Akai MPCX User manual

User Guide
English
Manual Version 2.13

2
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................8
System Requirements & Product Support .........8
About This User Guide .........................................8
Important Notes ....................................................9
Setup ......................................................................9
1. Connection ....................................................9
2. Installation....................................................10
3. Getting Started ............................................10
Features ....................................................................11
Touchscreens......................................................11
MPC X / MPC X Special Edition.........................12
Top Panel.........................................................12
Navigation & Data Entry Controls ....................... 12
Pad & Q-Link Controls....................................... 13
Mode & View Controls ....................................... 14
Transport & Recording Controls......................... 15
I/O & Level Controls........................................... 16
Front Panel ......................................................17
Rear Panel .......................................................18
MPC Live..............................................................19
Top Panel.........................................................19
Rear Panel .......................................................21
MPC Live II...........................................................22
Top Panel.........................................................22
Rear Panel .......................................................25
MPC One / MPC One+ .......................................26
Top Panel ........................................................ 26
Navigation & Data Entry Controls ....................... 26
Pad & Q-Link Controls....................................... 27
Mode & View Controls ....................................... 27
Transport & Recording Controls......................... 28
Front Panel ...................................................... 29
Rear Panel ....................................................... 29
MPC Key 61.........................................................30
Top Panel ........................................................ 30
Rear Panel ....................................................... 34
MPC Key 37.........................................................36
Top Panel ........................................................ 36
Rear Panel ....................................................... 40
MPC Studio mk2 ................................................. 41
Top Panel ........................................................ 41
Navigation & Data Entry Controls ....................... 41
Pad & Touch Strip Controls ............................... 41
Mode & View Controls ....................................... 42
Transport & Recording Controls......................... 43
Rear Panel ....................................................... 44
MPC Touch..........................................................45
Top Panel ........................................................ 45
Rear Panel ....................................................... 47
Basic Concepts........................................................48

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Tutorial ......................................................................49
Starting Up...........................................................49
Creating a Drum Kit ............................................49
Creating a Drum Sequence................................51
Saving & Renaming.............................................52
Editing Note Events ............................................54
Making Basic Sound Edits .................................56
Creating a Bass Track........................................58
Recording an Audio Track .................................61
Creating a Song ..................................................62
Exporting the Song .............................................63
Other Features Explained ..................................64
Step Sequencer ...............................................64
Drum Loops & Chop Mode..............................65
Pad Muting & Track Muting.............................67
Sampling (Recording) ......................................69
Sample Editing.................................................71
Recording Automation with the XY Pad..........73
Using MPC as a Controller ..............................74
Operation.................................................................. 75
General Features ................................................ 76
Control Types .................................................. 76
Knobs ............................................................... 76
Parameter Values .............................................. 76
Drop-Down Menus / Lists.................................. 77
Selectors ........................................................... 77
Buttons ............................................................. 78
Checkboxes ...................................................... 78
Tabs.................................................................. 78
Sliders ............................................................... 78
Envelopes.......................................................... 79
Grid View Tools ................................................. 80
Audio Edit Tools ................................................ 81
Programs.........................................................82
About Programs ................................................ 82
Drum Programs................................................. 83
Plugin Programs ................................................ 85
Keygroup Programs .......................................... 86
Clip Programs ................................................... 87
MIDI Programs .................................................. 89
CV Programs..................................................... 90
Menu................................................................ 91
Save.................................................................. 92
Preferences ....................................................... 94
Info ................................................................ 94
Activate Plugins ............................................. 94
Wi-Fi .............................................................. 95
Ethernet......................................................... 95
Bluetooth ....................................................... 95
Audio Device.................................................. 95
MIDI / Sync.................................................... 96
Hardware....................................................... 96
Sequencer ..................................................... 97
Project Defaults.............................................. 98
Project Load/Save ......................................... 99
Record/Export ............................................... 99
General.......................................................... 99
Splice .......................................................... 101
Sync................................................................ 102
Undo History ................................................... 102
Tuner............................................................... 102
MIDI Monitor.................................................... 103
Mode............................................................... 103
System Resources .......................................... 104

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Time Counter/Locate.....................................105
Timing Correct (TC) .......................................107
Metronome (Click/Metro)...............................109
Automation ....................................................110
Global.............................................................. 110
Programs & Audio Tracks ................................ 110
16 Level .........................................................111
Erase..............................................................112
Effects............................................................113
Overview ......................................................... 113
Insert Effects ................................................... 115
Pads............................................................ 115
Keygroups ................................................... 117
Audio Tracks................................................ 119
Programs..................................................... 120
Submixes..................................................... 122
Main Outputs ............................................... 123
Send/Return Effects ........................................ 124
Pads............................................................ 125
Keygroups ................................................... 126
Audio Tracks................................................ 127
Programs..................................................... 127
Submixes..................................................... 128
Audio Mixdown..............................................129
Battery Usage ................................................130
Standalone vs. Controller Mode....................131
Modes.................................................................133
Main Mode.....................................................134
Sequence Section ........................................... 139
Track Section .................................................. 147
Program Section ............................................. 156
Grid View .......................................................162
Audio Edit Mode ............................................167
Track View .....................................................176
MIDI Tracks ..................................................... 178
Audio Tracks ................................................... 180
Step Sequencer .............................................181
XYFX Mode ...................................................185
Sample Edit Mode.........................................188
Settings........................................................... 190
Trim Mode....................................................... 191
Assigning Samples....................................... 195
Processing Slices & Samples ....................... 197
Chop Mode ..................................................... 202
Converting or Assigning Slices ..................... 205
Processing Slices......................................... 208
Program Mode ................................................ 211
Assigning Samples....................................... 214
Processing Slices......................................... 215
Program Edit Mode ....................................... 218
Drum Programs............................................... 218
Global .......................................................... 221
Samples ...................................................... 223
Envelopes .................................................... 231
LFO ............................................................. 234
Modulations ................................................. 235
Effects ......................................................... 236
Keygroup Programs ........................................ 238
Global .......................................................... 239
Samples ...................................................... 242
Envelopes .................................................... 249
LFO ............................................................. 252
Porta / Mod ................................................. 253
Effects ......................................................... 254
Clip Programs ................................................. 256
Program ...................................................... 258
Pad.............................................................. 259
Plugin Programs .............................................. 262
MIDI Programs ................................................ 263
CV Programs................................................... 264
Anatomy of an Envelope.................................. 265
List Edit Mode ............................................... 266
Browser .........................................................270
Browse............................................................ 270
Sample Assign ................................................ 273
Sampler .........................................................274
Sample............................................................ 277
Slice ................................................................ 279
Pad Tap .......................................................... 280
Pad Hold ......................................................... 281
Auto Sampler .................................................. 282

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Looper............................................................283
Pad Mixer.......................................................288
Levels.............................................................. 290
Panning........................................................... 290
Mute................................................................ 291
Send Effects.................................................... 291
Insert Effects ................................................... 292
Routing ........................................................... 292
Channel Mixer................................................293
MIDI Tracks ..................................................... 296
Audio Tracks ................................................... 297
Programs ........................................................ 299
Returns ........................................................... 301
Submixes ........................................................ 302
Main Outputs................................................... 303
Pad Mute Mode .............................................304
Pad Mute ........................................................ 305
Pad Group ...................................................... 306
Track Mute Mode ..........................................307
Track Mute ...................................................... 308
Track Group .................................................... 309
Next Sequence Mode....................................310
Song Mode ....................................................312
Q-Link Edit Mode...........................................315
Project............................................................. 317
Program/Audio Track ...................................... 319
Pad Scene ...................................................... 322
Pad Parameter ................................................ 323
Screen............................................................. 324
Pad Color Mode ............................................325
MIDI Control Mode ........................................327
Pads ............................................................... 328
Buttons ........................................................... 329
Q-Link Knobs .................................................. 330
XY Pad ............................................................ 331
MIDI Learn....................................................... 332
Keyboard Control ..........................................334
Ableton Control Mode ...................................336
Pad Perform Mode ........................................336
Appendix.................................................................339
Effects & Parameters ....................................... 339
Delay/Reverb.................................................339
Dynamics....................................................... 347
EQ/Filter.........................................................351
Harmonic ....................................................... 357
Modulation .................................................... 363
Vocal.............................................................. 368
Glossary.............................................................370
SATA Drive Installation ....................................375
MIDI Machine Control (MMC)..........................376
Technical Specifications.................................. 377
MPC X / MPC X Special Edition....................377
MPC Live ....................................................... 380
MPC Live II ....................................................382
MPC One / MPC One+.................................. 385
MPC Key 61 ..................................................387
MPC Key 37 ..................................................390
MPC Studio mk2 ...........................................392
MPC Touch ................................................... 393
Trademarks & Licenses ...................................394

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Addenda ..................................................................395
Updates in MPC 2.1 ..........................................395
New Features.................................................395
Exporting Expansions ...................................... 395
Snap: Absolute & Relative................................ 396
List Edit Settings: Auto-Advance...................... 396
Pitch Quantization ........................................... 397
Step Sequencer: Velocity Adjustment via
Q-Links ........................................................... 398
Pad Perform Mode: User Progressions ............ 398
Faster Attack for Amp Envelopes..................... 398
Updates in MPC 2.2 ..........................................399
New Features.................................................399
MIDI Control Mode: MIDI Learn........................ 399
Humanize ........................................................ 400
Generate Random Events................................ 402
Project Template ............................................. 404
Updates in MPC 2.3 ..........................................405
New Features.................................................405
Arpeggiator ..................................................... 405
Auto Sampler .................................................. 407
Crossfade Looping .......................................... 409
Mode Selection Shortcut ................................. 410
Pad Perform Mode: Chromatic Type................ 410
Q-Link Navigation Enhancements .................... 410
Split Events ..................................................... 411
AIR Instrument Plugins..................................... 412
AIR Bassline................................................. 412
AIR Electric .................................................. 415
AIR TubeSynth............................................. 419
Plugin Preset Support...................................... 426
Updates in MPC 2.4 ..........................................427
New Features.................................................427
AIR FX Bundle ................................................. 427
AIR Instrument Layouts.................................... 438
Clip Program Improvements ............................ 439
FLAC and OGG Support.................................. 439
Mother Ducker ................................................ 439
Next Sequence Mode...................................... 440
Additional Transport Controls .......................... 440
Updates in MPC 2.5.......................................... 441
New Features ................................................441
Splice Integration............................................. 441
Browser Audition Warp and Sync .................... 442
Updates in MPC 2.6.......................................... 443
New Features ................................................443
Ableton Live Set Export ................................... 443
Erase Parameters ............................................ 443
Grid Automation Lanes .................................... 444
Step Automation ............................................. 445
Submixes ........................................................ 446
Workflow Enhancements ................................. 446
Updates in MPC 2.7.......................................... 447
New Features ................................................447
Ableton Live Control ........................................ 447
Akai Network Driver ..................................... 447
Configuring Ableton Live .............................. 447
Live Control Mode........................................ 448
Control Bar .................................................. 448
Matrix View .................................................. 449
Mixer View ................................................... 450
Device Control View ..................................... 450
Q-Links........................................................ 450
MPC X Control Map..................................... 451
MPC Live Control Map................................. 453
Ethernet Adapter Support................................ 455
Improved Preferences Organization ................. 455
Updates in MPC 2.7.2.......................................456
New Features ................................................456
MPC One Support........................................... 456
Updates in MPC 2.7.3.......................................457
New Features ................................................457
MPC Live II Support......................................... 457
MPC Live II Ableton Live Control...................... 457
MPC Live II Control Map .............................. 457

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Updates in MPC 2.8 ..........................................459
New Features.................................................459
MIDI Improvements ......................................... 459
Copy Pads ...................................................... 460
Custom Progressions ...................................... 461
Edit Pad MIDI Note Map .................................. 461
Global Automation Button................................ 462
Global Timing Correct On/Off........................... 462
Main Button Track Select................................. 462
Expanded Pad Perform ................................... 462
Retrospective Record ...................................... 463
Single or Multi Record Arm .............................. 463
Q-Link Overlay................................................. 463
Updates in MPC 2.9 ..........................................464
New Features.................................................464
AIR DrumSynth................................................ 464
Updates in MPC 2.10 ........................................468
New Features.................................................468
Four New Instrument Plugins ........................... 468
AIR Hype ..................................................... 469
AIR Mellotron ............................................... 474
AIR Solina .................................................... 477
WayOutWare Odyssey ................................. 482
AIR FX Bundle ................................................. 486
Standalone Audio Interface Support ................ 490
FX Racks......................................................... 490
Drum and Keygroup Program Improvements ... 490
File Browser Enhancements............................. 492
Key Detection.................................................. 492
Expanded CV Program Operation.................... 492
MIDI Program Renaming.................................. 493
MIDI Monitor.................................................... 493
Undo History ................................................... 493
Updates in MPC 2.10.1 .....................................494
New Features.................................................494
MPC Studio mk2 Support................................ 494
Touch Strip and Touch FX ............................... 494
Updates in MPC 2.11........................................ 503
New Features ................................................503
MPC Key 61 Support ...................................... 503
Sounds and Favorites...................................... 506
New Plugin Instruments................................... 508
Insert Effect Updates ....................................... 510
Menu Editing and Shortcuts Panel ................... 512
Built-In Tuner................................................... 513
Note Probability and Note Ratchet................... 513
Pad Perform and 16 Levels Enhancements...... 514
Track MIDI Perform Settings ............................ 515
MIDI Control Mode Updates ............................ 515
Workflow Improvements and Enhancements ... 515
Updates in MPC 2.11.6..................................... 518
New Features ................................................518
AIR Flavor Pro and Mini D................................ 518
Workflow Improvements .................................. 518
Updates in MPC 2.11.7..................................... 519
New Features ................................................519
VST Preset Loading......................................... 519
Updates in MPC 2.11.9..................................... 520
New Features ................................................520
MPC X Special Edition Support........................ 520
Updates in MPC 2.12........................................ 521
New Features ................................................521
MPC One+ Support......................................... 521
Updates in MPC 2.12.2..................................... 522
New Features ................................................522
New Plugin Effects and Improvements............. 522
Updates in MPC 2.13........................................ 524
New Features ................................................524
MPC Key 37 Support ...................................... 524
Feature Improvements..................................... 524

8
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 X Special Edition, MPC Live, MPC Live II, MPC One,
MPC One+, MPC Key 61, MPC Key 37, MPC Studio mk2 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.
Note: The MPC Studio mk2 hardware acts primarily as a controller for the MPC software. Descriptions in this guide will
assist MPC Studio mk2 users in using their hardware to access different features of the MPC software. To learn more
about how to use these software features, consult the MPC software User Guide.
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 X Special Edition, MPC Live, MPC Live II,
MPC One, MPC One+, MPC Key 61, MPC Key 37, MPC Studio mk2 or MPC Touch (from here on, “MPC hardware”
unless otherwise noted). 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)

10
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/Live II/One/Key
61/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, MPC
Live II, MPC One, MPC Key 61, MPC Key 37, and MPC Touch.
Note: If you are using the MPC Studio mk2, the display does not function as a touchscreen but can be used in
conjunction with the software to select tracks, programs, and files, as well as edit samples or change project parameters.
To learn more about how to use the MPC software, consult the MPC software User Guide. This can be accessed by
clicking the Help menu in the MPC software, selecting MPC Help, and selecting MPC User Manual.
Touchscreens
Here is some general information about how to use the touchscreen on your MPC:
Tap a button or option to select it. Use the data dial or
–/+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
retu
r
n 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, 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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MPC X / MPC X Special Edition
Note: Mentions of the features and functions of MPC X hardware throughout this guide also apply to the MPC X
Special Edition unless otherwise noted.
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 previous
Touchscreens 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 / Pad Perform: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.
Press and hold Shift and press this button to enter Pad Perform mode for the pads. When activated, you can
play musical scales/modes, chords or progressions using the pads while in any mode. See Operation > Modes
> Pad Perform Mode to learn more.

14
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.
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.

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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 and main outputs.
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 playhead’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 playhead left or right, one step at a time.
Press and hold Locate and press one of these buttons to move the playhead to the previous/next event in the
sequence grid.
40. <</>> (Start/End): Use these buttons to move the playhead left or right, one bar at a time.
Press and hold Locate and press one of these buttons to move the playhead 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 (Global):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 global 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 (Main): 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 toggle the automation state for the program on the current track or for the
current audio track between Read (green R) and 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).
Press and hold Shift and press this button to turn off global automation.
53. Mute: Press this button to mute the program, audio track, or main 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.

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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 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 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.
Note: When using the XLR connection, the mic pre-amp is automatically engaged. When using a 1/4" (6.35 mm)
TRS cable, the mic pre-amp is bypassed.
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 main 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 previous
Touchscreens 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 / Pad Perform: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.
Press and hold Shift and press this button to enter Pad Perform mode for the pads. When activated, you can
play musical scales/modes, chords or progressions using the pads while in any mode. See Operation > Modes
> Pad Perform Mode 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 playhead’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 global tempo (the button will be lit amber).