Akai MPCX User manual

User Guide
English
Manual Version 1.0

2
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................ 5
System Requirements & Product Support...... 5
About This User Guide ...................................... 5
Important Notes................................................. 6
Setup ................................................................... 6
1. Connection .................................................. 6
2. Installation ................................................... 7
3. Getting Started ............................................ 7
Features .................................................................. 8
Top Panel............................................................ 8
Navigation & Data Entry Controls.................... 8
Pad & Q-Link Controls .................................... 9
Mode & View Controls................................... 10
Transport & Recording Controls ................... 11
I/O & Level Controls ...................................... 12
Touchscreen.................................................. 13
Front Panel ....................................................... 14
Rear Panel ........................................................ 15
Basic Concepts .................................................... 16
Tutorial...................................................................17
Starting Up ........................................................17
Creating a Drum Kit .........................................17
Creating a Drum Sequence .............................18
Saving & Renaming ..........................................19
Editing Note Events..........................................20
Making Basic Sound Edits...............................21
Creating a Bass Track .....................................22
Recording an Audio Track...............................25
Creating a Song................................................26
Exporting the Song...........................................26
Other Features Explained................................27
Step Sequencer .............................................27
Drum Loops & Chop Mode ............................28
Pad Muting & Track Muting ...........................29
Sampling (Recording).....................................30
Sample Editing ...............................................31
Recording Automation with the XY Pad ........32
Using MPC X as a Controller .........................32

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Operation .............................................................. 33
General Features ............................................. 34
Control Types ................................................ 34
Programs ....................................................... 40
About Programs.................................................40
Drum Programs .................................................41
Keygroup Programs ...........................................43
Clip Programs ....................................................44
Plugin Programs.................................................46
MIDI Programs...................................................47
CV Programs .....................................................48
Menu.............................................................. 49
Save ..................................................................50
Preferences........................................................50
Mode .................................................................54
System Resources .............................................54
Time Counter................................................. 55
Automation .................................................... 56
Global ................................................................56
Programs & Audio Tracks...................................56
16 Level ......................................................... 57
Erase.............................................................. 57
Effects............................................................ 58
Overview............................................................58
Insert Effects ......................................................60
Send/Return Effects ...........................................65
Audio Mixdown.............................................. 68
Standalone vs. Controller Mode.................... 69
Modes................................................................71
Main Mode .....................................................72
Grid View ........................................................92
Audio Edit Mode ............................................96
Track View....................................................102
MIDI Tracks......................................................104
Audio Tracks....................................................105
Step Sequencer ...........................................106
XYFX Mode ..................................................109
Sample Edit Mode........................................111
Settings ...........................................................113
Trim Mode .......................................................114
Chop Mode......................................................122
Program Mode.................................................130
Sampler ........................................................136
Sample ............................................................138
Slice.................................................................139
Pad Tap ...........................................................140
Pad Hold..........................................................140
Pad Mute Mode ...........................................141
Pad Mute .........................................................142
Pad Group .......................................................142
Pad Mixer .....................................................143
Levels ..............................................................144
Panning ...........................................................144
Mute ................................................................145
Send Effects ....................................................145
Insert Effects ....................................................145
Routing ............................................................146
Next Sequence Mode ..................................147

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Modes (continued)
Program Edit Mode ..................................... 149
Drum Programs ...............................................149
Keygroup Programs .........................................156
Clip Programs ..................................................164
Plugin Programs...............................................167
MIDI Programs.................................................168
CV Programs ...................................................168
Anatomy of an Envelope ..................................169
Looper ......................................................... 170
Track Mute Mode ........................................ 173
Track Mute.......................................................174
Track Group.....................................................174
Channel Mixer.............................................. 175
MIDI Tracks......................................................177
Audio Tracks....................................................178
Programs.........................................................179
Returns ............................................................180
Submixes.........................................................181
Masters............................................................181
Song Mode .................................................. 182
Browser ....................................................... 184
Pad Perform Mode ...................................... 187
Pad Color Mode .......................................... 190
Q-Link Edit Mode ........................................ 191
Project .............................................................193
Program...........................................................194
Pad Scene .......................................................195
Pad Parameters ...............................................196
Screen .............................................................197
MIDI Control Mode ...................................... 198
Pads ................................................................199
Buttons............................................................199
Q-Link Knobs...................................................200
XY Pad.............................................................200
Appendix..............................................................201
Effects & Parameters .....................................201
Reverbs ........................................................201
Delays...........................................................203
Flangers........................................................206
Chorus..........................................................206
Autopans ......................................................207
Tremolos ......................................................207
Phasers ........................................................208
HP (High-Pass) Filters ..................................208
LP (Low-Pass) Filters ...................................209
Parametric EQs ............................................210
Distortions ....................................................211
Compressors................................................212
Bit Reducers.................................................213
Other ............................................................214
Glossary...........................................................215
SATA Drive Installation ..................................220
Technical Specifications ...............................221
Trademarks & Licenses .................................224

5
Introduction
Thanks for choosing the MPC X. Fusing Akai Professional’s legendary MPC layout and workflow with multi-core
processing power, MPC X is an unrivaled instrument for music production.
Introducing a new approach to music production with an ultra-fast and super-intuitive workflow, the MPC X is
powered by a radiant 10.1-inch 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. Combined with the
classic MPC feel, sound and vastly improved pads, the MPC X embodies the best elements of our past while taking
music production tech into the future.
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 the MPC X. For consistency, the terminology throughout is based
on the MPC parameter names. 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 MPC X.
Before getting started and connecting devices to MPC X or turning the hardware on/off, make sure all devices are
switched off.
To use MPC X 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 MPC X to your computer, install the drivers and software. Visit akaipro.com to download the
latest versions. Refer to the 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 the MPC X touchscreen!
To use MPC X 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 X software/firmware
and/or drivers.
To use MPC X in Controller Mode, continue to Step 2. Installation.
2. Installation
To use MPC X 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 (Mac®OS X®). You can also create a shortcut on your Desktop.
3. Getting Started
1. Power on MPC X.
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 and iLok License Manager to complete this. You can create an account and
download the license manager 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 MPC X, check the upper-right corner of the touchscreen:
•If there is a monitor/cable icon, then MPC X is already in Controller Mode. Continue to Step 6.
•If there a chip icon, then MPC X 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 in the touchscreen before MPC X 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 X’s sound card (Akai Pro MPC X 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, select MPC Help, and select MPC User Manual.

8
Features
This chapter explains the features and functions of your MPC X.
Top Panel
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2
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4
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34 35
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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 display (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 display, we recommend using 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 in the display. 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.
3. Data Dial:Use this dial to scroll through the available menu options or adjust the parameter values of the
selected field in the touchscreen.
4. –/+: Press these buttons to increase or decrease the value of the selected field in the display.

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5. Numeric Keypad: If the selected field in the display 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 touchscreen, 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
display correspond to the options shown at the bottom edge of the touchscreen. The F-Key button and those six
buttons will be lit red when active. When inactive, the six buttons under the display 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 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 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 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 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 in the display. See Operation > Modes > Q-Link Edit Mode 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
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 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 touchscreen, 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/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/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).

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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.

13
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
touchscreen 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 touchscreen shows the toolbar, which
contains information about the current view (often the
name of the current track, sequence, audio pointe
r
position, etc.). Tap an item to select it.
The bottom of the touchscreen 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 in the touchscreen or tap the left
arrow () in the upper-left part of the touchscreen.

14
Front Panel
123456
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.
6. Headphone Volume: Turn this knob to adjust the volume of the headphone outputs.

15
Rear Panel
1
2
3
4
5
678
9
10
11 12
13
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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 Mac OS X.)
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. 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.
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). To route a program to these outputs, set
its routing to Out 3,4, Out 5,6, or Out 7,8 in the Channel Mixer when the Mixer field is set to Programs.
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.

16
Basic Concepts
This chapter should help explain some fundamental aspects of MPC X.
The MPC workflow is quite different from traditional digital audio workstations (DAWs). In most typical DAWs, each
track uses an instance of each instrument, and all tracks are always playing even if they don’t contain any audio or
MIDI information. Furthermore, your entire project needs to be arranged just as the resulting song would be.
This isn’t the case with MPC X, which offers much more flexibility within your project. It’s important to understand
some basic terms, though:
A sequence is a “building block” of a song. It contains multiple tracks that play at the same time like a normal
DAW. In a project, you might create one sequence for your verse and another sequence for your chorus,
alternating and/or repeating each one in a specific order to create the song. (A project can contain 128 sequences.)
A track is a layer in a sequence. There are two types of tracks:
MIDI tracks consist of MIDI data only, no audio data. These tracks produce sound by using programs,
described below. Unlike a normal DAW, each MIDI track exists only in its sequence. The advantage of this is
not having to manage empty or unwanted tracks across all of your sequences—each sequence contains only
the tracks you want to use in it. If you want to use the same track across multiple sequences, you can copy
the track from one sequence into another. (A sequence on MPC X can contain 128 MIDI tracks.)
Audio tracks consist of a recorded audio signal, like a traditional DAW. These tracks do not use programs because
the audio is already contained in the track. Also, unlike MIDI tracks, audio tracks are present in every sequence in
the project, even if the tracks themselves are empty. (A sequence on MPC X can contain 8 audio tracks.)
A program is a preset through which MIDI tracks are routed. Programs may contain audio samples that are
triggered when tracks plays through them, producing the sound you want on that track. Programs are
independent of tracks and sequences, so you can set multiple tracks to use the same program (unlike normal
DAWs where each track requires its own set of samples). Furthermore, you can use the same program/programs
across multiple sequences. (A project can contain 128 programs.)
Each program can be played using the 16 pads (across eight pad banks, which gives you access to 128 pads in
each program). Each pad plays a MIDI note when you press it, but that MIDI note will trigger something different
for each program. For instance, in drum programs, the pads are assigned to samples—one pad could trigger a
kick drum sound and another could trigger a snare drum sound—whereas in keygroup programs, each pad
triggers a MIDI note that plays the corresponding pitch of the assigned to its keygroup.
Here’s a diagram to illustrate an example of how these pieces could work together:
Please take a look at the following Tutorial chapter, as well. It will walk you through the creation of a short song to
show you some of the MPC software’s most important features.
Mixing
Sequence
Track (MIDI: Drums)
Track (MIDI: Bass)
Track (MIDI: Keys 1)
Track (MIDI: Keys 2)
Track (MIDI: Synth)
Track (Audio: Vocals)
Track (Audio: Vocals)
Track (Audio: Guitar)
Drum Program
(Drums)
Keygroup Program
(Bass)
Keygroup Program
(Keys)
Keygroup Program
(Synth Lead)

17
Tutorial
This chapter should help you to familiarize yourself with some basic features in MPC X. To get the most out of this
chapter, we recommend reproducing each of the described steps.
On the following pages we will create a short song to show you some of MPC X’s most important features.
Starting Up
Make sure you have completed all of the steps described in Introduction > Setup. This includes:
•Installing the most current drivers and software.
•Connecting your MPC X to a power source using the included power adapter and powering it on.
•Opening and authorizing your MPC software.
Creating a Drum Kit
Let’s start by making a simple drum kit.
Press Browse to show the Browser. Then, use the touchscreen
to navigate to where your drum sounds are located:
To browse your files by location, tap Places on the left
side of the touchscreen. Internal is the MPC X’s internal
drive. MPC Documents is a shortcut to the MPC
Documents folder on the internal drive. If you have storage
devices connected to MPC X’s USB ports or SD card slot,
they will appear in this column, as well.
Important: MPC X supports read and write capability for
exFAT, FAT32, NTFS, and EXT4 file systems as 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 Mac OS X.)
To browse your files by type, tap Content and then tap the
type of file: Drums, Instruments, Clips, Samples, Demos,
or My Files.
To move up one folder level, tap the folder/icon in the
To move through a list, swipe up or down, turn the data
dial or use the –/+buttons.
To select a file or folder, tap it once.
To enter a folder, double-tap it or tap Open in the lower-
right corner. Alternatively, press the center cursor or Enter
to enter a selected folder.
To load a selected file, double-tap it, tap Load, or press
the center cursor or Enter. If the file is a sample, it will be
loaded to the project’s sample pool. If the file is a project, it
will be loaded in its entirety (you will be asked if you want to
close your current project).
To load all files in a selected folder, press and hold Shift
and then tap Load All in the lower-right corner.
To delete a selected file or folder, press and hold Shift and
then tap Delete File at the bottom of the touchscreen.

18
To preview a selected sound, tap and hold Play () at the bottom of the touchscreen.
To enable or disable the audition function and set its volume level, tap Audition at the bottom of the
touchscreen. In the screen that appears, tap Auto to enable or disable it, and tap and drag the level slider up or
down to set the volume level. Tap Audition once more to hide the window.
To show the information for the current drive, press and hold Shift and then tap Drive Info at the bottom of
the touchscreen. The drive’s information will appear in a new window. Tap OK to return to the previous screen.
After loading samples for a drum kit into the sample pool, use
the Sample Assign tab to assign a kick drum sound to a pad:
1. Tap Sample Assign at the bottom of the touchscreen.
This lets you view the pads and project’s sample pool.
2. Press Pad 1 or tap Pad 1 in the touchscreen to select it.
The pad will be lit green.
3. Swipe the Sample Pool list up or down or use the data
dial or –/+buttons to move through it.
4. To load a sample to the selected pad (Pad 1, in this
case) tap it in the Sample Pool list or press the center
cursor or Enter. Now, you can press Pad 1 to play the
kick drum sample.
To create a simple drum kit, repeat the above steps for
other pads. We recommend loading a snare drum, a closed
hi-hat, and an open hi-hat.
Creating a Drum Sequence
Now that your drum kit is set up, let’s record a drum sequence.
1. Press Menu to enter the Menu, and then tap Grid View.
2. Press Tap Tempo repeatedly at the speed you want to
record your sequence. MPC X will detect the rate and
adjust itself automatically.
3. Press the Rec button to activate Record Mode.
4. Press the Play button to start the actual recording. The
pre-count will count one measure before MPC X starts
to record. We recommend recording only one sound
(pad) at a time, especially if you are not familiar with
playing drums on the pads.
5. Play a simple kick drum pattern. The note events you
just recorded will automatically be placed in the grid (in
this case, on 16th notes). The initial measure length is
two bars. After the two bars, the recording will enter
Overdub Mode automatically; the sequence plays again
from the beginning and keeps looping, allowing you to
record further notes. Don’t stop the recording!
6. Play the snare drum part, then a hi-hat part.
7. When you’re done recording, press the Stop button.
If you start recording again on this sequence, keep in mind that the pads you play in your new recording will automatically
replace existing notes played with the same pads. To prevent this, you can start again from Step 1 but press the Overdub
button instead of the Rec button. Overdub lets you record additional note events over the existing Sequence.
The Undo button functions differently while in Record Mode. Normally, pressing Undo will undo just the last event.
When there is an event to undo, the Undo button will be lit solid. While recording, the Undo button will flash. In this
case, pressing Undo will erase all events from that recording (i.e., since Play or Play Start was pressed).

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Saving & Renaming
We recommend doing some renaming of your programs and samples before going further.
The collection of drum samples you loaded earlier (and their respective pad assignments) are arranged into a
program. When you load this program in the future, you will be able to use all of the samples that belong to it.
Let’s rename the exisiting program as we’ll want to create more programs later on.
To rename a program:
1. Press Main to enter Main Mode.
2. In the Program section in the lower part of the touchscreen,
tap the cursor icon on the right edge.
3. Use the virtual keyboard that appears to enter a new name
(e.g., Drums), and then tap Do It.
To rename your samples:
1. Press Sample Edit to enter Sample Edit Mode.
2. The Sample field at the top of the touchscreen will show the name of a sample. Select a sample in one of the
following ways:
•When the Sample field is selected, use the data dial or –/+buttons to change it.
•Double-tap the Sample field and tap one in the list that appears.
3. Tap the keyboard icon next to it to rename the current sample.
4. Use the virtual keyboard that appears to enter a new name (e.g., Kick, Snare, etc.), and then tap Do It.
Repeat Steps 2–4 to rename other samples.
Now would be a good time to save your project.
To save your project, press Shift+Browse/Save to open the
Save window. Alternatively, press Menu to show the Menu, and
tap the disk icon at the top of the touchscreen. In the Save
window, do any of the following:
To select the storage device you want to view, tap it in the
Storage column on the left. Internal is the MPC X’s internal
drive. MPC Documents is a shortcut to the MPC Documents
folder on the internal drive. If you have storage devices
connected to MPC X’s USB ports or SD card slot, they will
appear in this column, as well.
To enter a folder, double-tap it. Alternatively, turn the data
dial or use the –/+buttons to move through the list, and
press the center cursor or Enter to enter a folder. You can
also tap one of the five folder buttons in the upper-right to
jump immediately to those pre-assigned file paths (see
Operation > Modes > Browser to learn how to do this).
To create a new folder, tap New Folder, use the virtual keyboard that appears to enter a name, and then tap Do
It. You will immediately enter the new folder.
To move up one folder level, tap the folder/icon.
To name the file, tap the File Name field at the bottom of the touchscreen, and use the virtual keyboard that appears.
To save the file, tap Save.
To cancel and return to the Menu, tap Cancel. Alternatively, tap the icon in the upper-left corner.

20
Editing Note Events
In the grid, you can see your recorded notes
(or note events) as a sequence.
To enter Grid View, press Main, and then
tap the grid icon on the left edge of the
touchscreen.
In the Grid View, you can do any of the following:
To zoom in or out, tap the magnifying-glass icon in the upper-right corner. Then, in the grid, spread two fingers
apart or pinch two fingers together. You can do this for each axis, horizontal or vertical.
To automatically set the grid to view one pad bank and two bars, tap the grid-and-magnifying-glass icon in
the lower-left corner.
To undo your last action, press Undo.
To redo the last action you undid, press Shift+Undo/Redo.
To enter a note, tap the pencil icon in the upper-right corner. Then, in the grid, tap a square.
To delete a note, tap the eraser icon in the upper-right corner. Then, in the grid, tap a note.
To select a single note, tap the select box in the upper-right corner. Then, in the grid, tap the note.
To select all notes for a pad, press the desired pad.
To move the selected notes, tap Nudge at the bottom of the touchscreen, and then use the data dial or –/+
buttons to shift the notes left or right. By default, you can position notes only by quantization values defined by
the Time Correct value (learn about this feature in Operation >Modes >Main Mode).
To move the selected notes without restricting (“snapping”) them to the quantization grid, tap and hold
Don’t Snap in the lower-left corner of the touchscreen, and then use the data dial or –/+buttons to shift the
notes. In this case, each nudge is equivalent to four ticks.
To adjust the start point or end point of the selected notes (without changing their position), tap Edit Start at
the bottom of the touchscreen, and then use the data dial or –/+buttons.
To transpose the selected notes up or down, tap Transpose at the bottom of the touchscreen, and then use
the data dial or –/+buttons.
To switch to the previous or next track, press and hold Shift, and then tap Track – or Track + (respectively) at
the bottom of the touchscreen.
To mute or solo the track, press and hold Shift, and then tap Mute or Solo (respectively) at the bottom of the
touchscreen.
To open the Timing Correct window, press and hold Shift, and then tap TC at the bottom of the touchscreen.
This feature is described in Operation >Modes >Main Mode.
To adjust the metronome settings, press and hold Shift, and then tap Click at the bottom of the touchscreen.
This feature is described in Operation >Modes >Main Mode.
To adjust the velocity of the selected notes, tap Velocity at the bottom of the touchscreen, and then use the
data dial or –/+buttons. The numeric value will appear on the screen.
To show or hide the velocity lane, tap the up arrow (∧) button in the lower-right corner of the touchscreen to
show the velocity lane below the grid. Each note’s velocity is represented by a vertical bar. The higher and more
red the bar is, the higher the velocity is.
Tap the up arrow (∧) button once more to show a taller version of the velocity lane after which it will turn into a
down arrow (∨) button, which you can then tap to hide the velocity lane.