Akai MPCX User manual

User Guide
English
Manual Version 2.0.8

2
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................ 6
System Requirements & Product Support ..... 6
About This User Guide ..................................... 6
Important Notes ................................................ 7
Setup .................................................................. 7
1. Connection ................................................ 7
2. Installation.................................................. 8
3. Getting Started .......................................... 8
Features .................................................................. 9
MPC X ................................................................ 9
Top Panel....................................................... 9
Navigation & Data Entry Controls.......................9
Pad & Q-Link Controls.....................................10
Mode & View Controls.....................................11
Transport & Recording Controls ......................12
I/O & Level Controls ........................................13
Touchscreen ...................................................14
Front Panel .................................................. 15
Rear Panel ................................................... 16
MPC Live.......................................................... 17
Top Panel..................................................... 17
Touchscreen ...................................................19
Rear Panel ................................................... 20
MPC Touch ...................................................... 21
Top Panel..................................................... 21
Touchscreen ...................................................23
Rear Panel ................................................... 24
Basic Concepts.....................................................25
Tutorial...................................................................26
Starting Up .......................................................26
Creating a Drum Kit.........................................26
Creating a Drum Sequence ............................28
Saving & Renaming .........................................29
Editing Note Events.........................................31
Making Basic Sound Edits..............................33
Creating a Bass Track.....................................35
Recording an Audio Track..............................38
Creating a Song ...............................................39
Exporting the Song..........................................40
Other Features Explained ...............................41
Step Sequencer............................................41
Drum Loops & Chop Mode ..........................42
Pad Muting & Track Muting .........................44
Sampling (Recording)...................................46
Sample Editing .............................................48
Recording Automation with the XY Pad ......50
Using MPC X or MPC Live as a Controller ..51

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Operation .............................................................. 52
General Features............................................. 53
Control Types .............................................. 53
Knobs .............................................................53
Parameter Values ............................................53
Drop-Down Menus / Lists................................54
Selectors.........................................................54
Buttons ...........................................................55
Checkboxes....................................................55
Tabs ...............................................................55
Sliders.............................................................55
Envelopes .......................................................56
Grid View Tools ...............................................57
Audio Edit Tools ..............................................58
Programs ..................................................... 59
About Programs..............................................59
Drum Programs...............................................60
Keygroup Programs ........................................62
Clip Programs .................................................63
Plugin Programs..............................................65
MIDI Programs ................................................66
CV Programs ..................................................67
Menu............................................................ 68
Save ...............................................................69
Preferences.....................................................70
Info .............................................................70
Sequencer ..................................................70
Sync ...........................................................71
Hardware....................................................71
Project Defaults...........................................72
Auto Load/Save ..........................................73
General/Other .............................................73
Bluetooth ....................................................74
Wi-Fi ...........................................................75
Legal...........................................................75
Sync ...............................................................75
Mode ..............................................................75
System Resources ..........................................76
Time Counter/Locate ...................................77
Timing Correct (TC) ......................................79
Metronome (Click/Metro) .............................81
Automation ...................................................82
Global .............................................................82
Programs & Audio Tracks................................82
16 Level ........................................................83
Erase.............................................................84
Effects ..........................................................85
Overview .........................................................85
Insert Effects ...................................................87
Pads...........................................................87
Keygroups ..................................................89
Audio Tracks...............................................91
Programs....................................................92
Submixes....................................................94
Masters ......................................................95
Send/Return Effects ........................................96
Pads...........................................................97
Keygroups ..................................................98
Audio Tracks...............................................99
Programs....................................................99
Submixes..................................................100
Audio Mixdown ..........................................101
Battery Usage.............................................102
Standalone vs. Controller Mode ................103

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Modes............................................................. 105
Main Mode................................................. 106
Sequence Section .........................................111
Track Section................................................119
Program Section ...........................................125
Grid View ................................................... 130
Audio Edit Mode ........................................ 135
Track View ................................................. 143
MIDI Tracks...................................................145
Audio Tracks .................................................146
Step Sequencer ......................................... 147
XYFX Mode................................................ 151
Sample Edit Mode ..................................... 154
Settings.........................................................156
Trim Mode ....................................................157
Assigning Samples....................................161
Processing Slices & Samples ....................163
Chop Mode...................................................168
Converting or Assigning Slices ..................171
Processing Slices......................................174
Program Mode ..............................................177
Assigning Samples....................................180
Processing Slices......................................181
Program Edit Mode ................................... 184
Drum Programs.............................................184
Master ......................................................187
Samples ...................................................188
Pan Velocity ..............................................195
Filter Envelope ..........................................196
LFO Modulation ........................................197
Effects ......................................................199
Keygroup Programs ......................................201
Master ......................................................202
Samples ...................................................205
Pan Velocity ..............................................211
Filter Envelope ..........................................212
LFO Modulation ........................................213
Effects ......................................................215
Clip Programs ...............................................217
Program ...................................................219
Pad...........................................................220
Plugin Programs............................................223
MIDI Programs ..............................................224
CV Programs ................................................225
Anatomy of an Envelope................................226
List Edit Mode............................................ 227
Browser ......................................................231
Browse .........................................................231
Sample Assign ..............................................233
Sampler ......................................................234
Sample .........................................................237
Slice..............................................................239
Pad Tap ........................................................240
Pad Hold.......................................................241
Looper ........................................................242
Pad Mixer ...................................................247
Levels ...........................................................249
Panning.........................................................249
Mute .............................................................250
Send Effects..................................................250
Insert Effects .................................................251
Routing .........................................................251
Channel Mixer ............................................252
MIDI Tracks...................................................255
Audio Tracks .................................................256
Programs ......................................................258
Returns .........................................................260
Submixes ......................................................261
Masters.........................................................262
Pad Mute Mode..........................................263
Pad Mute ......................................................264
Pad Group ....................................................265
Track Mute Mode .......................................266
Track Mute....................................................267
Track Group..................................................268
Next Sequence Mode ................................269
Song Mode.................................................271
Q-Link Edit Mode .......................................274
Project ..........................................................276
Program/Audio Track ....................................278
Pad Scene ....................................................280
Pad Parameter ..............................................281
Screen ..........................................................282
Pad Color Mode .........................................283
MIDI Control Mode.....................................285
Pads .............................................................286
Buttons .........................................................287
Q-Link Knobs................................................288
XY Pad..........................................................289
Pad Perform Mode .....................................290

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Appendix ............................................................. 293
Effects & Parameters.................................... 293
Reverbs...................................................... 293
Delays ........................................................ 295
Flangers .. .. ....... .. ....... .. .. ....... .. ....... .. ......... .. 2 98
Chorus ....................................................... 299
Autopans.................................................... 299
Tremolos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0 0
Phasers ...................................................... 300
HP (High-Pass) Filters................................ 301
LP (Low-Pass) Filters................................. 302
Parametric EQs.......................................... 303
Distortions.................................................. 304
Compressors ............................................. 305
Bit Reducers .............................................. 306
Other .......................................................... 307
Glossary..........................................................308
SATA Drive Installation .................................313
MIDI Machine Control (MMC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1 4
Technical Specifications...............................315
MPC X ........................................................315
MPC Live ....................................................318
MPC Touch ................................................320
Trademarks & Licenses ................................321

6
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing your MPC. At Akai Professional, we know how serious music is to you. That’s why we
design our equipment with only one thing in mind—to make your performance the best it can be.
This user guide explains how to create music using MPC X, MPC Live, and MPC Touch. There is similar documentation
available for MPC products that use an LCD and for the MPC software application. To view these user guides, click the
Help menu in the MPC software, select MPC Help, and select an option.
Questions, comments, suggestions? Let us know at akaipro.com/support or on Facebook™. We’d love to hear
from you.
Welcome to the MPC family.
Akai Professional
System Requirements & Product Support
For the latest information about this product (system requirements, compatibility information, etc.) and product
registration, visit akaipro.com.
For additional support, visit akaipro.com/support.
About This User Guide
This manual should help you get familiar with using your MPC X, MPC Live, or MPC Touch. For consistency, the
terminology throughout is based on the MPC nomenclature. We also used specific formatting to indicate particular
topics of significance:
Important/Note/Tip: Important or helpful information on a given topic.
Names of buttons, controls, parameters, settings, and other options are written in bold characters throughout the manual.
Examples:Press the Play Start button.
Turn Q-Link Knob 4.
Tap the Mute button.
The Velocity ranges from 0to 127.
Set the Sample Play selector to One Shot.
Tap BPM, and then use the numeric keypad to enter 120 as the tempo.
Some parts of this manual refer to other relevant chapters or sections, which are cited in bold, italic blue characters.
Click the text to skip immediately to that section.
Examples:Read the Important Notes section before proceeding.
For more information about installing the necessary drivers and software, see Setup > 2. Installation.
To learn more about using send effects, see General Features > Effects > Send/Return Effects.

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Important Notes
Read the included safety & warranty manual before using your MPC hardware.
Before getting started and connecting devices to your MPC hardware or turning the hardware on/off, make sure all
devices are switched off.
To use your MPC hardware in Controller Mode (to control the MPC software):
Before installing the MPC software, make sure your computer meets the system requirements described at
akaipro.com. This applies whether you’ll use MPC software as your host software or as a plugin in another digital
audio workstation (DAW).
Before connecting your MPC hardware to your computer, install the drivers and software. Visit akaipro.com to
download the latest versions. Refer to the 2. Installation section for more information.
Setup
1. Connection
Here is just an example of how to use MPC X in your setup. Items not listed under Introduction > Box Contents of
your included quickstart guide are sold separately.
Computer
Turntable
Microphone Power
SD Card
(to front-panel SD card slot)
USB
drive
Powered Monitors
Footswitch
(to front-panel FS1 input)
Headphones
(to front-panel headphone output)

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Remember to remove the protective film from your MPC hardware touchscreen!
To use your MPC hardware in Standalone Mode, just connect it to a power outlet using the included power
adapter, and power it on!
Note: We highly recommend checking akaipro.com for any available updates to the MPC software/firmware and/or
drivers.
To use your MPC hardware in Controller Mode, continue to Step 2. Installation.
2. Installation
To use your MPC hardware in Controller Mode (to control the MPC software), follow these steps to download
and install the required drivers & software:
1. Go to akaipro.com and register your product. If you don’t have an Akai Professional account yet, you will be
prompted to create one.
2. In your Akai Professional account, download the MPC software package.
3. Open the file and double-click the installer application.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Note: By default, the MPC software will be installed in [your hard drive]\Program Files\Akai Pro\MPC (Windows®)
or Applications (macOS®). You can also create a shortcut on your Desktop.
3. Getting Started
1. Power on your MPC hardware.
2. On your computer, open the MPC software.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to authorize your version of MPC.
4. You will need an iLok account to complete this. You can create an account at ilok.com.
Make a note of the PACE code in your account, and enter it when asked for it during the authorization/unlock
process.
5. On your MPC hardware, check the upper-right corner of the touchscreen:
• If there is a monitor/cable icon, then your MPC hardware is already in Controller Mode.
Continue to Step 6.
• If there is a chip icon, then your MPC hardware is in Standalone Mode. Follow these steps:
i. Press Menu to enter the Menu.
ii. Tap the MPC chip icon in the upper-right corner.
iii. In the Enter Controller Mode window that appears, tap Controller Mode. Looking
for computer may appear briefly on the screen before your MPC hardware recognizes
the USB connection as a controller.
6. In the MPC software, click the Edit menu, and select Preferences. Click the Audio tab and select the sound
card you want to use. Click OK when you are done.
Important:
We highly recommend using your MPC hardware’s sound card (Akai Pro MPC X/Live/Touch ASIO). If you need
to use the internal sound card on a Windows computer, we recommend downloading the latest ASIO4ALL driver
at asio4all.com.
To view the MPC software user guide, click the Help menu in the MPC software, select MPC Help, and select
MPC User Manual.

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Features
This chapter explains the features and functions of each MPC model with a touchscreen: MPC X, MPC Live, and
MPC Touch.
MPC X
Top Panel
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
21
28 29 30
32 33
34 35
36
37 38
39 40
41
42
43
44
47 48
49
50
51 52
53 54
55 55
45 45
46
44
31
23 24 25 26 27
22
12
15
11
13
16 17 18 19 20
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Navigation & Data Entry Controls
1. Touchscreen:This full-color multi-touch display shows information relevant to MPC X’s current operation.
Touch the touchscreen (and use the hardware controls) to control the MPC interface. See the later Touchscreen
section to learn how to use some basic functions.
Tip: If you adjust the angle of the touchscreen, use the stand on its back panel to secure it in place.
2. Cursors: Press these buttons to navigate through the fields of menus and options shown on the screen. Press
and hold Shift and press these buttons to zoom in or out of the Grid View or Audio Edit Mode. Press and hold
Shift and press the up and down cursors simultaneously or the left and right cursors simultaneously to return
to the default zoom setting.

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3. Data Dial:Use this dial to scroll through the available menu options or adjust the parameter values of the
selected field on the screen.
4. –/+: Press these buttons to increase or decrease the value of the selected field on the screen.
5. Numeric Keypad: If the selected field on the screen is a number, press these numbered buttons as you would
on a standard numeric keypad to enter a value. Press the keypad’s Enter to enter it. (A numeric keypad with
additional operations will appear on the screen, as well.)
6. Undo/Redo: Press this button to undo your last action.
Press and hold Shift and press this button to redo the last action you undid.
7. Shift: Press and hold this button to access some buttons’ secondary functions (indicated by red writing).
Double-press this button to see which buttons have secondary functions—the buttons will flash for a few seconds.
8. F-Key: Press this button to activate or deactivate the F-Key feature. When active, the six buttons under the
touchscreen correspond to the options shown at the bottom edge of the screen. The F-Key button and those six
buttons will be lit red when active. When inactive, the six buttons under the touchscreen will access their normal
modes instead (Menu, Browser, Step Seq, Sampler, XYFX, and Looper).
Pad & Q-Link Controls
9. Q-Link Knobs: Turn these touch-sensitive knobs to adjust various parameters and settings. The display strip
above each knob indicates the parameter it is controlling. If the display strip shows a meter to indicate its value,
you can touch or turn its Q-Link knob to temporarily show its precise numerical value.
10. Pads: Press these pads to trigger drum hits or other samples in your software. The pads are velocity-sensitive
and pressure-sensitive, which makes them very responsive and intuitive to play. The pads will light up different
colors, depending on how hard you play them (ranging from yellow at a low velocity to red at the highest
velocity). You can also customize their colors.
11. Pad Bank: Press these buttons to access Pad Banks A–D.
Press and hold Shift while pressing these buttons to access Pad Banks E–H. Alternatively, double-press one of
these buttons.
12. Copy/Delete: Press this button to copy one pad to another. When the From Pad field is selected, press the
“source” pad (the pad you want to copy). When the To Pad graphic (of all pads) is selected, press the
“destination” pad. You can select multiple destination pads, and you can select pads in different pad banks. Tap
Do It to continue or Close to return to the previous screen.
Tip: To quickly copy a pad, press and hold Copy, press the source pad, press the destination pad, and then
release Copy.
Press and hold Shift and press this button to delete a pad’s sample assignment. When the Delete Pad window
is shown, press any pad/pads whose sample assignments you want to clear. Tap Delete to continue or Cancel
to return to the previous screen.
13. Full Level/Half Level: Press this button to activate or deactivate the Full Level feature. When activated, the pads
will always trigger their samples at the maximum velocity (127), regardless of how much force you use.
Press and hold Shift and then press this button to activate or deactivate the Half Level feature. When activated,
the pads will always trigger their samples at half-velocity (64).
14. 16 Level:Press this button to activate/deactivate 16 Level. When activated, the last pad that was hit will be
temporarily copied to all 16 pads. The pads will now output the same note number as the initial pad, but a
selectable parameter will be fixed at values that increase as the pad numbers increase (e.g., Pad 1 is the minimum,
Pad 16 is the maximum), regardless of how hard you press them. In the screen that appears, use the Type selector
to choose the parameter: Velocity, Tune, Filter, Layer, Attack, or Decay. See Operation > General Features >
16 Level to learn more.
15. Note Repeat/Latch: Press and hold this button, and then press a pad to trigger that pad’s sample repeatedly.
The rate is based on the current tempo and Time Correct settings.
Press and hold Shift and then press this button to “latch” the Note Repeat feature. When latched, you do not
have to hold the Note Repeat button for it to be activated. Press Note Repeat once more to unlatch it.

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16. Project: Press this button to use the Q-Link knobs to adjust parameters related to the current project. Press and
hold Shift and then press this button to enter the Project Q-Link Edit Mode directly. See Operation > Modes >
Q-Link Edit Mode > Project to learn about this.
17. Program: Press this button to use the Q-Link knobs to adjust parameters of the currently selected program or
audio track. Press and hold Shift and then press this button to enter the Program Q-Link Edit Mode directly. See
Operation > Modes > Q-Link Edit Mode > Program to learn about this.
18. Pad Scene: Press this button to use the Q-Link knobs to adjust parameters that you have assigned for the
currently selected pad. Press and hold Shift and then press this button to enter the Pad Scene Q-Link Edit Mode
directly. See Operation > Modes > Q-Link Edit Mode > Pad Scene to learn about this.
19. Pad Param: Press this button to use the Q-Link knobs to adjust one parameter across all 16 pads. Each Q-Link
knob corresponds to the pad with the same number and position in the 4-by-4 layout. Press and hold Shift and
then press this button to enter the Pad Param Q-Link Edit Mode directly. See Operation > Modes > Q-Link Edit
Mode > Pad Parameter to learn about this.
20. Screen Control/Edit: Press this button to use the Q-Link knobs to adjust parameters in the currently selected
mode as shown on the screen. See Operation > Modes > Q-Link Edit Mode > Screen to learn about this.
Press and hold Shift and then press this button to enter Q-Link Edit Mode where you can assign other parameters
to the Q-Link knobs.
Mode & View Controls
Note: See Operation > Modes to learn about the different modes you can access with these controls.
21. Menu: Press this button to open the Menu. You can tap an option in the Menu to enter that mode, view, etc.
22. Main/Track:Press this button to enter Main Mode.
Press and hold Shift and then press this button to enter the Track View.
23. Browse/Save: Press this button to view the Browser. The Browser lets you navigate your computer’s internal
and external hard disks to load samples, sequences, songs, etc. Using filter buttons and user-definable folders,
you can easily adapt it to your workflow. You can also preview samples before loading them.
Press and hold Shift and press this button to save the current project (including its samples, programs, sequences,
and songs).
24. Step Seq/List Edit: Press this button to view the Step Sequencer where you can create or edit sequences by
using the pads as “step buttons,” simulating the experience of a traditional step-sequencer-style drum machine.
Press and hold Shift and press this button to view your sequences using the List Edit View instead of the Grid View.
25. Sampler/Looper: Press this button to view the Sampler where you can record audio samples to use in your
projects.
Press and hold Shift and press this button to view the Looper where you can record and overdub audio in real
time—a great tool for live performance as well as spontaneous moments in the studio. You can export the loop
as a sample to use in your project.
26. XYFX: Press this button to view XYFX Mode, which turns the touchscreen into an XY pad where each axis
represents the range of an effect parameter. As you move touch or move your finger on the screen, the current
position will determine the current value of the two parameters. You can use this mode to create interesting
effect automation on your tracks.
27. Pad Perform: Press this button to view Pad Perform Mode where you can assign musical scales/modes, chords,
or progressions to the pads for creative performance options.
28. Prog Edit: Press this button to view Program Edit Mode, which contains all parameters for editing your programs.
29. Sample Edit: Press this button to view Sample Edit Mode where you can edit your samples using various
functions and processes.
30. Pad Mixer: Press this button to view the Pad Mixer where you can set a program’s levels, stereo panning,
routing, and effects.
31. Ch. Mixer: Press this button to view the Channel Mixer where you can set levels, stereo panning, and other
settings for your tracks, programs, returns, submixes (in Controller Mode), and masters.

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32. Track Mute/Pad Mute: Press this button to view Track Mute Mode where you can easily mute tracks within a
sequence or set mute groups for each track.
Press and hold Shift and press this button to view Pad Mute Mode where you can easily mute pads within a
program or set mute groups for each pad within a program.
33. Next Seq/Song: Press this button to view Next Sequence Mode where you can trigger different sequences simply
by playing the pads. This is useful for live performances, letting you change a song’s structure in real time.
Press and hold Shift and press this button to view Song Mode where you can arrange sequences in a specific
order and/or repetition to create songs. You can edit the structure of a song during playback for easy, on-the-fly
composing.
Transport & Recording Controls
34. Play: Press this button to play the sequence from the audio pointer’s current position.
35. Play Start: Press this button to play the sequence from its start point.
36. Stop:Press this button to stop playback. You can double-press this button to silence audio that is still sounding
once a note stops playing. Quickly pressing this button three times will act as a “MIDI panic” and shut off all
voices and stop all audio processing.
37. Rec:Press this button to record-arm the sequence. Press Play or Play Start to start recording. Recording in this
way (as opposed to using Overdub) erases the events of the current sequence. After the sequence plays through
once while recording, Overdub will be enabled.
38. Overdub:Press this button to enable Overdub. When enabled, you can record events in a sequence without
overwriting any previously recorded events. You can enable Overdub before or during recording.
39. </>(Event |</>|): Use these buttons to move the audio pointer left or right, one step at a time.
Press and hold Locate and press one of these buttons to move the audio pointer to the previous/next event in
the sequence grid.
40. <</>> (Start/End): Use these buttons to move the audio pointer left or right, one bar at a time.
Press and hold Locate and press one of these buttons to move the audio pointer to the start or end of the
sequence grid.
41. Locate: Press and hold this button to activate the secondary functions of the </>and <</>> buttons (i.e., Event
|</>| and Start/End, respectively).
42. Erase:As a sequence is playing, press and hold this button and then press a pad to delete the note event for
that pad at the current playback position. This is a quick way to delete note events from your sequence without
having to stop playback. See Operation > General Features > Erase to learn more.
43. Tap/Master:Press this button in time with the desired tempo to enter a new tempo (in BPM). You can set how
many taps are required in the Preferences (see Operation > General Features > Menu > Preferences to learn
how to do this).
Press and hold Shift and press this button to set whether the currently selected sequence follows its own tempo
(the button will be lit red) or a master tempo (the button will be lit amber).

13
I/O & Level Controls
44. Gain 1/2: Use these knobs to adjust the gain of the incoming signal from Input 1/2on the rear panel or Inst 1/2on
the front panel. Use the Rear/Front switches below the knobs to determine the input. Use the level meter to
check the recording level. Be careful when setting this knob at higher levels, which can cause the signal to distort.
45. Rear/Front: Use each switch to set whether the Gain 1/2knob above it will control the gain of the input signal on
the rear panel (Input 1/2) or on the front panel (Inst 1/2).
46. Phantom Power (+48V): This switch activates and deactivates phantom power for Input 1/2. When activated,
+48V of phantom power will be supplied to both inputs. Note that most dynamic microphones do not require
phantom power, while most condenser microphones do. Refer to your microphone’s documentation to check if it
needs phantom power.
47. 3/4 Rec Gain: Use this knob to adjust the gain of the incoming signal from Input 3/4on the rear panel. Use the
level meter to check the recording level. Be careful when setting this knob at higher levels, which can cause the
signal to distort.
48. Master: Turn this knob to adjust the volume level of the Main L/R outputs.
49. Direct/Main: Turn this knob to adjust the balance between the input and output signals in the headphones.
Direct corresponds to the input signal—all devices connected to the inputs on the front and rear panels.
While recording, you can turn this knob all the way to Direct for zero-latency direct monitoring.
Main corresponds to the output signal—the signal sent from the Main L/R outputs on the rear panel. When
you are not recording, we recommend turning this knob all the way to the Main position to hear the full-
volume playback signal.
50. Stereo/Mono: Use this switch to set whether the signal in the headphones is binaural (Stereo) or monaural
(Mono). When set to Stereo, the headphone signal will be split so that the input signal (Direct) is heard in the left
ear while the output signal (Main) is heard in the right ear. When set to Mono, the input and output signals are
blended into a single, summed mix, which is heard in both ears.
51. Rec Arm: Press this button to arm or disarm recording for the currently selected audio track, shown in the
display strip below the level meters (see Operation > General Features > Menu > Preferences to learn how to
set what is shown in the level meters).
52. Read/Write: Press this button to set the automation state for the program on the current track or for the current
audio track: Off, Read (green R), or Write (red W). The display strip below the level meters must show a program
or audio track (see Operation > General Features > Menu > Preferences to learn how to set what is shown in
the level meters).
53. Mute: Press this button to mute the program, audio track, or master output shown in the display strip below the
level meters (see Operation > General Features > Menu > Preferences to learn how to set what is shown in
the level meters).
54. Solo: Press this button to solo the currently selected program or audio track shown in the display strip below the
level meters (see Operation > General Features > Menu > Preferences to learn how to set what is shown in the
level meters).
55. Level Meters: These meters indicate the level of the audio signal shown in the display strip below them. See
Operation > General Features > Menu > Preferences to learn how to set what is shown in the level meters.

14
Touchscreen
Here is some general information about how to use the MPC X touchscreen:
x2
Tap a button or option to select it. Use the data dial o
r
–/+buttons to change its setting or value
Double-tap a button to access advanced editing options.
In some cases, this will show a numeric keypad that you
can use to enter a value (an alternative to the data dial
or –/+buttons). Tap the upper-left part of the screen to
return to the previous view.
Spread two fingers to zoom in (into a section of a
waveform, for example). Pinch two fingers to zoom out.
The top of the screen shows the toolbar, which contains
information about the current view (often the name o
f
the current track, sequence, audio pointer position,
etc.). Tap an item to select it.
The bottom of the screen shows various buttons that
you can use in the current view. Tap a button to press it.
To return to a previous view, either tap outside of the
window currently on the screen or tap the left arrow ()
in the upper-left part of the screen.

15
Front Panel
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1. SD Card Slot: Insert a standard SD/SDHC card into this slot to access its files directly using MPC X.
2. Footswitch Inputs (FS 1/2) (1/4” / 6.35 mm): Connect optional 1/4” (6.35 mm) TS footswitches to these inputs.
3. Instrument Inputs (Inst 1/2)(1/4” / 6.35 mm): Use standard 1/4” (6.35 mm) TS cables to connect these inputs to
audio sources (guitars, bass, etc.). To use each of these inputs, set the corresponding Rear/Front switch (below
the Gain 1/2knob on the top panel) to Front.
4. Mix Knob: Turn this knob to adjust the balance between the Main and 3/4signals in your headphones. Main is
the signal sent from the Main L/Routputs.3/4is the signal sent from the Outputs 3/4.
5. Headphone Outputs (1/8” or 1/4” / 3.5 mm or 6.35 mm): Connect your headphones (not included) to either or
both of these standard stereo outputs. Use the Mix Knob to determine what signal is heard in the headphones.
Turn the Headphone Volume knob to set the volume level.
6. Headphone Volume: Turn this knob to adjust the volume of the headphone outputs.

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Rear Panel
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1. Power Input: Use the included power adapter to connect MPC X to a power outlet. This must be connected to a
power outlet in order for MPC X to power on.
2. Power Adapter Restraint: Secure the power adapter cable to this restraint to prevent it from accidentally unplugging.
3. Power Switch: Press this button to turn MPC X’s power on or off. While powered on, press and hold this button
for 5 seconds to force MPC X to power off (similar to a computer).
4. USB-B Port: Use the included USB cable to connect this USB 3.0 port to an available USB 3.0 port on your
computer. This connection allows MPC X to send/receive MIDI and audio data to/from the MPC software on your
computer. It also allows any connected USB drives, SD cards, and drives connected to the internal SATA port to
mount on your computer if MPC X is in Controller Mode (i.e., your computer can access these storage devices
that are connected to your MPC X).
5. USB-A Ports: Connect USB flash drives to these USB ports to access their files directly using MPC X. MPC X
supports read and write capability for exFAT, FAT32, NTFS, and EXT4 file systems a well as read-only capability
for HFS+ file systems. (We recommend using an exFAT file system as it is the most robust one supported by
both Windows and macOS.) These USB ports supply power to connected USB devices and can also be used to
receive MIDI messages from external USB MIDI devices.
6. Inputs 1/2 (XLR or 1/4” / 6.35 mm): Use standard XLR or 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS cables to connect these inputs to
audio sources (microphone, mixer, synthesizer, etc.). To use each of these inputs, set the corresponding
Rear/Front switch (below the Gain 1/2knob on the top panel) to Rear. Turn the Gain 1/2knobs to set the input
level of each one.
7. Inputs 3/4 (1/4” / 6.35 mm or RCA): Use standard 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS cables or stereo RCA cables to connect
these inputs to audio sources (mixer, turntable, synthesizer, etc.). To use the 1/4” (6.35 mm) inputs, set the
Phono/Line switch to Line. To use the RCA inputs, set the Phono/Line switch to Phono. Turn the 3/4 Rec Gain
knob to set their input levels.
8. Phono/Line Switch: Set this switch to the appropriate position, depending on which Input 3/4connectors you
want to use. If you are using the 1/4” (6.35 mm) inputs, set this switch to Line. If you are using the RCA inputs,
set this switch to Phono to provide the additional amplification needed for phono-level signals.
9. Grounding Terminal: If you are sending a phono-level turntable signal to the Input 3/4RCA connectors and are
hearing a low hum or buzz, it could mean that the turntable is not grounded. If the turntable has a grounding
wire, connect it to this terminal.
Note: Some turntables have a grounding wire built into the RCA connection and, therefore, nothing needs to be
connected to the grounding terminal.
10. Main L/R Outputs (1/4” / 6.35 mm): Use standard 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS cables to connect these outputs to your
speaker system. The signal sent out of these outputs is the master mix. Turn the Master knob to set their volume.
Tip: To route a program to these outputs, set its routing to Out 1,2 in the Channel Mixer when the Mixer field is
set to Programs. See Operation > Modes > Channel Mixer to learn more about this.
11. Outputs 3/4, 5/6, 7/8(1/4” / 6.35 mm): Use standard 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS cables to connect these outputs to an
external mixer. The signal sent from these outputs is full-volume (0 dB).
Tip: To route a program to these outputs, set its routing to Out 1,2, Out 5,6, or Out 7,8 (respectively) in the
Channel Mixer when the Mixer field is set to Programs. See Operation > Modes > Channel Mixer to learn
more about this.
12. MIDI In: Use standard 5-pin MIDI cables to connect these inputs to the MIDI outputs of optional external MIDI
devices.
13. MIDI Out: Use standard 5-pin MIDI cables to connect these outputs to the MIDI inputs of optional external MIDI
devices.
14. CV/Gate Out: Use standard 1/8” (3.5 mm) TS cables to connect these outputs to optional external sequencers.
MPC X will send control voltage (CV) and/or Gate data over this connection.

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MPC Live
Top Panel
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1. Touchscreen:This full-color multi-touch display shows information relevant to MPC Live’s current operation.
Touch the touchscreen (and use the hardware controls) to control the MPC interface. See the later Touchscreen
section to learn how to use some basic functions.
2. Data Dial:Use this dial to scroll through the available menu options or adjust the parameter values of the
selected field on the screen. Pressing the dial also functions as an Enter button.
3. Q-Link Knobs:Use these touch-sensitive knobs to adjust various parameters and settings. The knobs can control
one group of parameters at a time. The lights below the Q-Link button indicate the currently selected column of Q-
Link knobs. Press the Q-Link button to change which parameter or group of parameters they currently control.
4. Q-Link Button: Press this button to change which parameter or group of parameters the Q-Link knobs currently
control (indicated by the lights above the Q-Link knobs). Each press will select the next column of Q-Link knobs.
Press and hold Shift and then press this button to select the previous column of Q-Link knobs instead.
Press and hold this button to show the QLink window over the touchscreen’s current contents. These are the same
parameters and settings as what is shown in Q-Link Edit Mode. You can tap Q-Link Edit at the bottom of the
window to enter Q-Link Edit Mode immediately (see Operation > Modes > Q-Link Edit Mode to learn about this).
5. Pads:Press these pads to trigger drum hits or other samples in your software. The pads are velocity-sensitive
and pressure-sensitive, which makes them very responsive and intuitive to play. The pads will light up different
colors, depending on how hard you play them (ranging from yellow at a low velocity to red at the highest
velocity). You can also customize their colors.
6. Pad Bank:Press any of these buttons to access Pad Banks A–D.
Press and hold Shift while pressing any of these buttons to access Pad Banks E–H. Alternatively, double-press
one of these buttons.
7. Note Repeat/Latch:Press and hold this button, and then press a pad to trigger that pad’s sample repeatedly.
The rate is based on the current tempo and Time Correct settings.
Press and hold Shift and then press this button to “latch” the Note Repeat feature. When latched, you do not
have to hold the Note Repeat button for it to be activated. Press Note Repeat once more to unlatch it.

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8. Full Level/Half Level:Press this button to activate or deactivate the Full Level feature. When activated, the pads
will always trigger their samples at the maximum velocity (127), regardless of how much force you use.
Press and hold Shift and then press this button to activate or deactivate the Half Level feature. When activated,
the pads will always trigger their samples at half-velocity (64).
9. 16 Level:Press this button to activate/deactivate 16 Level. When activated, the last pad that was hit will be
temporarily copied to all 16 pads. The pads will now output the same note number as the initial pad, but a
selectable parameter will be fixed at values that increase as the pad numbers increase (e.g., Pad 1 is the minimum,
Pad 16 is the maximum), regardless of how hard you press them. In the screen that appears, use the Type selector
to choose the parameter: Velocity, Tune, Filter, Layer, Attack, or Decay. See Operation > General Features >
16 Level to learn more.
10. Erase:As a sequence is playing, press and hold this button and then press a pad to delete the note event for
that pad at the current playback position. This is a quick way to delete note events from your sequence without
having to stop playback. See Operation > General Features > Erase to learn more.
11. Shift:Press and hold this button to access some buttons’ secondary functions (indicated by gray writing).
Double-press this button to see which buttons have secondary functions—the buttons will flash for a few seconds.
12. Menu/Browse: Press this button to open the Menu. You can tap an option in the Menu to enter that mode, view, etc.
Press and hold Shift and then press this button to view the Browser. You can use the Browser to locate and
select programs, samples, sequences, etc.
13. Main/Track:Press this button to enter Main Mode.
Press and hold Shift and then press this button to enter the Track View.
14. Undo/Redo:Press this button to undo your last action.
Press and hold Shift and press this button to redo the last action you undid.
15. Copy/Delete: Press this button to copy one pad to another. When the From Pad field is selected, press the
“source” pad (the pad you want to copy). When the To Pad graphic (of all pads) is selected, press the
“destination” pad. You can select multiple destination pads, and you can select pads in different pad banks. Tap
Do It to continue or Close to return to the previous screen.
Tip: To quickly copy a pad, press and hold Copy, press the source pad, press the destination pad, and then
release Copy.
Press and hold Shift and press this button to delete a pad’s sample assignment. When the Delete Pad window
is shown, press any pad/pads whose sample assignments you want to clear. Tap Delete to continue or Cancel
to return to the previous screen.
16. –/+: Press these buttons to increase or decrease the value of the selected field on the screen.
17. Play: Press this button to play the sequence from the audio pointer’s current position.
18. Play Start: Press this button to play the sequence from its start point.
19. Stop:Press this button to stop playback. You can double-press this button to silence audio that is still sounding
once a note stops playing. Quickly pressing this button three times will act as a “MIDI panic” and shut off all
voices and stop all audio processing.
20. Rec:Press this button to record-arm the sequence. Press Play or Play Start to start recording. Recording in this
way (as opposed to using Overdub) erases the events of the current sequence. After the sequence plays through
once while recording, Overdub will be enabled.
21. Overdub:Press this button to enable Overdub. When enabled, you can record events in a sequence without
overwriting any previously recorded events. You can enable Overdub before or during recording.
22. Tap/Master:Press this button in time with the desired tempo to enter a new tempo (in BPM). You can set how
many taps are required in the Preferences (see Operation > General Features > Menu > Preferences to learn
how to do this).
Press and hold Shift and press this button to set whether the currently selected sequence follows its own tempo
(the button will be lit red) or a master tempo (the button will be lit amber).

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Touchscreen
Here is some general information about how to use the MPC Live touchscreen:
x2
Tap a button or option to select it. Use the data dial o
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–/+buttons to change its setting or value
Double-tap a button to access advanced editing options.
In some cases, this will show a numeric keypad that you
can use to enter a value (an alternative to the data dial
or –/+buttons). Tap the upper-left part of the screen to
return to the previous view.
Spread two fingers to zoom in (into a section of a
waveform, for example). Pinch two fingers to zoom out.
The top of the screen shows the toolbar, which contains
information about the current view (often the name o
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the current track, sequence, audio playhead position,
etc.). Tap an item to select it.
The bottom of the screen shows various buttons that
you can use in the current view. Tap a button to press it.
To return to a previous view, either tap outside of the
window currently on the screen or tap the left arrow ()
in the upper-left part of the screen.

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Rear Panel
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1. Power Input: Use the included power adapter to connect MPC Live to a power outlet.
2. Power Switch: Turns MPC Live’s power on/off.
3. Charging Indicator: This light (behind the vent) will turn on when MPC Live’s internal battery is charging (when
the power input is connected to a power outlet). When the battery is fully charged or when it is disconnected
from a power outlet, then this light will turn off.
4. USB-B Port: Use the included USB cable to connect this USB 3.0 port to an available USB 3.0 port on your
computer. This connection allows MPC Live to send/receive MIDI and audio data to/from the MPC software on
your computer. It also allows any connected USB drives, SD cards, and drives connected to the internal SATA
port to mount on your computer if MPC Live is in Controller Mode (i.e., your computer can access these storage
devices that are connected to your MPC Live).
5. USB-A Ports: Connect USB flash drives to these USB ports to access their files directly using MPC Live. MPC
Live supports read and write capability for exFAT, FAT32, NTFS, and EXT4 file systems a well as read-only
capability for HFS+ file systems. (We recommend using an exFAT file system as it is the most robust one
supported by both Windows and macOS.) These USB ports supply power to connected USB devices and can
also be used to receive MIDI messages from external USB MIDI devices.
6. SD Card Slot: Insert a standard SD/SDHC card into this slot to access its files directly using MPC Live.
7. Rec Vol: Turn this knob to adjust the gain of the incoming signal from the 1/4” (6.35 mm) and RCA inputs. Be
careful when setting this knob at higher levels, which can cause the signal to distort.
8. Master Vol: Turn this knob to adjust the volume of Output 1/2 and the phones output.
9. Inputs (1/4” / 6.35 mm): Use standard 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS cables to connect these inputs to audio sources
(microphone, mixer, synthesizer, etc.). To use these inputs, set the Line/Phono switch to Line. Turn the Rec Vol
knob to set their input levels.
10. Inputs (RCA): Use a standard RCA stereo cable to connect these inputs to a phono-level audio source like a
turntable. To use these inputs, set the Line/Phono switch to Phono. Turn the Rec Vol knob to set their input levels.
11. Line/Phono Switch:Set this switch to the appropriate position, depending on which inputs you want to use. If
you are using the RCA inputs, set this switch to Phono to provide the additional amplification needed for phono-
level signals. If you are using the 1/4” (6.35 mm) inputs, such as a keyboard or a sampler, set this switch to Line.
12. Grounding Terminal:If using phono-level turntables with a grounding wire, connect the grounding wire to these
terminals. If you experience a low “hum” or “buzz”, this could mean that your turntables are not grounded.
Note: Some turntables have a grounding wire built into the RCA connection and, therefore, nothing needs to be
connected to the grounding terminal.
13. Outputs (1/4” / 6.35 mm): Use standard 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS cables to connect these outputs to your speaker
system, external mixer, etc. The signal sent out of the Master L/Routputs is the master mix. Turn the Master
Vol knob to set their volume. The signals sent from Outputs 3–6 are full-volume (0 dB).
Tip: To route a program to these outputs, set its routing to Out 1,2, Out 3,4, or Out 5,6 (respectively) in the
Channel Mixer when the Mixer field is set to Programs. See Operation > Modes > Channel Mixer to learn
more about this.
14. Phones (1/8” / 3.5 mm): Connect standard 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo headphones to this output. Turn the Master Vol
knob to set the volume level.
15. MIDI In: Use standard 5-pin MIDI cables to connect these inputs to the MIDI outputs of optional external MIDI
devices.
16. MIDI Out: Use standard 5-pin MIDI cables to connect these outputs to the MIDI inputs of optional external MIDI
devices.
17. Kensington®Lock Slot: You can use this slot to secure your MPC Live to a table or other surface.