operation of this Utility software, refer to the PDF file
included on the CD-ROM disc.

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Settings
Note number
1. Press and hold the ACTIVE key for 2 seconds or longer. Its LED begins to flash and the
Note number assign mode is enabled.
2. Press the BANK key to select the bank that contains the Pad you want to set.
3. Select the Pad by tapping the Pad you want to set.
4. Use FULL LEVEL (up)/16 LEVELS (down) keys to change the Note number assigned.
Note 1: Use an external sound module, etc. to confirm, as there’s no value indicator on the
MPD16.
Note 2: The range of note number assignable is from 0 (C-2) to 127 (G8).
5. To set the Note number to other Pads, repeat the steps 3 and 4 above.
6. Press the ACTIVE key to exit.
Control Change number
1. Press and hold the BANK key for 2 seconds or longer. Its LED begins to flash and the
Control Change number assign mode is enabled.
2. Using the Pads 1-10 (equivalent to numerical keys 1 to 0), enter the 3-digit number of the
Control Change number you want to set. For example, press Pads 10-9-3 for 93. The
Pads 11 to 16 are shortcut keys of the specific controls, i.e. Pitch Bend, Modulation,
Portamento, Volume, Pan, and Expression. The assign mode finishes when the number
(or shortcut key) is entered.
Note 1: Use an external sound module, etc. to confirm, as there’s no value indicator on the
MPD16.
Note 2: The range of control change number assignable is from 0 to 119.
MIDI Channel
1. Press and hold the 16 LEVELS key for 2 seconds or longer. Its LED begins to flash and
the MIDI transmit channel assign mode is enabled.
2. Using the Pads 1-16 (equivalent to MIDI channel 1 to 16), enter the number of the MIDI
channel you want to set. For example, press Pad 10 for channel 10. The assign mode
finishes when the number is entered.
Note: Use an external sound module, etc. to confirm, as there’s no value indicator on the
MPD16.
Reset to Default
While pressing the FULLLEVELand BANK keys, turn the unit on (i.e. connect theACAdap-
tor or connect the computer with USB cable). The FULL LEVEL LED flashes for 3 seconds
and all the settings, except for the Pad sensitivity, are reset to their default values.

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Specifications
Functions: Transmission of MIDI Note-On/Off,Aftertouch (Key pressure), Control Change
messages
Terminals: USB USB connector x 1 (USB V1.1)
MIDI OUT 5-pin DIN x 1
DC IN 9V AC Adaptor connection x 1
Controls: Pad x 16, FULL LEVEL key, 16 LEVELS key, BANK key, ACTIVE key, Slider
Indicators: LED x 4 (FULL LEVEL, 16 LEVELS, BANK, ACTIVE)
Power: 9V DC/95mA – AC Adaptor MP-9 (optional)
Dimensions: 264 (W) x 205 (D) x 40 (H) mm
Weight: 950g
Accessories: Operator’s Manual, USB cable (1m), CD-ROM Disc
Options: AC Adaptor MP-9
* The specifications above are subject to change without prior notice.

Printed in Japan