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 0 to 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.
5
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.
Headphones
(to front-panel headphone output)
Footswitch
(to front-panel FS1 input)
SD Card
(to front-panel SD card slot)
Powered Monitors
Computer
USB
drive
Microphone
Turntable
Power
6
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.
7
Features
This chapter explains the features and functions of your MPC X.
Top Panel
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9
16
13
28
17
32
14
2930
19
18
20
33
31
21
23
24
10
1
25
26
27
5555
51
53
42
8
43
22
15
3940
6
52
54
5
7
41
45
50
12
47
44
46
3
4
2
48
44
45
49
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36
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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.
35
8
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.
9
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.
10
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).
11
I/O & Level Controls
44. Gain 1/2: Use these knobs to adjust the gain of the incoming signal from Input 1/2 on the rear panel or Inst 1/2 on
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 1/2 knob 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 3/4 on 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 fullvolume 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 > Preferenc
es to learn how to set what is shown in the level meters.
12
x
2
r
Touchscreen
Here is some general information about how to use the MPC X touchscreen:
Tap a button or option to select it. Use the data dial or
–/+ buttons to change its setting or value
Spread two fingers to zoom in (into a section of a
waveform, for example). Pinch two fingers to zoom out.
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.
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
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.
13
Front Panel
1
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 1/2 knob on the top panel) to Front.
4. Mix Knob: Turn this knob to adjust the balance between the Main and 3/4 signals in your headphones. Main is
the signal sent from the Main L/Routputs. 3/4 is the signal sent from the Outputs3/4.
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.
2
3
4
5
6
14
Rear Panel
9
14
2
4
6
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 1/2 knob on the top panel) to Rear. Turn the Gain 1/2 knobs to set the input
level of each one.
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8
11
10
13
12
5
1
3
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 3/4 connectors you
want to use. If you are using the 1/4” (6.35 mm) inputs, set this switch to
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 3/4 RCA 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.
Line. If you are using the RCA inputs,
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.
15
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:
Sequence
Drum Program
(Drums)
Track (MIDI: Drums)
Track (MIDI: Bass)
Keygroup Program
(Bass)
Track (MIDI: Keys 1)
Track (MIDI: Keys 2)
Track (MIDI: Synth)
Keygroup Program
(Keys)
Keygroup Program
(Synth Lead)
Track (Audio: Vocals)
Track (Audio: Vocals)
Mixing
Track (Audio: Guitar)
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.
16
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.
17
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).
18
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.
19
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 –/+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.
buttons.
20
Making Basic Sound Edits
Let’s make sure the samples are properly tuned and have good levels.
Press Prog Edit to enter Program Edit Mode.
Press a pad to show its parameters in the touchscreen.
To adjust its volume, tap and drag the Volume knob up
or down. Alternatively, use the data dial or –/+ buttons.
To make finer adjustments, double-tap the knob and
adjust the larger version that appears. Tap anywhere else
to return to the previous screen.
To adjust its stereo panning, tap and drag the Pan
knob up or down. Alternatively, use the data dial or –/+
buttons. To make finer adjustments, double-tap the
knob and adjust the larger version that appears. Tap
anywhere else to return to the previous screen.
Adjust the level of each pad to suit your taste. We
recommend spreading the panning of the bright sounds
(e.g., cymbals, snare drum) a little. Additionally, you can tune
the kick drum sound—tap the Samples tab so the first
square under it is lit, and then adjust the Semi and Fine
knobs next to the sample name.
The snare drum may need some reverb to give it a more spatial sound.
Tap Effects at bottom of the touchscreen to view the Insert Effects tab. Press the pad with your snare drum sound
to select it.
To add an effect:
1. Double-tap the desired slot. A list of effects will appear.
2. Swipe up or down to move through the list.
3. To load an effect, double-tap it. Alternatively, tap it
once and then tap Select or push the data dial. Let’s try
Reverb Medium.
4. To close the list, tap Close.
To adjust the effect’s parameters, tap the pencil icon.
To empty the effect slot, tap the trash can icon. Switch
the effect on or off by tapping the On/Off
button for the slot.
21
Creating a Bass Track
Let’s try recording a bass line. Unlike a drum kit, it’s important to be able to play and record a bass sound
chromatically, so this will be slightly different than setting up the drum kit.
Adding a bass line over the drum part means we need to work on a new track. A track is simply a layer of a sequence.
Each track uses a program within your project. You can work with multiple tracks in a single sequence (e.g., a drum
track, a bass track, a piano track, etc.). When you play the sequence, all of them will play simultaneously.
First, let’s make an empty track.
To select a new track:
1. Press Main to go back to Main Mode.
2. Double-tap the Track field in the center-left part of the
touchscreen, and then tap Track 2 (unused) in the list of
tracks that appears.
Alternatively, simply tap the Track + button at the
bottom of the touchscreen until (unused) appears in the
Track field.
Let’s create a new program for this track to use.
To create a new program:
1. In the Track section in the middle of the touchscreen,
tap the piano-keys icon. This icon indicates a keygroup
program, which is necessary to play the bass sound
chromatically with the pads.
A name for the new keygroup program will appear in the
Program field in the lower part of the touchscreen.
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, and then tap Do It.
22
To load and edit a bass sound:
1. Press Browse to show the Browser. Then, use the
touchscreen to navigate to where your bass sounds
are located, and load one to the project’s sample pool.
(You can look at this earlier section if you forgot how
to do this!)
2. After loading a bass sample to the sample pool, don’t
use the Sample Assign tab like you did when creating
a drum program; keygroup programs are different.
Instead, press Prog Edit to enter Program Edit Mode.
3. In Program Edit Mode, tap the Samples tab at the
bottom of the touchscreen to show the four layers of
samples in the program.
4. Double-tap the first Layer field and then tap your bass
sample in the list on the left. Because you’re working
with a keygroup program instead of a drum program,
this sample is now playable across all pads.
Tip: On your MPC X, press the Pad Bank D button to
switch to Pad Bank D and press Pad 13. You should
hear the bass sample played back with its original
pitch. You can use the other pads to play your sample
chromatically.
Let’s add a second layer and set the layers’ velocity
ranges so the bass will sound different when played at a
higher velocity (as a real bass would):
1. Press Browse to show the Browser, select a different
bass sample that sounds similar but a little bit brighter,
and load it to the project’s sample pool.
2. Return to Program Edit Mode, and in the Layer tab,
double-tap the second Layer field, and select the new
bass sample. Press a pad to hear both samples will
sound at once. Maybe this new sound is interesting as
it is, but let’s make some quick edits to get as close as
we can to a real-life bass sound.
3. Tap the Pan Velocity tab to show its parameters.
4. Tap Layer 1’s Vel End knob and turn the data dial to
set it to 80. Do the same to set Layer 2’s Vel Start
slider to 81.
Now when you press a pad, the lower velocities (0–80)
will trigger the Layer 1 sample only, while higher
velocities (81–127) will trigger the Layer 2 sample only.
23
Let’s record that bass line now. Prepare your recording as
described earlier, and record some bass notes. You can
edit your recording just like we’ve done earlier.
Once you’ve recorded it, let’s tweak the sound a bit in the
Filter section:
1. In Program Edit Mode, tap the Filter Env tab to show
its parameters.
2. Double-tap the Type drop-down menu, and select a
filter. Let’s try working with Lowpass 4 Pole.
3. Tap the Cutoff or Reso (resonance) knob, and turn the
data dial to adjust their settings until your bass sample
sounds good to you.
4. In the Amp Envelope section, tap the Attack or
Release knob, and turn the data dial to adjust their
settings. These control the overall level characteristics
of the sound.
Do you want to add an effect? Do this in the Effects tab:
1. Tap the Effects tab to show the insert effects.
2. Double-tap one of the Inserts slots to show a list of available effects.
3. Double-tap the effect you want to add to your bass line, or click Close to cancel.
To adjust the settings of the effect, click the pencil icon next to its slot to open a window that shows its
parameters.
To activate or deactivate all insert effects for that program, click the All On/All Off button in the upper-right
corner.
So far, we’ve created a simple drum sequence and a bass line to go with it. Repeat this process to create a second
sequence.
24
Recording an Audio Track
We’ve already created some MIDI tracks, so let’s record some actual audio for our next track:
1. Press Main to go back to Main Mode.
2. Tap the Audio tab at the bottom of the touchscreen. Audio 001 will appear in the Track field.
3. If the channel strip is not already shown on the left side of the screen, tap Input Config (in the lower part of the
touchscreen) or the small eye icon (in the upper-left part of the touchscreen) to show it.
4. Connect a synthesizer or other line-level audio source to the 1/4” (6.35 mm) input/inputs on MPC X’s rear panel,
and set the Line/Phono selector to Line.
5. Double-tap the first field (Input __) and select Input 1 or Input 1,2 (depending on your audio source) as the input
source.
6. If the second field is not set to Out 1,2, double-tap it and select that option as the output.
7. Tap the Monitor button to cycle through its three states until it reads Auto (you will hear incoming audio while
the track is record-enabled only).
8. Turn the Rec Gain knob to set the input level while playing your audio source. You should now see the level in
the meter. Make sure it does not exceed the maximum level (the meter should not be “peaking” constantly).
9. If Solo and Mute on, press them so they are off. Also, press Read/Write so it is off (not green/Read [R] or red/Write [W]).
10.
Press Rec Arm to record-enable the track.
11. Press Rec or Overdub to record-arm MPC X.
12. To start recording, press Play or Play Start—then play your audio source! You should hear your existing
sequence playing in the background.
To stop recording, press Stop.
Record another audio track for your other sequence: Select the other sequence in Main Mode, and create another
audio track (Audio 002) to go with that sequence.
25
Creating a Song
This section explains how to make a song out of your
sequences. Before starting, make sure that you have
recorded some sequences (which we described earlier).
To enter Song Mode, make sure playback is stopped,
press Shift+Next Seq/Song. In Song Mode, each of the
sequences you’ve created in this project assigned to a
pad. The sequence playlist is to the left of the pads,
showing the song’s structure.
As a song plays, it moves through each step of the
sequence playlist. Each step contains a sequence you
assigned. Each step can be repeated, determined by
the value in the Repeat column (the repeat icon; a
value of 1 means the sequence will play through only
once). The Bars column on the right indicates the length
of that sequence.
Each step can be set to play its sequence at an independent tempo, determined by the value in the BPM column.
Important: Each sequence has its own tempo, while the project itself may use a different master tempo. The BPM value
for each sequence may be different from the master tempo. As long as playback is set to follow the master tempo, each
sequence’s individual tempo will be ignored. By default, each project is set to use the sequence tempo, which you set
back in the Creating a Drum Sequence chapter. We recommend tapping the Seq/Mst button at the top of the
touchscreen (so the button displays Mst) and entering a master tempo to ensure all sequences use the same tempo.
To insert a step at the current position, tap Insert.
To delete the currently selected step, tap Delete.
To set which sequence plays for a step, tap the step’s Sequence field, and then turn the data dial to select a
sequence.
To set how many times a sequence repeats, tap the step’s Repeat field (next to the sequence name), and then
turn the data dial to select a number.
Exporting the Song
Want to share your new song? Just export it first.
To export a song:
1. While in Song Mode, tap Export at the bottom of
the touchscreen.
2. In the Audio Mixdown screen that appears, do the
following:
•Make sure the Start field is set to 1, and set
the End field to the last bar of your song.
•Tap the Audio Tail field and turn the data
dial to set it to 2 seconds.
• As you’ll likely share the song online, tap the
mp3 file format option in the lower-left corner.
3. Tap Export. Choose where you want to save the song.
To name the song, tap the File Name field, and
use the virtual keyboard that appears to enter a new
name, and then tap Save to start exporting.
26
Other Features Explained
This chapter describes various advanced features. For a fuller explanation of these features, please refer to their
corresponding sections in the Operation chapter.
Step Sequencer
You’ve already learned how to record note events on a
track, but you can quickly enter note events in the Step
Sequencer by using the pads as “step buttons,” simulating
the experience of a traditional step-sequencer-style drum
machine.
To enter the Step Sequencer, press Step Seq, and then
tap Step Sequencer. Alternatively, in some modes, you
can tap the steps icon on the left edge of the touchscreen.
1. Let’s create a sequence on a new track. Tap the Track field in the upper-left corner, and then use the data dial or
–/+ buttons to select an (unused) track. Alternatively, double-tap the Track field, and then tap a track to select it.
2. Tap the Track Length field at the top of the touchscreen to set a length for the track, and then use the data dial
or the –/+ buttons to select a length. If you select the minimum value, Sequence, the track will be however long
your sequence is.
Tip: This lets you maintain tracks of different lengths. For instance, you could play a 1-bar drum sequence
repeatedly under a 4-bar bass line.
3. Tap the Bar –/+ buttons at the bottom of the touchscreen to select the bar whose steps you want to create or
edit. The bar number will appear in the Bar field in the upper-left corner.
4. Tap the Pad –/+ buttons at the bottom of the touchscreen to select the pad whose steps want to create or edit.
The pad number will appear in the Pad field in the upper-left corner.
5. Press Play to start your sequence.
6. Each pad represents a step in the bar. If the pad already has note events on the selected track, the corresponding
pads (steps) will be lit with colors corresponding to their velocities.
To enter a note at a step, press an unlit pad. The pad will light up with a color corresponding to its velocity.
To delete the note from a step, press a lit pad. The pad will become unlit.
To delete all notes from the entire bar, press and hold Shift, and then tap Clear Bar in the lower-right corner.
See Operation >Modes >Step Sequencer to learn more about this feature.
27
Drum Loops & Chop Mode
Modern music producers often use drum loops to add grit and nuance to programmed beats. This section explains
how to use Sample Edit Mode to work with drum loops.
Use the Browser to locate a drum loop, and then double-tap it to add it to the current program. The loop does not
have to match the tempo of anything in the project.
To enter Sample Edit Mode, press Sample Edit.
1. Tap the Sample field at the top of the touchscreen, and
then use the data dial or –/+ buttons to select the
loaded drum loop. You can scroll through all loaded
samples in the project. Alternatively, double-tap the
Sample field, and then tap a sample to select it.
2. Tap the Trim/Chop tab in the lower-left corner to switch
between Trim Mode and Chop Mode. Select Chop
Mode, which will let us cut the drum loop into slices.
3. Tap Threshold, and then tap the Threshold field to the
right of it. Use the data dial, –/+ buttons, or numeric
keypad to select a value. Alternatively, double-tap the
Threshold field and use the numeric keypad in the
touchscreen. The lower the threshold, the more slices
will be created. Be sure to select a value so that every
transient peak of the drum loop has a corresponding a
slice marker.
Tip: Each slice will be automatically assigned to a pad:
Pad A01 plays Slice 1, Pad A02 plays Slice 2, etc. Press
each pad to play the slice with the same number.
Let’s use this chopped sample to create a new program in which each of these slices is an individual sample. We
can also automatically create corresponding note events to play back these slices sequentially.
1. Press and hold Shift and then tap Convert at the bottom
of the touchscreen to enter the Convert or Assign Slices window.
2. Tap the Convert To field, and then use the data dial or –
/+ buttons to select New Program with New Samples.
3. Make sure Crop Samples is checked. If it is not, tap it.
4. Make sure Create New Program is checked. If it is
not, tap it.
5. Make sure Create Events is checked. If it is not, tap it.
6. Tap the Bars field, and then use the data dial or –/+
buttons to select how many bars the entire sample
should use in your program.
7. Tap Do It to proceed. Each slice will be assigned to a
pad, and each pad will have a recorded note event in the
track. When you play that track, it will play each pad (each
slice) in the original order. Press Menu and then tap Grid View to see how the sample appears in your sequence.
8. Press Play and listen to how the drum loop matches
your song tempo now.
You can also edit the note events of the drum loop slices—enter Main Mode to do this. A new track with the note
events playing their corresponding slices has been automatically created. Tap the TC/clock icon at the top of the
touchscreen to use the Timing Correct window to quantize the note events so they fall on exact, even time intervals.
You can also rearrange the note events, thus creating a new playback order for the slices. You can also edit each
slice or sample in Program Edit Mode. You can add effects for slices or use the filter function to change the
frequency range of a selected slice. There are almost no limits to what you can do.
See Operation >Modes >Sample Edit Mode > Chop Mode to learn more about this feature.
28
Pad Muting & Track Muting
Pad Mute Mode and Track Mute Mode let you silence different pads and tracks to see what the sequence sounds
like without those samples or parts.
To enter Pad Mute Mode, press Shift+Track Mute/Pad
Mute.
1. Press Play to play the sequence.
2. Tap the Program field at the top of the touchscreen,
and then use the data dial or –/+ buttons to select
your drum program. Alternatively, double-tap the
Program field, and then tap a program to select it.
3. Mute a pad by pressing it once or tapping it on the
touchscreen. The muted pad will be lit red. You can
mute multiple pads at the same time.
See Operation >Modes >Pad Mute Mode to learn more
about track mutes.
You can also mute entire tracks by using the similar Track Mute function.
To enter Track Mute Mode, press Track Mute.
1. Press Play to play the sequence.
2. Tap the Sequence field at the top of the touchscreen,
and then use the data dial or –/+ buttons to select the
desired sequence. Alternatively, double-tap the
Sequence field, and then tap a sequence to select it.
3. Each pad is assigned to a track. Mute a track by
pressing the corresponding pad or tapping it on the
touchscreen. The pad will be lit red. You can mute
multiple tracks at the same time.
Tip: To mute a track only at precise note intervals
(“quantizing” your mutes, essentially), tap Time Division to
set a musical timing value. Tap the desired musical value
(e.g., 1 Bar). Alternatively, use the data dial or –/+ buttons.
Tap Close to close the page. Now, when you press a pad in
Track Mute Mode, the mute will occur precisely at the
beginning of the following time division (in this example, one
bar). This lets you test musical combinations of patterns—
the preliminary stage to building a song structure.
See Operation >Modes >Track Mute Mode to learn more
about track mutes.
29
Sampling (Recording)
This section describes recording new samples of your own, which you can use in your projects.
Important: To record any audio, you need to connect an audio source to your MPC X or to your computer’s audio
interface.
To open the Sampler, press Sampler.
1. Connect an audio source to the input/inputs of your
MPC X.
2. The Input ___ menu in the upper-left corner should be
set to Input 1,2 (the inputs of your MPC X). If it is not,
and select Input 1,2.
3. Turn the Rec Vol knob to set the input level while playing
your audio source. You should now see the level in the
meter. Make sure it does not exceed the maximum level
(the meter should not be “peaking” constantly).
4. Tap and drag threshold slider to set the threshold.
Alternatively, use the data dial or –/+ buttons. Set it to
a fairly low level (e.g., -50 dB).
5. Tap Arm to record-arm the Sampler.
6. Play your audio source. The Sampler will start
recording immediately when the input level reaches the
threshold value. Alternatively, tap the round Record
button to manually start recording.
7. To stop recording, tap the round Stop button. The
Keep or Discard Sample window will appear.
In the Keep or Discard Sample window:
To name the new sample, tap the Edit Name field and
use the virtual keyboard to enter a name.
To assign the new sample to a program, tap the
Program field, and then use the data dial or –/+ buttons
to select the desired program. Alternatively, double-tap
the Program field, and then tap a program to select it.
To assign the sample to a pad in the program, tap the
Assign to Pad field, and then press the desired pad.
Alternatively, use the data dial or –
/+ buttons to select the
desired pad number, or double-tap the Pad field, and then
tap a pad number.
To confirm your selections, tap Keep at the bottom of
the touchscreen.
To discard the recording and return to the previous
screen, tap the Discard button.
To play the recording, tap the Play button at the
bottom of the touchscreen.
See Operation >Modes >Sampler to learn more about this feature.
30
Sample Editing
You may need to edit your newly recorded samples using Sample Edit Mode.
To enter Sample Edit Mode, press Sample Edit.
In Sample Edit Mode:
To switch between Trim Mode and Chop Mode, tap
the Trim/Chop tab at the bottom of the touchscreen. In
this example, use Trim Mode.
To set the sample’s start point, use the first column
of Q-Link knobs (when the Screen Control Q-Link
button is selected) to adjust the start point with varying
degrees of resolution. Alternatively, tap and drag the S
marker in the waveform. You can also tap the Start
field and use the numeric keypad to enter a value (or
double-tap the Start field and use the numeric keypad
in the touchscreen).
To set the sample’s end point, use the second column
of Q-Link knobs (when the Screen Control Q-Link
button is selected) to adjust the end point with varying
degrees of resolution. Alternatively, tap and drag the E
marker in the waveform. You can also tap the End field
and use the numeric keypad to enter a value (or doubletap the End field and use the numeric keypad in the
touchscreen).
To hear your edits, press Pad 10 to play the sample
from the start point to the end point.
Let’s apply some processing to the sample.
To open the Process Sample window, tap Process at the bottom of the touchscreen.
1. Use the data dial or –/+ buttons to select the desired
process in the Function field. Alternatively, tap
Function or double-tap the Function field, and then
tap the desired process. Let’s select Pitch Shift to
change the overall pitch of your sample. This will
transpose the sample without affecting its length.
2.
To set the pitch shift amount, tap and drag the knob
in the center of the window up or down. Alternatively,
use the data dial or –/+ buttons.
To make finer adjustments, double-tap the knob and
adjust the larger version that appears. Tap anywhere
else to return to the previous screen.
3. To confirm your selections, tap Do It.
To cancel the process, tap Cancel.
See Operation >Modes >Sample Edit Mode to learn more.
31
Recording Automation with the XY Pad
Automating various parameters is a good way to add some
motion and dynamism to your sequences.
1. Press XYFX to enter XYFX Mode.
2. Double-tap the XYFX Location field, and select
Program.
3. When you first enter this mode in a project, you will be
prompted to “load” XYFX to the program. Tap Insert XYFX to do this.
4. Tap Setup to show the Setup panel, which controls
how the XY pad behaves.
5. Double-tap the Preset field, and tap an effect to select
it. (These are just the effects available in XYFX Mode,
not all MPC effects.) Swipe up or down to view the
entire list.
6. Tap and drag any of the knobs (Attack, Release, or Wet/Dry) up or down to set their values as desired. Below
them, you can see what parameter the X axis and Y axis control.
Note: XYFX uses an envelope to control how quickly the effect crossfades between the dry signal and wet signal.
The Attack knob determines how long it takes the completely dry signal to reach the wet signal (determined by
the Wet/Dry knob) after you touch the XY pad. The Release knob determines how long it takes the wet signal
(determined by the Wet/Dry knob) to return to the completely dry signal after you touch the XY pad.
7. Press Read/Write to cycle through the available automation modes. Make sure the button is red (the Write (W)
option).
8. Press Play Start to start recording.
9. As you record, move your finger over the XY pad on the touchscreen. The changes in the sound are being
recorded as automation of both the X axis and Y axis parameters.
Tip: While touching the XY pad, tap Latch in the lower-left corner to keep the marker on the XY pad even after
you release it. The marker will remain there until you touch another part of the XY pad or until you tap Latch again.
10. When you are done recording, press Stop.
11. Press Read/Write to select the green/Read (R) option. This ensures your track uses the automation you just
recorded when you play it back.
See Operation > Modes >XYFX Mode to learn more about using this feature.
Using MPC X as a Controller
If you are using the MPC software on your computer, you can switch MPC X into Controller Mode, allowing you to use
it to control the software. The MPC software offers the same features and functionality as MPC X in Standalone Mode
but with some notable differences, which are discussed in Operation > General Features > Standalone vs.
Controller Mode.
32
Operation
This chapter explains the complete features and functions of your MPC X.
Important:
•When accessing the secondary functions of buttons on your MPC X, you can do this one of two
ways: (1) pressing and holding Shift and then pressing the desired button or (2) double-pressing the
desired button. This manual describes these operations using only the first option, but both are
acceptable.
•Almost every mode shown in the touchscreen has 1–6 buttons at the bottom. Each of these buttons
select a different tab in that mode or perform a specific function in that mode.
• You can press the F-Key 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).
•When the left-most button at the bottom of the touchscreen shows an upward arrow (), it means
there are additional buttons you can use when you press and hold Shift. Press and hold Shift to show
the secondary buttons, and any of them, if desired. Release Shift to return to the previous buttons.
•As an alternative to tapping a control in the touchscreen to select it, you can use the cursors to
navigate through the controls on the touchscreen. The center cursor acts as an Enter key.
•When a parameter is highlighted and has a red outline, this means that it is selected. You can then
change it by turning the hardware’s data dial or using the –/+ buttons. If the parameter is a number,
try using the numeric keypad to enter a specific value, or double-tap it to show a numeric keypad in
the touchscreen.
33
General Features
Control Types
The MPC X uses the following types of control elements:
Knobs
To set the value for a knob, do any of the following:
• Tap and drag the knob up or down.
• Tap the knob to select it, and then use the data dial or –/+
buttons to adjust the value.
•Double-tap the knob or press the center cursor or Enter (when
the knob is selected) to show it in a larger screen. Tap and drag
the larger version that appears, or use the data dial or –/+
buttons to adjust the value. Tap anywhere else to return to the
previous screen.
•Press and hold Shift while turning the data dial to adjust a value
by smaller increments.
34
Parameter Values
To set the value for a parameter, do either of the following:
•Tap the field to select it, and then use the data dial or –/+ buttons
to adjust the value.
When the value has decimal places, you can sometimes press and
hold Shift and then use the data dial or –/+ buttons to adjust the
value by smaller increments.
•Double-tap the field or hold your finger on it for a second. In the
screen that appears, use the numeric keypad, the data dial, or
the –/+ buttons to adjust the value. Alternatively, tap and drag
the value up or down.
You can also tap /2 to halve the value or x2 to double it.
To confirm the value and remain on this screen, tap Apply.
To confirm the value and return to the previous screen, tap Do It.
To return to the previous screen without changing anything,
tap the gray area in the upper-left corner of the touchscreen.
Drop-Down Menus / Lists
To select an option for a drop-down menu, do any of the following:
• Tap the field to select it, and then use the data dial or –/+ buttons to select an option.
• Double-tap the field. In the list that appears (examples below), tap the desired option. Alternatively, use the
data dial or the –/+ buttons to select an option.
In some windows, tap the relevant button at the bottom of the touchscreen to confirm your selection or to
cancel without changing anything.
35
Selectors
Selectors show all available options. One of them is always selected. The selected option
is highlighted while the others are dark.
To select an option, tap it.
Buttons
Buttons usually have two states: selected and deselected (active or inactive, respectively).
Some may have more than two states.
To switch between or cycle through a button’s states, do either of the following:
• Tap it.
• If it is outlined in red (and is not a mute button), use the data dial or –/+ buttons.
Checkboxes
Checkboxes have two states: checked and unchecked (enabled or disabled, respectively).
To check or uncheck a checkbox, tap it.
Tabs
Some modes have buttons at the bottom of the touchscreen that let you cycle through
several similar tabs. For instance, you could view the send level that is routed to each of
four returns—each level is shown on a separate tab. With each tap, you will move to the
next tab, indicated by the squares below it.
To select a tab, tap it. Each time you tap it, it will select the next tab.
36
Sliders
To adjust the position of a slider, do any of the following:
• Tap and drag the slider to the desired position.
• Tap the desired position (this works only on some sliders).
• Tap the slider to select it, and then use the data dial or –/+ buttons to adjust the position (this works only on
some sliders).
•Double-tap the slider, and then tap and drag the larger version that appears, or use the data dial or –/+
buttons to adjust the value. Tap anywhere else to return to the previous screen.
Envelopes
To set the stages of an envelope, do either of the following:
Tip: Tap the expand-rectangle icon above the envelope to show a closeup view.
• Tap and drag a “handle” of an envelope stage in the desired direction.
• Set the numeric value of an envelope stage by adjusting or entering it as a parameter value
(described earlier).
The Filter Envelope tab in Program Edit Mode.
Closeup of an AD-type filter envelope. Closeup of an AHDS-type amp envelope.
37
Grid View Tools
In Grid View, these four icons enable you to use different functions in the grid. Tap one
to select its mode:
Pencil: Draw Mode:
To enter a note in an empty grid square, tap the grid square.
To select a note, tap it.
To move a note, tap and drag it to another grid square.
To erase a note, double-tap it.
Eraser: Erase Mode:
To erase a note, tap it.
Select Box: Select Mode:
To select a note, tap it.
To select multiple notes, tap and drag across the grid to create a box around them.
To move a note, tap and drag it to another grid square.
To move multiple notes, select them as described above, and tap and drag them.
To erase multiple notes, select them as described above, and then select the Eraser tool and tap any of
the selected notes.
Magnifying Glass: Navigation Mode:
To move to another part of the grid, tap and drag it.
To zoom in or out, spread or pinch your fingers (respectively) on the grid. You can do this vertically,
horizontally, or both at the same time.
38
Audio Edit Tools
In Audio Edit Mode, these five icons enable you to use different functions in the
waveform. Tap one to select its mode:
Arrow: Select Mode:
To select a region of an audio track, tap it.
To move a region of an audio track, tap and drag it.
To adjust the start or end point of a region of an audio track, tap and drag the lower part of its left or
right edge.
Eraser: Erase Mode:
To erase a region of an audio track, tap it.
Scissors: Split Mode:
To split two regions of an audio track, tap it.
Mute: Mute Mode:
To mute or unmute a region of an audio track, tap it.
Magnifying Glass: Navigation Mode:
To move to another part of the waveform, tap and drag it.
To zoom in or out, spread or pinch your fingers (respectively) on the waveform. You can do this vertically,
horizontally, or both at the same time.
39
Programs
About Programs
Each track you create within a sequence is routed through a program. There are six
types of programs, each of which determines how the track sounds or what it is used
for. A single project can hold up to 128 programs.
This chapter covers how to create each program type.
To learn about editing your programs to your preference, see the Modes > Program
Edit Mode chapter.
A drum program uses one or more samples as its sound source. It contains (1) a list of samples and (2)
the settings for each sample (i.e., pad assignments, loop points, pitch tuning, effects, etc.). Drum
programs are used mostly for creating drum parts and quickly and easily assigning samples to pads. See
Drum Programs for more information.
A keygroup program uses one or more samples as its sound source. It contains (1) a list of samples and
(2) the settings for each sample (i.e., pitch tuning, effects, etc.). Keygroup programs are used to play
samples chromatically with a MIDI keyboard or the MPC pads. See Keygroup Programs for more
information.
A clip program uses several samples that can be looped (clips). Each clip can be assigned to a pad,
which you can press to trigger the clip according to a quantization setting. This lets you create intriguing,
layered performances by launching different combinations of clips together. See Clip Programs for more
information.
A plugin program contains an instance of a plugin through which you can send your track’s MIDI data.
See Plugin Programs for more information.
Important: Plugin programs are available only while using MPC X in Controller Mode with the desktop
version of the MPC software. They are not available in Standalone Mode.
A MIDI program lets you send your track’s MIDI data to an external MIDI device like a synth or drum
machine. See MIDI Programs for more information.
A CV program lets you send your track’s MIDI data to an external MIDI device that uses control voltage
(CV), like a synth. See CV Programs for more information.
40
Drum Programs
A drum program uses one or more samples as its sound source. It contains (1) a list of samples and (2) the settings
for each sample (i.e., pad assignments, loop points, pitch tuning, effects, etc.). Drum programs are used mostly for
creating drum parts and quickly and easily assigning samples to pads.
To create a drum program:
1. Press Main to enter Main Mode.
2. Next to the Track field, tap the four-squares icon, which indicates a drum
program.
3. If the project does not contain a drum program yet, a new drum program
(named Program, appended with a number) will be added automatically to
the project and appear in the Program field below.
If the project already contains a drum program, the first one will be selected
automatically and appear in the Program field below.
To create another drum program, tap the + icon above the Program field.
A new drum program will be created and appended with a number (e.g.,
Program 002).
To rename the program, tap the cursor icon on the right edge of the Program
section. Use the virtual keyboard that appears to enter a new name, and then
tap Do It to confirm or the gray bar at the top of the touchscreen to cancel.
To load a sample into a drum program:
1. Press Browse to show the Browser. Find and select a sample, and then tap Load to load it to the program.
Repeat this for any other samples you want to load into the project. (See Modes > Browser to learn more about
using the Browser specifically.)
2. Tap Sample Assign to view the pads and project’s sample pool.
3. Press or tap a pad to select it. The pad will be lit green.
4. In the Sample Pool list, tap a sample to assign it to the pad. Alternatively, use the data dial or –/+ buttons to
assign a sample and/or change the assigned sample.
To clear the assigned sample from a selected pad, press the center cursor or Enter.
To assign samples to additional pads, repeat Steps 3–4.
Tip: Remember that a drum program has 128 pads total—16 pads across eight banks.
41
Alternatively, assign samples in a drum program this way:
1. Press Prog Edit to enter Program Edit Mode.
2. Tap Samples. This lets you view the samples assigned
to all four layers of the current keygroup as well as
tuning and level parameters for each layer.
3. Tap a pad to select it (and play its assigned samples, if
any). The pad will be lit green.
4. Tap the field for a layer, and then use the data dial or –
/+ buttons to select a sample. Alternatively, double-tap
the field for a layer, and then tap a sample to select it.
Tip: Use the first column of Q-Link knobs (Layer __
Sample) to quickly select a sample for each layer of
the selected pad.
42
Keygroup Programs
A keygroup program uses one or more samples as its sound source. It contains (1) a list of samples and (2) the
settings for each sample (i.e., pitch tuning, effects, etc.). Keygroup programs are used to play samples chromatically
with a MIDI keyboard or the MPC pads.
To create a keygroup program:
1. Press Main to enter Main Mode.
2. Next to the Track field, tap the piano-keys icon, which indicates a keygroup
program.
3. If the project does not contain a keygroup program yet, a new keygroup program
(named Program, appended with a number) will be added automatically to the
project and appear in the Program field below.
If the project already contains a keygroup program, the first one will be selected
automatically and appear in the Program field below.
To create another keygroup program, tap the + icon above the Program
field. A new keygroup program will be created and appended with a number
(e.g., Program 002).
To rename the program, tap the cursor icon on the right edge of the Program
section. Use the virtual keyboard that appears to enter a new name, and then tap
Do It to confirm or the gray bar at the top of the touchscreen to cancel.
To assign samples in a keygroup program:
1. Press Prog Edit to enter Program Edit Mode.
2. Tap Samples. This lets you view the samples assigned
to all four layers of the current keygroup as well as
tuning and level parameters for each layer.
3. Tap the Number of KG field, and then use the data dial
or –/+ buttons to set the number of keygroups in the
program (1–128). Alternatively, tap the Number of KG
field, and then use the numeric keypad to enter a value
(or double-tap the Number of KG
field, and then use the
numeric keypad in the touchscreen).
4. Tap the Keygroup field, and then use the data dial or –
/+ buttons to select a keygroup. Alternatively, double-tap
the Keygroup field, and then tap a keygroup to select it.
5. Tap a pad to play the sample in the keygroup. The pad
will be lit green.
Tip: On your MPC X, press the Pad Bank D button to
and press Pad 13. You should hear the sample played
back with its original pitch. You can use the other pads
to play your sample chromatically.
6. Tap the field for a layer, and then use the data dial or –/+ buttons to select a sample. Alternatively, double-tap
the field for a layer, and then tap a sample to select it.
Tip: Use the first column of Q-Link knobs (Layer __ Sample) to quickly select a sample for each layer of the
selected pad.
To create complex keygroup programs, you can add more keygroups (up to 128). This is useful when working with
multi-samples (e.g., when programming a real piano).
Tip: Remember that a keygroup program offers up to 128 keygroups, and each keygroup can hold up to four
samples (Layers 1–4). This is a total of 512 samples.
43
Clip Programs
A clip program uses several samples that can be looped
(clips). Each clip can be assigned to a pad, which you can
press to trigger the clip according to a quantization setting.
This lets you create intriguing, layered performances by
launching different combinations of clips together.
By default, the 16 pads are divided into four columns of four
pads. Each column represents a mute group; when a pad is
playing a clip, all other pads in that same mute group are
turned off. This enables you to launch a clip without having
to manually stop other clips that are similar. For instance,
pressing Pad 2 may launch a bass clip. You could then
press Pad 6, which launches another bass clip and stops
the clip on Pad 2. This way, you’ll never be playing two bass
clips simultaneously.
The four-columns pad configuration described above is just
a default to make things easy (e.g., you could use the first
column for drum clips, the second for bass clips, the third
for keyboard clips, and the fourth for vocal clips.). You can
use Program Edit Mode to assign pads to any combination
of mute groups you want.
To create a clip program:
1. Press Main to enter Main Mode.
2. Next to the Track field, tap the play-button icon, which indicates a clip program.
3. If the project does not contain a clip program yet, a new clip program (named Clip, appended with a number) will
be added automatically to the project and appear in the Program field below.
If the project already contains a clip program, it will be selected automatically and appear in the Program field
below.
To create another clip program, tap the + icon above the Program field. A new clip program will be created
and appended with a number (e.g., Clip 002).
To rename the program, tap the cursor icon on the right edge of the Program section. Use the virtual keyboard that
appears to enter a new name, and then tap Do It to confirm or the gray bar at the top of the touchscreen to cancel.
44
To load a clip into a clip program:
1. Press Main to enter Main Mode.
2. Tap Edit Clips to view the pads and clip settings.
3. Press or tap a pad to select it (and play its assigned
samples, if any). The pad in the touchscreen will be lit
red, and its number will appear in the Pad field.
4. Tap the Sample field, and then use the data dial or –/+
buttons to select a clip. Alternatively, double-tap the
Sample field, and then tap a clip to select it.
To clear the assigned clip from a selected pad,
repeat Step 4, but select None.
To assign clips to additional pads, repeat Steps 3–4.
Alternatively, assign clips in a clip program this way:
1. Press Browse to show the Browser. Find and select a
clip, and then tap Load to load it to the program. Repeat
this for any other clips you want to load into the project.
(See Modes >Browser to learn more about using the
Browser specifically.)
2. Tap Sample Assign to view the pads and project’s
sample pool.
3. Tap Assign Mode so it is selected (tapping an item in
the sample pool will now assign it automatically to the
current pad). be lit green.
4. In the Sample Pool list, tap a clip to assign it to the pad.
Alternatively, use the data dial or –/+ buttons to assign
a clip and/or change the assigned clip.
To clear the assigned clip from a selected pad, press
the center cursor or Enter.
To assign clips to additional pads, repeat Steps 4–5.
45
Plugin Programs
A plugin program contains an instance of a plugin through which
you can send your track’s MIDI data. This lets you use the same
instance of a plugin with multiple tracks (rather than load an
instance of a plugin on every track, which can be cumbersome and
CPU-intensive).
Important: Plugin programs are available only while using MPC X in
Controller Mode with the desktop version of the MPC software.
To create a plugin program:
1. Press Main to enter Main Mode.
2. Next to the Track field, tap the plug icon, which indicates a plugin program.
3. If the project does not contain a plugin program yet, a new plugin program (named Plugin, appended with a
number) will be added automatically to the project and appear in the Program field below.
If the project already contains a plugin program, the first one will be selected automatically and appear in the
Program field below.
To create another plugin program, tap the + icon above the Program field. A new plugin program will be
created and appended with a number (e.g., Plugin 002).
4. Double-tap the Plugin field. In the list that appears, tap the desired plugin. Alternatively, use the data dial or the
–/+ buttons to select a plugin.
To sort your plugins by type or maker, tap Type or Manufacturer.
5.Tap Select to select the plugin, or tap Close to cancel.
Note: You have to specify the disk directory where your plugins are located. This can be done in the software’s
Preferences (in the Edit Menu). See the user guide in the MPC software to learn more: click the Help menu, select MPC Help, and select MPC User Manual.
To select the MIDI channel the program will use, double-tap the MIDI Ch field. In the list that appears, tap the
desired channel. Alternatively, use the data dial or the –/+ buttons to select a channel. Use this setting when you
are working with a virtual instrument plugin that supports multi-mode.
To select a preset in your plugin (if any), double-tap the Preset field. In the list that appears, tap the desired
preset. Alternatively, use the data dial or the –/+ buttons to select a preset.
To rename the program, tap the cursor icon on the right edge of the Program section. Use the virtual keyboard that
appears to enter a new name, and then tap Do It to confirm or the gray bar at the top of the touchscreen to cancel.
To adjust the volume and panning of a track using the plugin program:
1. Press Ch. Mixer to enter the Channel Mixer.
2. Double-tap the Mixer field in the upper-left corner, and then tap Midi Tracks.
3. Tap the square that represents the track with the plugin program to select it.
4. Tap and drag the volume slider or pan knob up or down to adjust it. After you do this once, you can adjust the
volume and panning of the plugin program normally.
Important:
If you copy a sequence, the volume and pan values will be copied with that sequence. This is also true if you move to
a new sequence and put the same plugin program on a new track.
By default, some plugins do not support MIDI volume and pan. In this case, adjust volume levels and panning on the
plugin program.
46
MIDI Programs
A MIDI program lets you send your track’s MIDI data to an
external MIDI device like a synth or drum machine.
To create a MIDI program:
1. Press Main to enter Main Mode.
2. Next to the Track field, tap the MIDI-jack icon, which indicates a MIDI program.
3. If the project does not contain a MIDI program yet, a new MIDI program (named Midi, appended with a number)
will be added automatically to the project and appear in the Program field below.
If the project already contains a MIDI program, it will be selected automatically and appear in the Program field
below.
To create another MIDI program, tap the + icon above the Program field. A new MIDI program will be created
and appended with a number (e.g., Midi 002).
4. There are five additional settings to configure for a MIDI program: the MIDI Port, program change message
(Prog Ch), MIDI channel (MIDI Ch), Most Significant Byte (Bank MSB), and Least Significant Byte (Bank LSB).
To configure each setting, double-tap its field. In the list that appears, tap the desired option. Alternatively, use
the data dial or the –/+ buttons to select an option.
Note: You also have to configure the MIDI ports in the software’s Preferences (in the Edit Menu). See the user
guide in the MPC software to learn more: click the Help menu, select MPC Help, and select MPC User Manual.
To rename the program, tap the cursor icon on the right edge of the Program section. Use the virtual keyboard that
appears to enter a new name, and then tap Do It to confirm or the gray bar at the top of the touchscreen to cancel.
To adjust the volume and panning of a track using the MIDI program:
1. Press Ch. Mixer to enter the Channel Mixer.
2. Double-tap the Mixer field in the upper-left corner, and then tap Midi Tracks.
3. Tap the square that represents the track with the MIDI program to select it.
4. Tap and drag the volume slider or pan knob up or down to adjust it. After you do this once, you can adjust the
volume and panning of the MIDI program normally.
Important: If you copy a sequence, the volume and pan values will be copied with that sequence. This is also true if
you move to a new sequence and put the same MIDI program on a new track.
47
CV Programs
A CV program lets you send your control voltage (CV) signals
to an external MIDI device like a synth or drum machine that
uses CV.
To create a CV program:
1. Press Main to enter Main Mode.
2. Next to the Track field, tap the CV icon, which indicates a CV program.
3. If the project does not contain a CV program yet, a new CV program (named CV, appended with a number) will
be added automatically to the project and appear in the Program field below.
If the project already contains a CV program, it will be selected automatically and appear in the Program field
below.
To create another CV program, tap the + icon above the Program field. A new CV program will be created and
appended with a number (e.g., CV 002).
4. There are five additional settings to configure for a CV program: the note tracking (Note), the CV Port, the Gate
Port, the modulation wheel (Mod Wheel), and Velocity Port.
To rename the program, tap the cursor icon on the right edge of the Program section. Use the virtual
keyboard that appears to enter a new name, and then tap Do It to confirm or the gray bar at the top of the
touchscreen to cancel.
48
Menu
The Menu lets you select any of the 20 modes, save your project, set your preferences, switch between Standalone
Mode and Controller Mode, or view your system resources.
To open the Menu, press Menu, or tap the icon in the upper-left corner of the touchscreen while on the normal
page of your current mode.
When viewing the Menu, do any of the following:
To enter a mode, tap it.
Important: If a sequence is currently playing, you will not be able to enter Song Mode. Stop playback before
entering Song Mode.
To return to the previous mode, tap the gray area in the upper-left corner, or press Menu again.
Click a part of the screen above to skip directly to that part of this user guide.
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Save
To save the project, tap the disk icon at the top of the
touchscreen. Alternatively, press Shift+Browse/Save. If you
have already saved the project, your changes will be saved.
If you have not saved the project yet, use the Save window
to save the project:
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 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.
Preferences
To return to the Menu, tap the icon in the upper-left
corner. Any changes you have made in the Preferences will
be retained.
To restore your MPC X’s default settings, tap Reset. In
the screen that appears, tap OK to continue or Cancel to
return to the Preferences. In the next window, tap Save to
save your current project before restoring the default
settings; tap Cancel to return to the Preferences; or tap
Don’t Save to restore the default settings without saving
your current project.
To enter Update Mode, press and hold Shift and tap
Update. In the screen that appears, tap Save to save your
current project before entering Update Mode; tap Cancel
to return to the Preferences; or tap Don’t Save to enter
Update Mode without saving your current project.
Info
This screen shows current information about your MPC X: its current firmware version, which includes its standalone
operating system (MPC Firmware); its hardware Serial Number; and its current firmware for the Control Surface.
Auto Save
The settings on this screen determine if (and how) projects are automatically saved.
Enabled: When enabled, MPC X will automatically save your current project after each Timeout interval. When
disabled, MPC X will not automatically save your project; you may save only manually.
Timeout: Use this field to select how often your project will automatically save.
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Sequencer
The settings on this screen determine how sequencing works in Grid View and in the Step Sequencer.
Display Resolution: This is the display resolution (in PPQN—pulses per quarter note) of pulse values in certain
areas of the operating system. Please note that this setting affects the display resolution, not the timing.
Instant Track Mute: When disabled, if you mute a track, its Note On messages will be ignored, and samples and
notes that are playing will finish playing their entire length (this is how legacy MPCs’ track-muting worked). This is
useful if you are using loops and want a loop to play to the end of a bar but not play the next time the sequence
loops. When enabled, if you mute a track, the MIDI track volume (0) will be sent. The loop will continue to play but
at zero volume, allowing the loop to continue playing when the track is unmuted. This is useful when you want to
have the track muted immediately.
Play Track Mute and Solo Events: When enabled, track mute and solo events are played back when you are in
Track Mute Mode. When disabled, track mute and solo events will not be played back while in Track Mute Mode.
Record Track Mute and Solo Events: When enabled, track mute and solo events are recorded when you are in
Track Mute Mode (timing correct settings will affect the recorded position events). When disabled, track mute and
solo events will not be recorded while in Track Mute Mode. This feature is useful if you want to use Track Mute
Mode to record track mutes or solos into your sequences as opposed to using Track Mute Mode for performance
or listening purposes only.
Record Pad Aftertouch Event: When enabled, pad aftertouch data (from MPC X’s pressure-sensitive pads) will
be recorded. When disabled, pad aftertouch data will be ignored.
Place Events Recorded During Count-In at Start Point: When enabled, pressing a pad during the recording’s
pre-count will record that note event at the start of the recording (this is how the MPC3000 worked). When
disabled, no notes will be recorded until the pre-count is finished and recording has begun.
Truncate Duration: This determines if/how events are cropped if they exceed the length of the current Sequence:
To Sequence Length: If the length of an event exceeds the length of the sequence, it will be truncated. This
ensures that the event will not overlap itself when the sequence loops.
To Sequence End: If an event exceeds the length of the sequence, it will be truncated to the end of the
current sequence. In other words, the event will stop playing when the sequence ends or loops.
As Played: Events will play back exactly as they were recorded, even if they overlap themselves when the
sequence loops.
Hardware
The settings on this screen determine the behavior of MPC X’s pads and touchscreen.
Pad Threshold: This determines how much force is required to strike the pads for them to trigger.
Pad Sensitivity: This determines how the pads respond to touch. At lower values, you need to use more force to
generate a high-velocity note. At higher values, it is easier to generate high-velocity notes, even if you do not use
much force while pressing a pad.
Pad Curve: This determines how striking the pads translates into velocity values. The A
curve is essentially linear, while the B, C, and D curves are exponential (see graphic here).
Velocity & Aftertouch: View these meters when striking and pressing the pads to help
gauge the force and pressure you are applying to them. These meters are useful when
adjusting the Pad Threshold and Pad Sensitivity parameters (above).
Footswitch 1 & Footswitch 2: These determine how connected footswitches will work.
These options are not available for MPC X, which does not have footswitch inputs.
MIDI Control Mode Output: This determines which MIDI port MPC X is using to send
MIDI messages to external MIDI devices.
Screen Dimming: This determines how much time must pass before MPC X automatically dims its touchscreen.
Screen Brightness: This determines the brightness of the screen during normal operation: normal brightness
(Day) or dimmed (Night).
VU Meter Source: This determines what audio signal level is shown in the level meters (on the right side of the touchscreen). When set to Master, the level meters show the audio signal sent out of Outputs 1/2 (the Main L/R
outputs on the rear panel). When set to Current Program, the level meters show the audio signal of the currently
selected program (i.e., the program used by the currently selected track and any other tracks that also use it).
51
WiFi/Bluetooth
The settings on this screen will determine how MPC X’s wireless and Bluetooth connections work. We will add this
functionality in a near-future release. Check akaipro.com to ensure you are using the latest software version. Your MPC
X’s current firmware (which includes its standalone operating system) is in the Info screen of these Preferences.
Project Defaults
The settings on this screen determine various default values for any new project that you create.
Default Tempo: This is the default tempo in BPM.
Default Master Tempo: When enabled, the default tempo value will be used for the master tempo. When
disabled, the default tempo will be used for sequences.
Default Sequence Bars: This determines the default number of bars of a new sequence.
Default Time Signature Numerator: This determines the number of beats per bar of a new sequence (the top
number of a time signature).
Default Time Signature Denominator: This determines the value of each beat of a new sequence (the bottom
number of a time signature).
Default Pad Slice: This determines how new samples will play when you load them or record them into a project.
When set to Pad, the Slice menu in Program Edit Mode will be set to Pad, which lets you set the start point, end
point, etc. for the layer. When set to All, the Slice menu in Program Edit Mode will be set to All, in which the
entire sample plays.
Default Drum/Keygroup Filter: This determines the default type of filter that drum and keygroup programs will use.
New Project Dialog: This determines what options you see when you start a new project. When set to Off, a new
project will be empty with no preconfigured settings except for the project defaults shown here. When set to
Demo, you can choose to load a demo project (from several different genres) as a starting point or an empty
project. When set to Demo/Template/Recent, you can choose to load a demo project, a project template file, or
an empty project.
Sync
The settings on this screen determine how MPC X synchronizes with connected USB and MIDI devices.
Receive MIDI: This determines whether MPC X receives MIDI Clock information (MIDI Clock), MIDI Time Code
information (MIDI Time Code (MTC)), or neither (Off).
MTC Frame Rate: This determines the frame rate used by MIDI Time Code (MTC), which is important for correct
timing, especially when working on film scoring projects. In most cases, you should select 25.
Send MIDI: This determines whether MPC X sends MIDI Clock information (MIDI Clock), MIDI Time Code
information (
MIDI Time Code (MTC)), or neither (Off).
Start Time: This is the starting time that will be sent when Send MIDI is set to anything other than Off. The time
is formatted in hours:minutes:seconds:frames.
Send Port 1 & Send Port 2: These are the MIDI ports over which MIDI Clock or MTC information will be sent.
Receive MMC: When enabled, MPC X will be able to receive MIDI Machine Control (MMC) information. When
disabled, MPC X will not receive this information.
Send MMC: When enabled, MPC X will be able to send MIDI Machine Control (MMC) information. When
disabled, MPC X will not send this information.
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Other
The settings on this screen determine how other features work in the hardware and operating system.
Tap Tempo: This determines how many times you have to press the Tap Tempo button before the new tempo is
recognized.
Flash Tap Tempo Light: When enabled, the Tap Tempo button’s light will flash in time with the tempo. When
disabled, the Tap Tempo button’s light will be off.
Bank Button Press: This determines how the Pad Bank buttons work.
Select A-D: Pressing a Pad Bank button once will select the corresponding bank from Pad Banks A–D.
Pressing and holding Shift while pressing a Pad Bank button will select the corresponding bank from Pad
Banks E–H.
Select/toggle bank: Pressing a PadBank button will alternate between the corresponding bank from Pad
Bank A–D and Pad Bank E–H. In other words, you do not need to hold Shift to select one of Pad Banks E–H.
Filter ‘All Notes Off’ CC: When enabled, “All Notes Off” (“MIDI panic”) messages will be ignored. This is useful if
you are using an external MIDI device that can send these types of messages but you want to filter them out.
When disabled, “All Notes Off” messages will be received normally.
Program Change: This determines what an incoming MIDI program change message will change: a Program,
Sequence, or Track.
Vintage Mode: This determines the type of emulation applied to the audio output. You can apply the particular sonic qualities of, for example, the MPC3000 or MPC60, or of course no emulation (None).
Sampling Bit Depth: This determines bit depth of the audio recorded from a sample.
Audition Auto Play: This determines how long a sample will sound when auto-previewing it.
Cue Preview: This determines if/how audio is played as you move the cue playhead. As you move the cue
playhead through a sample waveform, you can set it to play the small part of the sample before the cue playhead
(Before), play the small part of the sample after the cue playhead (After), or not play at all (Off). You can also set
this in Sample Edit Mode (see Modes > Sample Edit Mode > Settings).
Slice Preview: This determines if/how audio is played as you move a slice marker. As you move the slice marker
through a sample waveform, you can set it to play the small part of the sample before the slice marker (Before),
play the small part of the sample after the slice marker (After), or not play at all (Off). You can also set this in
Sample Edit Mode (see Modes > Sample Edit Mode > Settings).
Screensaver Disable: This determines if/when your computer’s screensaver is disabled while using the MPC
software (using MPC X in Controller Mode):
Never: Your computer’s screensaver will function normally.
When hardware attached: As long as your MPC X is connected to your computer and powered on, your
computer’s screensaver will be disabled. It will function normally again if you power off or disconnect your
MPC X from your computer.
Always: Your computer’s screensaver will be disabled as long as the MPC software is open (whether or not
your MPC X is connected or powered on).
Legal
This screen shows legal information relevant to MPC. For complete legal information, visit akaipro.com/product-legal
53
Mode
Tap this icon to switch MPC X between Standalone Mode
and Controller Mode. In the screen that appears, select
whether you want to save your current project before
switching (Save), switch without saving your project (Don’t Save), or stay in the current mode and project (Cancel).
You cannot freely switch between Standalone and
Controller Modes without also closing your current project.
System Resources
Tap one of these icons to show the System Resources
window.
The indicators in this window show current usage statistics:
CPU: The first indicator shows the current CPU as a
percentage.
RAM Usage (Mem): The second indicator shows MPC
X’s current RAM usage.
To delete samples from the project (to create more free
RAM space for sampling time, audio recording, etc.), tap
Purge. In the screen that appears, tap UnusedSamples
to delete all unused samples from the project, tap All
Samples to delete all samples from the project, or tap
Cancel to return to the previous screen.
To close the System Resources window, tap OK, the X
in the upper-right corner, or anywhere outside the window.
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Time Counter
In most of the available modes, there is a time counter at the top of the touchscreen. This
indicates the current playhead position.
To adjust the position, tap it, and then use the use the data dial or the –/+ buttons.
To open the Locate screen and adjust its settings, double-tap the time counter.
To close the Locate screen, tap the X in the upper-right corner or anywhere outside the window.
To move forward or backward a step, tap the Step < or Step > button, respectively.
To move forward or backward a bar, tap the Bar << or Bar >> button, respectively.
To switch the time increments, tap the Beat/Time selector. When set to Beats, the time is shown in Bars, Beats,
and Ticks. When set to Time, the time is shown in hours (HH), minutes (MM), seconds (SS), and frames (FF).
To configure your auto record settings, use the Auto
Record selector and adjacent fields:
Auto Record selector: Tap the desired option to
select it:
Off: Auto recording is disabled.
Punch In: You can auto record using punch-in
and punch-out markers, enabling you to record
over a specified length of time in the track. While
recording, the entire sequence will play, but you
will record over only the area between the Punch In and Punch Out markers. Any part of the
sequence before the Punch In marker or after the
Punch Out marker will remain untouched, even if
you perform over it during recording.
Record Start: After you record-arm the track and
start playback, you will start recording once the
sequence loops back to its start. This is
essentially a punch-in feature for the entire track,
enabling you to start playing a record-armed track
while allowing more time than the usual count-in
to prepare for the actual recording to start.
Punch In: Use these fields to set the location of the Punch In marker, which is where recording will start (when
the Auto Record selector is set to Punch In
).
Punch Out: Use these fields to set the location of the Punch Out marker, which is where recording will stop (when
the Auto Record selector is set to Punch In).
You can use this screen to set time markers, allowing you to jump automatically to precise locations in a sequence.
You can set up to six time markers.
To set a time marker, tap the time counter at the top of the screen, find the desired time, and then tap Set next to
the desired time marker. The time will appear next to that marker.
To jump to a time marker, tap the number next to it (1–6).
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Automation
You can set the automation for programs and audio tracks to be “written,” “read,” or disabled entirely. You can do
this globally or for individual programs and audio tracks.
Global
In several modes, there is a button in the upper-right corner that controls the global automation. When you tap this
button to change its state, it will change the automation state for all programs in the project.
This is available in Main Mode, XYFX Mode, Pad Mute Mode, the Pad Mixer, Program Edit Mode, the Channel Mixer,
and Q-Link Edit Mode.
Tap the global automation button to cycle through its three states:
When off, automation data will be ignored. If you have already recorded or entered automation, this
will switch between Read (R) and Write (W) only, but you can override this and turn it off by pressing
and holding Shift while tapping the button.
Important: If you have already recorded automation and turn it off, the track will still use the effect and
its parameter values at the point where you turned it off.
When set to Read (R), automation data will be read but recorded. (Think of this as a protective feature
to prevent accidental changes to your automation while recording.)
When set to Write (W), automation can be recorded and will overwrite any existing automation. (Make
sure not to touch the XY pad accidentally while you are recording.)
Programs & Audio Tracks
You can also set the automation for each program or audio track by using the program automation button in the
channel strip on the left side of the screen in Main Mode and the Channel Mixer. Program automation is available for
all program types except MIDI programs.
Note: Remember that tapping the global automation button will change the automation state for all programs in the
project; if they were originally different, all of them will then match the global automation state.
In Main Mode, if the channel strip is not already shown, tap the small eye icon below the Project field to show it.
In the Channel Mixer, if you do not see a program automation button in the channel strip, make sure the Mixer field
is set to Audio Tracks or Programs.
Press Read/Write or tap the program automation button to cycle through its three states:
When off, the program will ignore automation data. If you have already recorded or entered
automation, this will switch between Read (R) and Write (W) only, but you can override this and
turn it off by pressing and holding Shift while pressing or tapping the button.
Important: If you have already recorded automation and turn it off, the track will still use the effect
and its parameter values at the point where you turned it off.
When set to Read (R), the program will read automation data but will not record any additional
automation over it. (Think of this as a protective feature to prevent accidental changes to your
automation while recording.)
When set to Write (W), the program can record automation. (If you have any Q-Link knobs
assigned to automatable parameters, make sure not to touch any accidentally while you are
recording.)
56
16 Level
Press the 16 Level button on your MPC X to activate or deactivate 16
Level.
When first activated, the selected pad (Pad A01 by default) 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 16 Levels screen that appears, use the Type selector to choose
the parameter: Velocity, Tune, Filter, Layer, Attack, or Decay.
To select a pad, do any of the following (while the 16 Levels window
is open):
• Press and hold 16 Level, and then press the desired pad.
• Tap the 16 Levels checkbox to uncheck it (temporarily
disabling the feature), press the desired pad, and then tap
the 16 Levels checkbox again to check it.
• Tap the Pad field, and use the data dial or –/+ buttons.
• Double-tap the Pad field, and tap the desired pad in the list
that appears.
Erase
The Erase function erases all or part of a track in a specific sequence.
To open the Erase window, press the Erase button. Alternatively,
while in Main Mode, tap the pencil icon on the right edge of the
section, and then tap Erase in the screen that appears.
To select the sequence you want to erase, use the Sequence field.
To select the track you want to erase within the sequence, use
the Track field.
To set the time range of the sequence you want to erase, use
the Bar, Beat, and Tick fields. The left fields set the start of the
time range, and the right fields set the end of the time range.
To select what types of events you erase, select one of the
Erase options:
All erases all pad events from the designated time range and
reset all of its settings.
Automation erases only automation from the designated time
range.
Note erases only specific pad events from the designated time
range. In the diagram of the eight pad banks that appears,
press each pad in each bank to select or deselect its notes.
Except Note erases everything except pad events from the
designated time range.
To confirm your choice, tap Do It.
To cancel and return to the previous screen, tap the X, Cancel,
or anywhere outside the window.
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Effects
You can apply various effects to the pads, keygroups, audio tracks, programs, submixes, and master outputs, using
insert and send/return effects. This chapter can help you get a good overall understanding of how the effects work.
See Appendix > Effects & Parameters for a list of all available effects (with a brief description of each) and their
editable parameters.
Overview
In a program, each pad or keygroup can have up to four insert effects applied to it. See Insert Effects > Pads or
Insert Effects > Keygroups to learn more about this.
An entire program or audio track can also have up to four insert effects applied to it, as well. See Insert Effects >
Programs or Insert Effects > Audio Tracks to learn more about this.
For even further flexibility, each submix can have up to four insert effects applied to it. You can route pads,
keygroups, audio tracks, or programs to a submix, which is then routed to a master output. See Insert Effects >
Submixes to learn more about this.
Additionally, each pad, keygroup, audio track, program, and submix can each be sent to (up to) four return
channels, each of which can have up to four insert effects of their own. Their audio will be routed through the insert
effects on those returns, and the processed audio will be returned to their original channels. See Send/Return Effects
to learn more about this.
Finally, you can apply up to four insert effects to each master output (a stereo pair of channels: Outputs 1/2, Outputs 3/4, etc.). See Insert Effects > Masters to learn more about this.
When you create an audio mixdown of a sequence or song, you can choose whether or not master insert effects are
included or send/return effects are included, depending on what you are mixing down:
If you are creating an audio mixdown of a pair of master outputs, you can choose whether or not master inserteffects will be included in the mixdown.
If you are creating an audio mixdown of separate programs or exploded tracks, you can choose whether or not
send/return effects will b
e included in the mixdown.
See Audio Mixdown to learn about these options.
There are three other modes that handle effects differently:
•The Sampler can use up to four insert effects, which are applied to the audio as you record it. This means
that the effects cannot be “removed” from the sound later. Learn more about the Sampler in the Modes >
Sampler chapter.
•Similarly, the Looper can use up to four insert effects, which are applied to the audio as you record it. This
means that the effects cannot be “removed” from the sound later. Learn more about the Looper in the
Modes > Looper chapter.
•In XYFX Mode, the effects act like a single insert effect on that program. In fact, XYFX is the name of the
insert effect you have to load to the program before you can use this mode. Learn more about XYFX Mode in
the Modes > XYFX Mode chapter.
58
To view, load, edit, or clear effects, tap the area under
the Inserts field. This usually appears in a channel strip
(next to a level slider and pan knob).
When viewing loaded effects, you will see this window:
To select an effect, use the field for each insert slot. A
window (described below) will appear.
To edit the parameters of a loaded effect, tap the
pencil icon next to the insert slot.
To clear the insert slot, tap the trash can icon next to it.
To enable or disable an effect slot, tap the On/Off
button next to it.
To disable all four effect slots, tap the All On/All Off
button in the upper-right corner. Tap it again to reactivate
the previously active effects.
When selecting an effect, you will see this window:
To move through the list, swipe up or down. Alternatively,
use the data dial or –/+ buttons.
To sort or unsort the effects by type or
manufacturer, tap Type or Manufacturer in the lower-
left corner.
To load an effect, double-tap it. Alternatively, tap
Select, or press the center cursor or Enter.
To cancel, tap Close or anywhere outside the list.
When you edit an effect, you will see this window:
To adjust a parameter, tap and drag its slider.
Alternatively, use the data dial or –/+ buttons. To make finer adjustments, double-tap the pad and adjust the
larger version of the slider that appears.
Tip: Turn the Q-Link knobs to quickly adjust the
corresponding four parameters.
To select another page of parameters, tap the
Parameters –/+ buttons at the top of the touchscreen.
To enable or disable the effect, tap the On/Off button
in the upper-right corner.
To edit parameters for another insert effect on the
same pad, program, etc., tap a different Insert tab at
the bottom of the touchscreen to select it.
To close the window, tap Close or the upper part of
the touchscreen.
59
Insert Effects
Pads
You can load up to four insert effects to each pad. You can do this in Main Mode, the Pad Mixer, or Program Edit Mode.
Tip: When using pad insert effects, they will be applied to the selected pad only. This means that you could apply
unique combinations of effects to each pad within a program. If you want to apply the same effect to all pads, do this
with a program insert effect (see Insert Effects > Programs).
To load a pad insert effect in Main Mode:
1. When the MIDI tab is selected (in the lower-left corner),
use the Track field to select the track that uses the
program with the desired pad—the program it uses will
be selected automatically.
2. If the channel strip is not already shown, tap the small
eye icon below the Project field to show it.
3. Tap the single-pad icon at the top of the channel strip.
The channel strip will now show settings for the current
pad.
4. Press the desired pad to select it. Alternatively, use the
Pad field at the top of the channel strip.
5. Tap the area under Inserts, and then use the screen that
appears to load or edit effects.
To load a pad insert effect in the Pad Mixer:
1. Use the Program field at the top of the touchscreen to
select the desired program. Alternatively, use the Track
field at the top of the touchscreen to select the desired
track—the program it uses will be selected automatically.
2. Press the desired pad to select it, or tap it in the
touchscreen. Alternatively, double-tap the Pad field
below the Program field.
3. Tap the area under Inserts, and then use the screen that
appears to load or edit effects. Alternatively, tap the
Insert tab at the bottom of the touchscreen (tap it
multiple times to select a different insert slot), and then
double-tap the desired pad in the touchscreen. You
could also use the data dial or –/+ buttons to select an
effect immediately.
To load a pad insert effect in Program Edit Mode:
1. While using the desired program, press the desired pad
to select it.
2. Tap the
Effects tab in the lower-right corner, and use it
to load or edit effects.
60
Keygroups
You can load up to four insert effects to each keygroup. You can do this in Main Mode, the Pad Mixer, or Program
Edit Mode.
Important: When using keygroup insert effects, they will be applied to that keygroup only. Keep this in mind if you
load insert effects to multiple keygroups with overlapping note ranges—the effects will overlap in that range as well.
To load a keygroup insert effect in Main Mode:
1. When the MIDI tab is selected (in the lower-left corner),
use the Track field to select the track that uses the
program with the desired pad—the program it uses will
be selected automatically.
2. If the channel strip is not already shown, tap the small
eye icon below the Project field to show it.
3. Tap the single-pad icon at the top of the channel strip.
The channel strip will now show settings for the current
keygroup.
4. Press a pad to select its corresponding keygroup, or tap
it in the touchscreen. Alternatively, use the Keygroup
field at the top of the channel strip.
Important: Remember that the effect will be applied to
that keygroup only.
5. Tap the area under Inserts, and then use the screen that
appears to load or edit effects.
To load a keygroup insert effect in the Pad Mixer:
1. Use the Program field at the top of the touchscreen to
select the desired program. Alternatively, use the Track
field at the top of the touchscreen to select the desired
track—the program it uses will be selected automatically.
2. Press a pad to select its corresponding keygroup, or tap
it in the touchscreen. Alternatively, use the Keygroup
field below the Program field.
Important: Remember that the effect will be applied to
that keygroup only.
3. Tap the area under Inserts, and then use the screen that
appears to load or edit effects. Alternatively, double-tap
the desired pad in the touchscreen. You could also
select one of the four Insert tabs at the bottom of the
touchscreen, and then use the data dial or –/+ buttons
to select an effect immediately.
To load a keygroup insert effect in Program Edit Mode:
1. While using the desired program, press the desired pad
to select its keygroup. Alternatively, use the Keygroup
field at the top of the touchscreen.
2. Tap the Effects tab in the lower-right corner, and use it
to load or edit effects.
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Programs
You can load up to four insert effects to each program. You can do this in Main Mode, XYFX Mode, and the Channel
Mixer.
Note: In XYFX Mode, the effects act like a single insert effect on that program. In fact, XYFX is the name of the insert
effect that is loaded when use this mode.
To load a program insert effect in Main Mode:
1. When the MIDI tab is selected (in the lower-left corner),
use the Track field to select the track that uses the
program with the desired pad—the program it uses will
be selected automatically.
2. If the channel strip is not already shown, tap the small
eye icon below the Project field to show it.
3. Tap the four-pads icon at the top of the channel strip.
The channel strip will now show settings for the current
program.
4. Tap the area under Inserts, and then use the screen that
appears to load or edit effects.
To load XYFX for a program in XYFX Mode:
1. Select the desired program in another mode, and then
enter XYFX Mode.
2. If you have not yet used XYFX Mode for this program,
tap Insert XYFX on the touchscreen to load it and show
the XY pad.
Note: If you already have four insert effects loaded, you
will need to clear one of the insert effect slots before
doing this.
If you have already used XYFX Mode for this program,
the XY pad will appear.
3. If the Setup panel is not shown, tap Setup in the lowerright corner to show it.
4. Use the Preset field to load an effect. Use the controls
below the Preset field to edit the effect.
To load a program insert effect in the Channel Mixer:
1. Set the Mixer field in the upper-left corner to Programs.
2. In the touchscreen, tap the pad that corresponds to the
desired program. Alternatively, double-tap the Program
field below the Mixer field and tap the desired program.
3. Tap the area under Inserts, and then use the screen that
appears to load or edit effects. Alternatively, tap the
Insert tab at the bottom of the touchscreen (tap it
multiple times to select a different insert slot), and then
double-tap the desired pad in the touchscreen. You
could also use the data dial or –/+ buttons to select an
effect immediately.
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Audio Tracks
You can load up to four insert effects to each audio track. You can do this in Main Mode and the Channel Mixer.
To load an audio track insert effect in Main Mode:
1. When the Audio tab is selected (in the lower-left corner),
use the Track field to select the audio track.
2. If the channel strip is not already shown, tap the small
eye icon below the Project field to show it.
3. Tap the waveform icon at the top of the channel strip.
The channel strip will now show settings for the current
audio track.
4. Tap the area under Inserts, and then use the screen that
appears to load or edit effects.
To load an audio track insert effect in the Channel Mixer:
1. Set the Mixer field in the upper-left corner to Audio Tracks.
2. In the touchscreen, tap the pad that corresponds to the
desired audio track.
3. Tap the area under Inserts, and then use the screen that
appears to load or edit effects. Alternatively, tap the
Insert tab at the bottom of the touchscreen (tap it
multiple times to select a different insert slot), and then
double-tap the desired pad in the touchscreen. You
could also use the data dial or –/+ buttons to select an
effect immediately.
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Submixes
You can load up to four insert effects to each submix. You can do this in the Channel Mixer only.
Important: Submixes are available only while using MPC X in Controller Mode with the desktop version of the MPC
software.
To load a submix insert effect:
1. Set the Mixer field in the upper-left corner to Submixes.
2. In the touchscreen, tap the pad that corresponds to the
desired program. Alternatively, double-tap the Submix
field below the Mixer field and tap the desired program.
3. Tap the area under Inserts, and then use the screen that
appears to load or edit effects. Alternatively, tap the
Insert tab at the bottom of the touchscreen (tap it
multiple times to select a different insert slot), and then
double-tap the desired pad in the touchscreen. You
could also use the data dial or –/+ buttons to select an
effect immediately.
Masters
You can load up to four insert effects to each master output (a stereo pair of channels: Outputs 1/2, Outputs 3/4,
etc.). You can do this in Main Mode or the Channel Mixer.
To load a master insert effect in Main Mode:
1. If the channel strip is not already shown, tap the small
eye icon below the Project field to show it.
2. Tap the crown icon at the top of the channel strip. The
channel strip will now show settings for the current
master output.
3. Use the Outputs field at the top of the channel strip to
select the desired master output (Outputs 1/2, Outputs 3/4, etc.).
4. Tap the area under Inserts, and then use the screen that
appears to load or edit effects.
To load a master insert effect in the Channel Mixer:
1. Set the
Mixer field in the upper-left corner to Masters.
2. In the touchscreen, tap the pad that corresponds to the
desired master output (Outputs 1/2, Outputs 3/4, etc.).
Alternatively, double-tap the Outputs field below the
Mixer field.
3. Tap the area under Inserts, and then use the screen that
appears to load or edit effects. Alternatively, tap the
Insert tab at the bottom of the touchscreen (tap it
multiple times to select a different insert slot), and then
double-tap the desired pad in the touchscreen. You
could also use the data dial or –/+ buttons to select an
effect immediately.
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Send/Return Effects
Send/return effects work in the following way:
1. A pad, keygroup, audio track, program, or submix sends its audio to a return at a designated send level.
2. That audio is processed by the effects on the return. Each return can have up to four insert effects loaded and
activated.
3. The processed audio is sent back to its pad, keygroup, program, or submix at a designated return level.
You can load send/return effects and set return levels only in the Channel Mixer, described below. The rest of this
section describes the different ways to set the desired send levels for pads, keygroups, programs, or submixes.
To load a send/return effect to a return:
1. In the Channel Mixer, set the Mixer field in the upper-left
corner to Returns.
2. In the touchscreen, tap the pad that corresponds to the
desired return. Alternatively, double-tap the Return field
below the Mixer field.
3. Tap the area under Inserts, and then use the screen that
appears to load or edit effects. Alternatively, tap the
Insert tab at the bottom of the touchscreen (tap it
multiple times to select a different insert slot), and then
double-tap the desired pad in the touchscreen. You
could also use the data dial or –/+ buttons to select an
effect immediately.
To set the return level:
1. In the Channel Mixer, set the Mixer field in the upper-left
corner to Returns.
2. Tap the Level tab in the lower-left corner.
3. In the touchscreen, tap the pad that corresponds to the
desired return. Alternatively, double-tap the
Return field
below the Mixer field.
4. To adjust the level of the currently selected return, use
the data dial or –/+ buttons. Alternatively, use the level
slider in the channel strip, or turn the corresponding QLink knob. To make finer adjustments, double-tap the
pad and adjust the larger version of the slider that appears.
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Pads
You can set the send levels for pads in Program Edit Mode or the Pad Mixer.
To set the send levels for a pad in Program Edit Mode:
1. While editing the desired program in Program Edit
Mode, press the desired pad to select it.
2. Tap the Effects tab in the lower-right corner.
3. Use the Send knobs to set the send level for each return.
To set the send levels for a pad in the Pad Mixer:
1. Use the Program field at the top of the touchscreen to
select the desired program. Alternatively, use the Track
field at the top of the touchscreen to select the desired
track—the program it uses will be selected automatically.
2. Tap the Send tab at the bottom of the touchscreen (tap
it multiple times to select a different send level).
3. Press the desired pad to select it, or tap it in the
touchscreen. Alternatively, double-tap the Pad field
below the Program field.
4. To set the send level, use the data dial or –/+ buttons.
To make finer adjustments, double-tap the pad and
adjust the larger version of the slider that appears.
Keygroups
You can set the send levels for keygroups in Program Edit Mode or the Pad Mixer.
To set the send levels for a keygroup in Program Edit Mode:
1. While using the desired program, press the desired pad
to select its keygroup. Alternatively, use the Keygroup
field at the top of the touchscreen.
2. Tap the Effects tab in the lower-right corner.
3. Use the Send knobs to set the send level for each return.
To set the send levels for a keygroup in the Pad Mixer:
1. Use the Program
field at the top of the touchscreen to
select the desired program. Alternatively, use the Track
field at the top of the touchscreen to select the desired
track—the program it uses will be selected automatically.
2. Tap the Send tab at the bottom of the touchscreen (tap
it multiple times to select a different send level).
3. Press the desired pad to select its corresponding
keygroup, or tap it in the touchscreen. Alternatively,
double-tap the Keygroup field below the Program field.
4. To set the send level, use the data dial or –/+ buttons.
To make finer adjustments, double-tap the pad and
adjust the larger version of the slider that appears.
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Programs
You can set the send levels for programs in the Channel Mixer only.
To set the send levels for a program:
1. In the Channel Mixer, set the Mixer field in the upper-left
corner to Programs.
2. Tap the Send tab at the bottom of the touchscreen (tap
it multiple times to select a different send level).
3. In the touchscreen, tap the pad that corresponds to the
desired program. Alternatively, double-tap the Program
field below the Mixer field.
4. To set the send level, use the data dial or –/+ buttons.
To make finer adjustments, double-tap the pad and
adjust the larger version of the slider that appears.
Submixes
You can set the send levels for submixes in the Channel Mixer only.
Important: Submixes are available only while using MPC X in Controller Mode with the desktop version of the MPC
software.
To set the send levels for a submix:
1. In the Channel Mixer, set the Mixer field in the upper-left
corner to Submixes.
2. Tap the Send tab at the bottom of the touchscreen (tap
it multiple times to select a different send level).
3. In the touchscreen, tap the pad that corresponds to the
desired submix. Alternatively, double-tap the Submix
field below the Mixer field.
4. To set the send level, use the data dial or –/+ buttons.
To make finer adjustments, double-tap the pad and
adjust the larger version of the slider that appears.
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Audio Mixdown
The Audio Mixdown screen lets you render and export either the current sequence or song as an audio file. In Song
Mode, this will export the entire song. In Main Mode, this will export the current sequence only.
To open the Audio Mixdown screen in Song Mode, tap Export at the bottom edge of the touchscreen.
To open the Audio Mixdown screen in Main Mode, tap the Project field in the upper-left corner of the touchscreen, and then tap Export.
Audio Length
Use the Start Bar and End Bar fields to define where the
resulting audio file will start and end, respectively.
Use the Audio Tail field to add extra seconds to the end of the
resulting audio file. This is useful if you are using effects or
samples whose sounds exceed the defined audio length (e.g., long
reverb or delay, one-shot samples with long decays, etc.). We
recommend using an audio tail of at least a couple of seconds.
Render Source
Check Stereo Output and use the adjacent field to select a pair of outputs (Out 1,2–7,8 in Standalone Mode, Out
1,2–31,32 in Controller Mode). The mixdown will be taken from these outputs.
Check Separate Programs to create a mixdown of each program used in the sequence or song.
Check Explode Tracks to create a mixdown of each track used in the sequence (you cannot use this option for
an entire song).
Important: Each pad or keygroup must have their output routed to Program to be included in the mixdown. This
is the typical (and default) setting. See Modes > Pad Mixer > Routing to learn about this.
Render Options
If your Render Source is set to Stereo Output, check Master Inserts to include master insert effects in the mixdown.
If your Render Source is set to Separate Programs or Explode Tracks, check Export Returns to export the
return channel signals as separate files.
If your Render Source is set to Stereo Output, tap Save as Project Preview to save the sequence or song as a
project preview file (which you can play for reference in the Browser). If you check this box, Stereo Output will
automatically be checked, as well.
File Formats
Tap WAV, AIFF, or MP3 to select the file format of the
mixdown.
For WAV and AIFF files, use the Bit Depth field to select a
bit depth of 8, 16, or 24 bits, or 32 bits, floating point (32 F).
For MP3 files, you can select a Bitrate of 128, 160, 192, or
320 kbps.
Use the Sample Rate field to select a sample rate of 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz. In most cases, we
recommend selecting 44.1 kHz.
Tap Export to enter the Save screen where you can select a name and location to save your audio mixdown.
Tap Cancel or
the icon in the upper-left corner to return to the previous screen.
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Standalone vs. Controller Mode
MPC X can function in two ways: Standalone Mode and Controller Mode.
To enter Standalone Mode, do one of the following:
•If MPC X is not connected to a computer, simply
press the power switch to power it on.
•If MPC X is connected to your computer and you
want to keep your MPC software open, press Menu
to enter the Menu, and then tap the monitor/cable
icon in the upper-right corner. When the Switch to
Standalone Mode window appears, tap Standalone
to continue. Your project will remain open on your
computer, and you can continue to work on it
independently from the project shown in your MPC X.
(If you tap Cancel, you can continue using MPC X in
Controller Mode.)
•If MPC X is connected to your computer and you
want to close the MPC software, simply close the
MPC software on your computer. When Looking for computer appears on MPC X’s touchscreen,
tap Standalone. If the Restart as Standalone
window appears, tap Yes to continue. (If you tap
Cancel, you can reopen your MPC software and
continue using MPC X in Controller Mode.)
In Standalone Mode:
•An MPC chip icon will appear in the upper-right
corner.
•MPC X is not communicating with a computer over
a USB connection.
•Any files (projects, samples, etc.) that you save or
load are in MPC X’s internal hard drive or a
connected USB drive or SD card.
•Plugin programs are disabled.
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To enter Controller Mode:
1. Make sure MPC X’s USB-B Port is connected to your
computer.
2. On your computer, open the MPC software.
3. If MPC X is powered off, press the power switch to
power it on.
4. If MPC X is currently in Standalone Mode, press Menu to
enter the Menu, and then tap the MPC chip icon in the
upper-right corner. When the Enter Controller Mode
window appears, tap Controller Mode to continue. (If
you tap Cancel, you can continue using MPC X in
Standalone Mode.) Looking for computer may appear
briefly in the touchscreen before MPC X recognizes the
USB connection as a controller.
In Controller Mode:
•A monitor/cable icon will appear in the upper-
right corner.
•MPC X is communicating with a computer over a
USB connection.
•You can save or load files (projects, samples, etc.) to
or from your computer as well as MPC X’s internal
hard drive or a connected USB drive or SD card.
•Plugin programs are enabled. Remember to specify
the disk directory where your plugins are located.
This can be done in the software’s Preferences (in
the Edit Menu). See the user guide in the MPC
software to learn more: click the Help menu, select
MPC Help, and select MPC User Manual.
•The touchscreen on your MPC X reflects what it is
controlling in the software, but due to space and
character limitations, the layout in the touchscreen
is different (e.g., parameter names may be
abbreviated, the layout may be different or spread
across multiple tabs, etc.).
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Modes
MPC X has a Menu page that lets you select any one of 20 modes. This chapter describes the various features and
functions of each one.
Click a button below to skip directly to that chapter.
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Main Mode
Main Mode gives you an overview of the most-used functions.
To enter Main Mode, do one of the following:
• Press Main.
• Press Menu, and then tap Main.
The top of the touchscreen shows the project name and timing information.
The Project field shows the name of the current project.
To view the Project window, tap the Project field. The Project window will appear, showing a list of available
programs, sequences, and samples in the project.
In the Project window, in additional to typical functions you can perform in lists, you can do any of the following:
To move through a list, swipe up or down.
To expand or collapse the list of programs or sequences, tap the arrow (∨ or >) to its left.
To select a program, sequence, or sample, tap it.
To immediately select a sample and enter Sample Edit Mode, double-tap it.
To save the project, tap Save.
To save the project with another name, tap Save As. Use the Save window that appears to save the project.
To return to the previous screen, tap the X in the upper-right corner or anywhere outside the window.
To delete samples from the project (to create more free RAM space for sampling time, audio recording, etc.), tap Purge. In the screen that appears, tap Unused Samples to delete all unused samples from the project, tap
All Samples to delete all samples from the project, or tap Cancel to return to the previous screen.
To export the current sequence, tap Export. Use the Audio Mixdown screen that appears to export a song
(see General Features > Audio Mixdown to learn about the settings in this window). To export the song instead,
see the Song Mode chapter.
The In and Out boxes indicate MPC X is receiving or sending (respectively) MIDI messages from or to your computer.
The time counter at the top of the touchscreen the current playhead position. This is shown in most of the modes.
See General Features > Time Counter to learn about this.
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The Timing Correct window contains various settings to help quantize the note events in your sequence.
To open the Timing Correct settings, tap the TC/clock icon at the top of the touchscreen.
To apply the settings you selected, tap Do It.
To cancel and return to the previous screen, tap Close.
Use the Type selector to set how timing corrections are applied.
Start: The start points of note events will be extended or shortened to align with the closest time division marker
in the grid. The start points will remain untouched.
End: The end points of note events will be extended or shortened to align with the closest time division marker in
the grid. The start points will remain untouched.
Length: The end points of note events will be extended or shortened so that each event’s length is a multiple of
the time division, regardless of where it is in the grid. The start points will remain untouched.
Legato: The end points of note events will be extended or shortened to create a long, unbroken phrase from the
first note event’s start point to the last note event’s end point. Each note event will sustain until another note
event starts. If multiple note events start at the same time (and are not the last note events), their lengths will
become identical. Selecting Legato disables all other options in this window.
Without legato applied. With legato applied.
Use the Time Division selector to set the quantization value. Note events will “snap” to these time divisions on the
grid. The T indicates a triplet-based value.
Alternatively, press and hold Note Repeat and use the six buttons at the bottom of the touchscreen.
Use the Swing field to set the amount of swing from 50% to 75%. Swing lets you “shuffle” your beats—from subtle
to extreme.
Use the Shift Timing field to shift all note events by clock ticks.
Use the Window field to set how many notes around a quantize value will be quantized. Any notes outside this range
will not be quantized; notes inside will.
Use the Strength field to set how strictly notes will be quantized (i.e., shifted toward the quantize value). Lower
values move notes a little bit towards the closest quantize value, resulting in a less mechanical feel than a strict
quantization (a higher value).
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Use the Events selector to set the target range for the time
correction. You can apply the time correction to All note
events or to just the Selected ones. When Range is
selected, you can define the locations (From and To) as
well as the pads or keys that will be quantized.
The Click/Metro menu contains all settings regarding the
metronome (click track).
To open the metronome settings, tap the Metro/
metronome icon at the top of the touchscreen.
Use the Count-In field to set if/when the metronome
counts before recording.
Off disables the metronome pre-count.
Record enables the pre-count during recording only.
Record + Play enables pre-count in both Record and
Playback Modes.
Use the Enable field to set if/when the metronome is
enabled.
Off disables the metronome.
Play enables the metronome sound during playback only.
Record enables the metronome sound during
recording only.
Record + Play enables the metronome to happen in
both Record and Playback Modes.
Use the Rate field to select the metronome click’s time
division: 1/4, 1/4T, 1/8, 1/8T, 1/16, 1/16T, 1/32 or 1/32T.
indicates a triplet-based time division.
T
Use the Sound field to select the sound that you want to
hear for the metronome: Sidestick 1, Sidestick 2, Clap,
Metroclick, Shake, Tambourine, or MPC Click.
Use the Volume knob to set the volume of your metronome
click.
Tap the On/Off button to enable or disable the metronome.
The automation button indicates the global automation
state. This is shown in several modes. See General
Features > Automation to learn about this.
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In Main Mode, these are the buttons at the bottom of the touchscreen:
MIDI: Tap this button to view only MIDI tracks in the Track section.
Audio: Tap this button to view only audio tracks in the Track section.
Track –/+: Tap one of these buttons to switch to the previous or next track, respectively.
Mute: Tap this button to mute the current track.
Solo: Tap this button to solo the current track.
The left edge contains icons to quickly enter one of five modes. Using this strip of icons, you can
easily jump between them:
To enter Main Mode, tap the house icon.
To enter Grid View, tap the grid icon.
To enter Audio Edit Mode, tap the waveform-and-box icon.
To enter the Track View, tap the bars-and-magnifying-glass icon.
To enter the Step Sequencer, tap the vertical-bars icon.
To enter XYFX Mode, tap the XY icon.
There are also two small icons to the right of these that control the channel strip.
To show or hide the channel strip, tap the eye icon.
The icon below the eye icon indicates the type of channel strip (see next description).
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The channel strip contains some important settings for the current pad, program, track, or
master output, depending on the currently selected icon:
To view the pad channel strip, tap the single-pad icon.
To view the program channel strip, tap the four-squares icon.
To view the track channel strip, tap the bars icon (when the MIDI tab is selected) or the waveform icon (when the Audio tab is selected).
To view the master channel strip, tap the crown icon.
When viewing the pad channel strip while using a drum program, keygroup program, or
clip program:
The first field shows the current pad number. Press a pad or tap the field to select a
different pad.
Tip: This is useful for mixing your pads without having to enter the Pad Mixer.
The second field shows where the pad is routed (which you can change). Usually, this is
set to Program.
The Inserts field shows any enabled or disabled effects for that pad. Tap the area under
Inserts to open a window where you can load, change, and enable or disable the effects.
Tap Solo or Mute to solo or mute the pad (respectively).
Adjust the pan knob or level slider to change the panning or level of the pad. The
green level meter next to the slider shows the pad’s current volume level in dB.
When viewing the program channel strip while using a drum program, keygroup program,
clip program, or plugin program:
The first field shows the current program number and name (which you can change).
The second field shows where the program is routed (which you can change).
The Inserts field shows any enabled or disabled effects for that program. Tap the area
under Inserts to open a window where you can load, change, and enable or disable the
effects.
Tap Solo or Mute to solo or mute the program (respectively). Alternatively, press Solo
or Mute under the LED meters.
To change the program’s automation, tap the program automation button or press
Read/Write to cycle through its three states:
When off, the program will ignore automation data. If you have already recorded or
entered automation, this will switch between Read (R) and Write (W) only, but you can
override this and turn it off by pressing and holding Shift while tapping the button.
Important: If you have already recorded automation and turn it off, the track will
still use the effect and its parameter values at the point where you turned it off.
When set to Read (R), the program will read automation data but will not record any
additional automation over it. (Think of this as a protective feature to prevent
accidental changes to your automation while recording.)
When set to Write (W), the program can record automation. (If you have any Q-Link
knobs assigned to automatable parameters, make sure not to touch any accidentally
while you are recording.)
Tip: You can quickly set all programs and audio tracks to the same automation by
tapping the global automation button in the upper-right corner of the touchscreen.
See General Features > Automation to learn about this.
Adjust the pan knob or level slider to change the panning or level of the program. The
green level meter next to the slider shows the program’s current volume level in dB.
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When viewing the track channel strip while using a MIDI track:
The first field shows the current track (which you can change) and its name.
The second field shows the name of the program the track is using.
Tap Solo or Mute to solo or mute the track (respectively).
Adjust the pan knob or level slider to change the panning or level of the track. The blue
level meter next to the slider shows the track’s current velocity level.
Note: If the track is using a plugin program, then the slider will send CC#7 (Volume) and
the knob will send CC #10 (Pan) to your instrument plugin. The plugin will then handle
these messages as it normally would.
When viewing the track channel strip while using an audio track:
The first field defines the input source of the external audio signal (Input 1,2, Input 3,4, or
one of Input 1–4).
The second field shows where the track is routed (which you can change; Out 1,2–7,8 in
Standalone Mode, Out 1,2–31,32 in Controller Mode).
The Inserts field shows any enabled or disabled effects for that track. Tap the area under
Inserts to open a window where you can load, change, and enable or disable the effects.
Tap Solo or Mute to solo or mute the track (respectively). Alternatively, press Solo or Mute
under the LED meters.
To change the audio track’s automation, press Read/Write or tap the track automation
button to cycle through its three states:
When off, the audio track will ignore automation data. If you have already recorded or
entered automation, this will switch between Read (R) and Write (W) only, but you can
override this and turn it off by pressing and holding Shift while pressing or tapping
the button.
Important: If you have already recorded automation and turn it off, the track will still
use the effect and its parameter values at the point where you turned it off.
When set to Read (R), the audio track will read automation data but will not record any
additional automation over it. (Think of this as a protective feature to prevent accidental
changes to your automation while recording.)
When set to Write (W), the audio track can record automation. (If you have any Q-
Link knobs assigned to automatable parameters, make sure not to touch any
accidentally while you are recording.)
Tip: You can quickly set all programs and audio tracks to the same automation by
tapping the global automation button in the upper-right corner of the touchscreen.
See General Features > Automation to learn about this.
Adjust the pan knob or level slider to change the panning or level of the track. The green
level meter next to the slider shows the track’s current volume level in dB.
To record-enable the track, press Rec Arm or tap the Record Arm button. When you
begin audio recording, the audio signal will be recorded to this track.
Tip: You can select multiple tracks in the Track View by pressing and holding Shift while
tapping the Arm button to each track.
When viewing the master channel strip:
The first field shows the current master output as a stereo pair (which you can change).
The Inserts field shows any enabled or disabled effects for that pair of outputs. Tap the area
under Inserts to open a window where you can load, change, and enable or disable the effects.
Tap Mute to mute the master output.
Adjust the pan knob or level slider to change the panning or level of the master output.
The green level meter next to the slider shows the outputs’ current volume level in dB.
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The Sequence section shows the current sequence and its information.
Use Sequence field to select a sequence.
To edit the name of the sequence, tap the cursor icon on the right edge of the
section, and use the virtual keyboard that appears.
Use the BPM field to adjust the tempo of the sequence.
To set whether the sequence follows its own tempo (Sequence) or a
master tempo (Master), tap the Sequence/Master button under the BPM
field. Alternatively, press and hold Shift+Tap Tempo.
Use the Bars field to adjust the length of the sequence in bars.
The Loop button shows whether the sequence (or a part of it) will loop or not.
To enable or disable looping, tap the button.
To set the start point and end point of loop, tap the Start or End field
(respectively) and then use the data dial or the –/+ buttons, or double-tap the
field and use the numeric keyboard that appears.
Note: The Last Bar value of the Delete Bars and Copy Bars processes depends
on the total length of the sequence.
Use the Transpose field to set the transposition (in semitones) of the entire
sequence.
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To edit the sequence, tap the pencil icon on the right edge of the
section. The Sequence Edit/Copy window will open.
You can use any of these functions as described below.
To return to Main Mode, tap Cancel or the left arrow () in the
upper-left corner of the touchscreen. Alternatively, press Main.
To edit the name of the sequence, tap the top of the touchscreen
and use the virtual keyboard that appears.
The Erase function erases all or part of a track in a specific sequence.
To select the sequence you want to erase, use the Sequence
field.
To select the track you want to erase within the sequence,
use the Track field.
To set the time range of the sequence you want to erase,
use the Bar, Beat, and Tick fields. The left fields set the start of
the time range, and the right fields set the end of the time range.
To select what types of events you erase, select one of the
Erase options:
All erases all pad events from the designated time range
and reset all of its settings.
Automation erases only automation from the designated
time range.
Note erases only specific pad events from the designated
time range. In the diagram of the eight pad banks that
appears, press each pad in each bank to select or deselect
its notes.
Except Note erases everything except pad events from
the designated time range.
To confirm your choice, tap Do It.
To return to the previous screen, tap Function or anywhere
outside the window.
To cancel and return to Main Mode, tap Cancel.
The Clear function erases all events from the sequence and resets
all of its settings.
To confirm your choice, tap Clear.
To return to the previous screen, tap Cancel.
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The Transpose function transposes a range of events on a track in
a sequence. The events within that range will shift accordingly in
the Grid View.
To select the sequence you want to transpose, use the
Sequence field.
To select the track you want to transpose within the
sequence, use the Track field.
To set the time range of the sequence you want to
transpose, use the two sets of Bar, Beat, and Tick fields. The
left fields set the start of the time range, and the right fields set
the end of the time range.
For drum programs, use the two Pad fields to select the
“source” pad (whose events you want to move) and
“destination” pad (where the events will be placed). Tap each
field and then press the desired pad.
For keygroup programs, plugin programs, and MIDI
programs, set the range and amount of transposition:
Range: Use the two Note fields to set the range of notes of
the events you want to transpose. Note events within this
range will be transposed, while note events outside of this
range will remain unchanged.
Transpose: Use this field to set how many semitones up or
down you want to transpose the note events.
To confirm your choice, tap Do It.
To return to the previous screen, tap Function or anywhere
outside the window.
To cancel and return to Main Mode, tap Cancel.
The Bounce to Sample function immediately renders the
sequence (all of its tracks) as an audio sample and places it in the
project’s sample pool. By default, it will be named Bounce - and
appended with the sequence name.
If you have already used this function on this sequence, then you
will be asked if you want to overwrite the existing sample with this
new one or cancel.
To continue and save the sequence over the existing one,
tap Replace.
To cancel, tap Cancel.
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The Delete Bars function removes a range of bars from a sequence.
To select the sequence whose bars you want to delete, use
the Sequence field.
To set the range of bars you want to delete, use the FirstBar
and Last Bar fields. The bar in each field and all bars in
between them will be deleted.
To confirm your choice, tap Do It.
To return to the previous screen, tap Function or anywhere
outside the window.
To cancel and return to Main Mode, tap Cancel.
The Insert Bars function adds empty bars to a sequence at a
specified point.
To select the desired sequence, use the Sequence field.
To set how many bars you will insert, use the # of Bars field.
To set the time signature of the inserted bars, use the two
Time Sig fields.
To set where you will insert the bars, use the Before Bar
field. The bars will be inserted before this one.
To confirm your choice, tap Do It.
To return to the previous screen, tap Function or anywhere
outside the window.
To cancel and return to Main Mode, tap Cancel.
The Half Length function will immediately halve the length of the
sequence (without deleting any note events).
The Double Length function will immediately double the
sequence and copy all events from the first half to the second half.
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The Copy Sequence function copies the contents of one sequence
to another.
To select the “source” sequence, use the Copy Contents of
Sequence field. This is the sequence whose events you want to
copy.
To select the “destination” sequence, use the Over Contents
of Sequence field. This is the sequence where the source
sequence will be copied.
To confirm your choice, tap Do It.
To return to the previous screen, tap Function or anywhere
outside the window.
To cancel and return to Main Mode, tap Cancel.
The Copy Bars function copies a range of bars from a sequence
and adds them to another at a specified point.
To select the “source” sequence, use the From Sequence
field. This is the sequence whose bars you want to copy.
To set the range of bars to copy in the source sequence,
use the First Bar and Last Bar fields.
To select the “destination” sequence, use the To Sequence
field. This is the sequence where the source sequence bars will
be copied.
To set where you want to add the copied bars, use the After
Bar field. The copied bars will be inserted after this one.
To set how many instances of the copied bars you want to
add, use the Copies field.
To overwrite the destination sequence, tap Replace.
To add the events to the destination sequence without
erasing anything, tap Merge.
To return to the previous screen, tap Function or anywhere
outside the window.
To cancel and return to Main Mode, tap Cancel.
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The Copy Events function copies a range of events from a
sequence and add them to another at a specified point.
To select the “source” sequence, use the From
Sequence field. This is the sequence whose events you
want to copy.
To select the “source” track, use the FromTrack
field. This is the track whose events you want to copy.
To set the time range of the events you want to
copy, use the Bar, Beat, and Tick fields. The left fields
set the start of the time range, and the right fields set
the end of the time range.
To select the “destination” sequence, use the To
Sequence field. This is the sequence where the source
sequence events will be copied.
To select the “destination” track, use the To Track
field. This is the track where the source track events will
be copied.
To set where you want to add the copied events, use the Bar, Beat, and Tick fields. The events will be added
after this point.
To set how many instances of the copied events you want to add, use the Copies field.
To overwrite the destination sequence, tap Replace.
To add the events to the destination sequence without erasing anything, tap Merge.
To return to the previous screen, tap Function or anywhere outside the window.
To cancel and return to Main Mode, tap Cancel.
The Save Current Sequence function saves the current
sequence to an external storage device or MPC X’s
internal drive.
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 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 screen, 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.
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The Track section shows the current track, program type, and its information.
The Track field shows the track number and its name.
To edit the name of the track, tap the cursor icon on the right edge of the section and use the virtual keyboard that
appears.
While using a MIDI track, the program selector indicates the type of program through which the track is being
routed. The specific program name is displayed below in the Program section. You can use the program selector to
change program type (and then select a specific program of that type in the Program section below it).
To select a drum program, tap the four-squares icon.
To select a keygroup program, tap the piano-keys icon.
To select a clip program, tap the play-button icon.
To select a MIDI program, tap the bars icon.
To select a CV program, tap the CV icon.
To select a plugin program, tap the plug icon. Plugin programs are available only while using MPC X in
Controller Mode with the desktop version of the MPC software.
While using a MIDI track, use the Length field to set how long the track is in beats. If you select the minimum value,
Seq or 0 (if you use the numeric keypad), the track will be the exact same length as its sequence.
Tip: This feature lets you maintain tracks of different lengths. For instance, you could play a 1-bar drum sequence
repeatedly under a 4-bar bass line.
While using a MIDI track, use the Velocity field to set how loudly or quietly a track plays relative to its recorded
levels. When set to 50%, the track will be played with half the velocity it was originally played. When set to 200%, the
track will play twice as loud. The maximum velocity level is still 127, though.
While using a MIDI track, use the Transpose field to set the transposition (in semitones) of the entire track.
While using an audio track, tap the Record Arm button to record-enable the track. When you begin audio recording,
the audio signal will be recorded to this track.
Tip: You can select multiple tracks in the Track View by pressing and holding Shift while tapping the Arm button to
each track.
While using an audio track, use the Monitor button to set how your audio track will be monitored. Tapping it will
cycle through its three states:
When set to Auto, you will hear incoming audio while the track is record-enabled only.
When on, you will hear incoming audio whether or not the track is record-enabled.
When off, you will never hear any incoming audio.
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To edit the track, tap the pencil icon on the right edge of the
section. The Track Edit window will open.
While using MIDI tracks, you can use any of these functions as
described below.
To return to Main Mode, tap Cancel or the left arrow () in the
upper-left corner of the touchscreen. Alternatively, press Main.
To edit the name of the track, tap the top of the touchscreen
and use the virtual keyboard that appears.
The Clear function erases all events from the track and resets
all of its settings.
To confirm your choice, tap Clear.
To return to the previous screen, tap Cancel.
The Explode function immediately splits the current track into
multiple tracks—one for each distinct pad or note (pitch, not
event). The current track also remains present and intact, while
each track created from it is labeled with the track name and
pad name or number.
The Double-Speed Events function immediately halves the
lengths of all note events on the track as well as the distance
between them. In other words, the track’s notes are pressed
closer together so the track sounds like it is playing at twice the
previous speed. This does not actually affect the pitches of
notes or the tempo.
The Half-Speed Events function immediately doubles the
lengths of all note events on the track as well as the distance
between them. In other words, the track’s notes are spread
further apart so the track sounds like it is playing at half of the
previous speed. This does not actually affect the pitches of
notes or the tempo.
The Copy Track function copies the contents of one track to
another.
To select the “source” track, tap the Copy Contents of
Track field. This is the track whose events you want to copy.
To select the “destination” track, tap the Over Contents
of Track field. This is the track where the source track will be
copied.
To confirm your choice, tap Do It.
To cancel and return to Main Mode, tap Cancel.
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The Bounce to Sample function immediately renders the
track (for the current sequence only) as an audio sample
and places it in the project’s sample pool. By default, it will
be named Bounce - and appended with the track name.
This function does not work for tracks that use MIDI
programs or CV programs.
If you have already used this function on this track, then
you will be asked if you want to overwrite the existing
sample with this new one or cancel.
To continue and save the track over the existing
one, tap Replace.
To cancel, tap Cancel.
The Bounce to Audio Track function immediately
renders the track (for the current sequence only) as an
audio track in the project. The Main Mode will
automatically switch to the Audio tab. By default, it will be
named Audio and appended with a number (e.g., Audio
002). This function does not work for tracks that use MIDI
programs or CV programs.
If you have already used this function on this track, then
you will be asked if you want to overwrite the existing
sample with this new one or cancel.
To continue and save the track over the existing
one, tap Replace.
To cancel, tap Cancel.
The Export as Pattern function saves the track (for the
current sequence only) as a pattern (.mpcpattern) to an
external storage device or MPC X’s internal drive.
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 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 screen, 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.
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While using audio tracks, you can use any of these functions as
described below.
To return to Main Mode, tap Cancel or the left arrow () in the
upper-left corner of the touchscreen. Alternatively, press Main.
To edit the name of the track, tap the top of the touchscreen
and use the virtual keyboard that appears.
The Delete function erases the entire audio track.
To confirm your choice, tap Clear.
To return to the previous screen, tap Cancel.
The Clear Regions function erases all regions from the audio
track without erasing the track itself.
The Reset Channel Strip function:
• clears all Insert effect slots;
• turns Mute, Solo, automation, and Monitor off;
• resets the pan knob to the center;
• resets the level slider to 0.00 dB; and
• turns the Record Arm button off.
It does not change the track’s inputs or outputs.
The Copy Track function copies the contents of one track to
another.
To select the “source” track, tap the Copy Contents of
Track field. This is the track whose events you want to copy.
To select the “destination” track, tap the Over Contents
of Track field. This is the track where the source track will
be copied.
To confirm your choice, tap
Do It.
To cancel and return to Main Mode, tap Cancel or
anywhere outside the window.
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The Save Current Channel Strip function saves the current
settings of the track channel strip (for the current audio track) to
an external storage device or MPC X’s internal drive.
To select the storage device you want to view, tap it in
the Storage column on the left. Internal is the MPC X’s
sainternal 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
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.
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The Program section shows the current program. This section will appear differently depending on the type of
program selected in the Track section above it.
For all program types while using MIDI tracks, you can do the following:
To edit the name of the program, tap the cursor icon on the right edge of the section. Use the virtual keyboard
that appears to enter a new name, and then tap Do It.
To create a new program of the currently selected type, tap the + icon. A new program of the same type will be
created and appended with a number (e.g., Program 002).
While viewing drum programs, the Drum Program field
shows the name of the program.
Tap Assign Samples to enter the Sample Assign tab
in the Browser immediately (see Browser to learn
about this).
Tap Edit Samples to enter Program Mode in Sample Edit
Mode immediately (see Sample Edit Mode > Program
Mode to learn about this). The sample shown will be the
one in the top layer of the last pad you pressed.
While viewing keygroup programs, the Keygroup Program
field shows the name of the program.
While viewing clip programs, the Clip Program field shows
the name of the program.
Tap Edit Clips to enter Program Edit Mode, where you
can assign samples (clips) to pads, edit each clip, and
configure how each clip plays when launched (see
Program Edit Mode > Clip Programs to learn about
this).
While viewing plugin programs, the Plugin Program field
shows the name of the program.
Important: Plugin programs are available only while using
MPC X in Controller Mode with the desktop version of the
MPC software.
Use the Plugin field to select the plugin the program is
using. In the screen that appears, you can tap the Type
or Manufacturer button at the bottom of the
touchscreen to enable or disable sorting of your plugins
by type or maker.
Note: You have to specify the disk directory where your
plugins are located. This can be done in the software’s
Preferences. To see user guide in the MPC software
and learn how to do this, click the Help menu, select
MPC Help, and select MPC User Manual.
Use the MIDI Ch field to select the MIDI channel the
program uses. Use this setting when you are working
with a virtual instrument plugin that supports multi-mode.
Use the Preset field to select a preset (if any) within the
plugin the program is using.
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While viewing MIDI programs, the MIDI Program field
shows the name of the program.
Use the MIDI Port field to select the port over which
the program sends its MIDI data.
Note: You also have to configure the MIDI ports in the
Preferences. To see user guide in the MPC software and learn how to do this, click the Help menu, select
MPC Help, and select MPC User Manual.
Use the Program Ch field to select the program
change message the program sends out.
Use the MIDI Ch field to select the MIDI channel over
which the program sends its MIDI data.
Use the Bank MSB and Bank LSB fields to select the
messages for Most Significant Byte and Least Significant
Byte (respectively) that the program sends out.
While viewing CV programs, the CV Program field shows
the name of the program.
Use the Note field to select the note tracking—the
program’s note track: Lowest, Highest, or Last.
Use the CV Port field to select the CV port the program
is using.
Use the Gate Port field to select the Gate port the
program is using.
Use the Mod Wheel field to select the CV port used by
a modulation wheel on an external controller.
Use the Velocity Port field to select CV port the
program will use to transmit velocity values.
To edit the program, tap the pencil icon on the right edge
of the section. The Program Edit/Copy window will open.
You can use any of these functions as described below.
To return to Main Mode, tap Cancel or the left arrow
() in the upper-left corner of the touchscreen.
Alternatively, press Main.
To edit the name of the program, tap the top of the
touchscreen and use the virtual keyboard that appears.
The Delete function erases all events from the track and
resets all of its settings.
To confirm your choice, tap Clear.
To return to the previous screen, tap Cancel.
The Duplicate function immediately creates an identical
program. The duplicate program will use the same name
but appended with a number (e.g.,
Program 002).
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The Duplicate to Track function immediately creates an identical program on a new track. The duplicate program
will use the same name but appended with a number (e.g., Program 002). The new track will be named Track and
appended with a number (e.g., Track 06).
The Bounce to Sample function immediately renders all tracks that use that program (for the current sequence only)
as an audio sample and places it in the project’s sample pool. By default, it will be named Bounce - and appended with
the program name. This function does not work for MIDI programs or CV programs.
If you have already used this function on this program, then you will be asked if you want to overwrite the existing
sample with this new one or cancel.
To continue and save the program over the existing one, tap Replace.
To cancel, tap Cancel.
The Bounce to Audio Track function immediately renders that program (for the current sequence only) as an audio
track in the project. The Main Mode will automatically switch to the Audio tab. By default, it will be named Audio and
appended with a number (e.g., Audio 002). This function does not work for MIDI programs or CV programs.
If you have already used this function on this track, then you will be asked if you want to overwrite the existing
sample with this new one or cancel.
To continue and save the track over the existing one, tap Replace.
To cancel, tap Cancel.
The Save Current Program or Save Current Sample
function saves the current program or sample (the top
layer of the last pad you pressed) (respectively) to an
external storage device or MPC X’s internal drive.
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 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.
For all program types while using audio tracks, you can do the following:
To change the input source, tap Input Config. This will show or hide the track channel strip. If you are viewing
the audio track channel strip (not the master channel strip), the first field will be automatically selected.
To enter Audio Edit Mode, tap Edit Audio. This is the same as tapping the waveform-and-box icon on the left
edge of the touchscreen.
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Grid View
Grid View lets you view and edit the note events of each track of a sequence in a project and
their velocities. This mode has two different appearances: one for drum programs and one for
keygroup programs, MIDI programs, and plugin programs.
For drum programs, the left column shows you all available pads in a vertical view with their corresponding data.
For keygroup programs, plugin programs, and MIDI programs, the left column shows a vertical “piano roll” keyboard.
To enter Grid View, press Menu, and then tap Grid View.
Grid View of a drum program. Grid View of a keygroup program or MIDI program.
The top of the touchscreen shows the track name, sequence and timing information, and editing tools.
Use the Track field to select which track of the current sequence you want to show in the grid.
Use the Bars field to set the length of the sequence.
The time counter at the top of the touchscreen the current playhead position. This is shown in most of the modes.
See General Features > Time Counter to learn about this.
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In Grid View, these four icons enable you to use different functions in the grid. Tap one to
select its mode:
Pencil: Draw Mode:
To enter a note in an empty grid square, tap the grid square.
To select a note, tap it.
To move a note, tap and drag it to another grid square.
To erase a note, double-tap it.
Eraser: Erase Mode:
To erase a note, tap it.
Select Box: Select Mode:
To select a note, tap it.
To select multiple notes, tap and drag across the grid to create a box around them.
To move a note, tap and drag it to another grid square.
To move multiple notes, select them as described above, and tap and drag them.
To erase multiple notes, select them as described above, and then select the Eraser tool and tap any of
the selected notes.
Magnifying Glass: Navigation Mode:
To move to another part of the grid, tap and drag it.
To zoom in or out, spread or pinch your fingers (respectively) on the grid. You can do this vertically,
horizontally, or both at the same time.
The Settings window lets you configure certain Grid View settings.
To view the Settings, tap the gear icon.
Use the Hitting Pad Selects All Events selector to turn the feature
on or off. When on, pressing a pad will automatically select all note
events for that pad in the sequence on that track. When off, pressing
a pad will simply play its sound without selecting any note events.
Use the Auto-Scroll selector to set how the screen behaves
relative to the audio playhead.
Follow: Depending on the zoom setting, the grid will scroll
along in the background while keeping the audio playhead
centered.
Page: The grid will move to the “next page” to follow the audio
playhead.
Off: The grid will not move at all.
These functions also apply to the sample waveform in Sample Edit
Mode.
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The left edge contains icons to quickly enter one of five modes. Using this strip of icons, you can easily
jump between them:
To enter Main Mode, tap the house icon.
To enter Grid View, tap the grid icon. The MIDI tab in the lower-left corner of the touchscreen in Main
Mode must be selected for this icon to be shown.
To enter the Track View, tap the bars-and-magnifying-glass icon.
To enter the Step Sequencer, tap the vertical-bars icon.
To enter XYFX Mode, tap the XY icon.
Regardless of which tool is selected, you can do any of the following to move, lengthen, shorten, or transpose any
selected note/notes.
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 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 here in the Main Mode chapter).
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.
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To open the Timing Correct window, press and hold Shift, and then tap TC at the bottom of the touchscreen. This
feature is described here in the Main Mode chapter.
To select a time divisiondirectly, double-tap the down arrow () in the upper-left corner of the grid and select a
time division.
To adjust the metronome settings, press and hold Shift, and then tap Click at the bottom of the touchscreen. This
feature is described here in the Main Mode chapter.
Grid View also contains a velocity lane where you can easily adjust note velocities.
The velocity lane in the Grid View. The taller velocity lane in the Grid View.
To show or hide the velocity lane:
1. Tap the up arrow (∧) button in the lower-right corner to show the velocity lane.
2. Tap the up arrow (∧) button once more to show a taller version of the velocity lane. The button will now show a
down arrow (∨).
3. Tap the downarrow (∨) to hide the velocity lane.
Each note’s velocity is represented by a vertical bar. The higher and more red the bar is, the higher the velocity is.
Yellow bars indicate a lower velocity. Bars with a gray line at the top indicate a currently selected note.
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 touchscreen.
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Audio Edit Mode
Audio Edit Mode lets you view and edit the audio tracks of a sequence in a project.
To enter Audio Edit Mode, press Menu, and then tap Audio Edit Mode.
Audio Edit Mode.
Below is a brief step-by-step process so you can get
started recording audio tracks quickly. Continue
reading the rest of this chapter to learn how to use
Audio Edit Mode in different cases.
To record in Audio Edit Mode (or Main Mode):
1. If the channel strip is not already shown on the left
side of the screen, tap the small eye icon to show it.
2. Connect a synthesizer or other line-level audio source
to the appropriate input/inputs of your MPC X. Set the
Line/Phono selector appropriately, too.
3. Double-tap the first field to select the input source
of the external audio signal (Input 1,2, Input 3,4, or
one of Input 1–4).
4. Double-tap the second field to select where the track is routed (Out 1,2–7,8 in Standalone Mode, Out 1,2–31,32
in Controller Mode).
5. Tap the Monitor button to set how your audio track will be monitored. Tapping it will cycle through its three states:
When set to Auto, you will hear incoming audio while the track is record-enabled only.
When on, you will hear incoming audio whether or not the track is record-enabled.
When off, you will never hear any incoming audio.
6. Turn the Rec Gain knob to set the input level while sending an audio signal into MPC X. You should now see the
level in the meter. Make sure it does not exceed the maximum level (the meter should not be “peaking” constantly).
7. If Mute and Solo are on, press them so they are off. We also recommend pressing Read/Write so it is off (not
green/Read [R] or red/Write [W]).
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8. Press Rec Arm or tap the Rec Arm button next to the pan knob to record-enable the track.
9. Press Rec or Overdub to record-arm MPC X.
10. To start recording, press Play or Play Start—then play your audio source. You should hear your existing
sequence playing in the background. You’ll see the waveform appear as a single “track region” as you record.
11. To stop recording, press Stop.
The top of the touchscreen shows the track name, sequence and timing information, and editing tools.
Use the Track field to select which track of the current sequence you want to show in the grid.
Use the Bars field to set the length of the sequence.
The time counter at the top of the touchscreen the current playhead position. This is shown in most of the modes.
See General Features > Time Counter to learn about this.
In Audio Edit Mode, these five icons enable you to use different functions in the
track. Tap one to select its mode:
Arrow: Selection Mode:
To select a track region, tap it.
To move a track region, tap and drag it.
To shorten or lengthen a track region, tap its edge and drag it.
Eraser: Erase Mode:
To erase a track region, tap it.
Scissors: Split Mode:
To split the track at a specific point (creating a track region on either side), tap that point in the track.
To select a track region, tap its left-most edge.
Mute: Mute Mode:
To mute or unmute a track region, tap it.
Magnifying Glass: Navigation Mode:
To move to another part of the track, tap and drag it.
To zoom in or out, spread or pinch your fingers (respectively) on the grid.
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The Settings window lets you configure certain Audio Edit Mode
settings.
To view the Settings, tap the gear icon.
Use the Auto-Scroll selector to set how the screen behaves
relative to the audio playhead.
Follow: Depending on the zoom setting, the waveform display
will scroll along in the background while keeping the audio
playhead centered.
Page: The waveform display will move to the “next page” to
follow the audio playhead.
Off: The waveform display will not move at all.
These functions also apply to the sample waveform in Sample Edit
Mode.
The left edge contains icons to quickly enter one of five modes.
Using this strip of icons, you can easily jump between them:
To enter Main Mode, tap the house icon.
To enter Audio Edit Mode, tap the waveform-and-box icon.
The Audio tab in the lower-left corner of the touchscreen in
Main Mode must be selected for this icon to be shown.
To enter the Track View, tap the bars-and-magnifying-glass
icon.
To enter the Step Sequencer, tap the vertical-bars icon.
To enter XYFX Mode, tap the XY icon.
There are also two small icons to the right of these that control the
channel strip.
To show or hide the channel strip, tap the eye icon.
The icon below the eye icon indicates the type of channel strip (see
next description).
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The channel strip contains some important settings for the audio track or master output, depending on the currently
selected icon:
To view the track channel strip, tap the waveform icon.
To view the master channel strip, tap the crown icon.
When viewing the track channel strip while using an audio track:
The first field defines the input source of the external audio signal (Input 1,2, Input 3,4, or
one of Input 1–4).
The second field shows where the track is routed (which you can change; Out 1,2–7,8 in
Standalone Mode, Out 1,2–31,32 in Controller Mode).
The Inserts field shows any enabled or disabled effects for that track. Tap the area under
Inserts to open a window where you can load, change, and enable or disable the effects.
Tap Solo or Mute to solo or mute the track (respectively).
Tap the Monitor button to set how your audio track will be monitored. Tapping it will
cycle through its three states:
When set to Auto, you will hear incoming audio while the track is record-enabled only.
When on, you will hear incoming audio whether or not the track is record-enabled.
When off, you will never hear any incoming audio.
Press Read/Write or tap the track automation button to cycle through its three states:
When off, the audio track will ignore automation data. If you have already recorded or
entered automation, this will switch between Read (R) and Write (W) only, but you can
override this and turn it off by pressing and holding Shift while pressing or tapping
the button.
Important: If you have already recorded automation and turn it off, the track will still
use the effect and its parameter values at the point where you turned it off.
When set to Read (R), the audio track will read automation data but will not record any
additional automation over it. (Think of this as a protective feature to prevent accidental
changes to your automation while recording.)
When set to Write (W), the audio track can record automation. (If you have any Q-
Link knobs assigned to automatable parameters, make sure not to touch any
accidentally while you are recording.)
Tip: You can quickly set all programs and audio tracks to the same automation by
tapping the global automation button in the upper-right corner of the touchscreen. See
General Features > Automation to learn about this.
To change the panning or level of the track, adjust the pan knob or level slider.
To record-enable the track, press Rec Arm (when the track name is shown in the
display strip below the level meters) or tap the Record Arm button. When you begin
audio recording, the audio signal will be recorded to this track.
Tip: You can select multiple tracks in the Track View by pressing and holding Shift while
tapping the Arm button to each track.
When viewing the master channel strip:
The first field shows the current master output as a stereo pair (which you can change).
The Inserts field shows any enabled or disabled effects for that pair of outputs. Tap the
area under Inserts to open a window where you can load, change, and enable or disable
the effects.
Tap Mute to mute the master output.
Adjust the pan knob or level slider to change the panning or level of the master output.
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Regardless of which tool is selected, you can do any of the following to edit the selected audio track regions.
Tip: If you want to hear only the audio track while editing, use the Solo button in the track channel strip to solo it.
To select a track region, tap the arrow icon to enter Selection Mode and tap a track region. When a track region
is selected, all region parameters will be available to edit.
To undo your last action, press Undo.
To redo the last action you undid, press Shift+Undo/Redo.
To move the selected track region, tap Nudge at the bottom of the touchscreen, and then use the data dial or
–/+ buttons to shift the track region left or right. By default, you can move a track region only by quantization values defined by the Time Correct value (learn about this feature here in the Main Mode chapter).
To move the selected track region without restricting (“snapping”) it 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 track
region. In this case, each nudge is equivalent to four ticks.
To adjust the start point or end point of the selected track region (without changing its position), tap Edit
Start at the bottom of the touchscreen, and then use the data dial or –/+ buttons.
To split the track at the current playhead position (creating a track region on either side), tap Split at the
bottom of the touchscreen.
To copy and paste the selected track region, press
Copy, turn the data dial to move the highlighted track
region, and then press the center cursor or Enter to
paste it at its current location.
To duplicate the selected track region, tap Duplicate
at the bottom of the touchscreen. The duplicate track
region will appear immediately after the original one.
To create a fade-in or fade out for the selected
track region, use the Fade In or Fade Out fields,
respectively. The fades will be shown as a sloped line
at the start or end of the track region.
To set the level of the selected track region, use
the Level field. The waveform amplitude will change
accordingly.
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