The MPC X SE features both complete standalone operation and full control over the MPC 2.0 software for the best of both worlds. This guide will discuss some of the popular questions about the MPC X SE and MPC 2.0 features and functionality. 



Frequently Asked Questions



What are the differences between the MPC X and the MPC X SE

The MPC X SE boasts a new retro color edition similar to the MPC One and Live II Retro. The MPC X SE houses more internal storage and memory doubling that of the previous MPC X, taking the memory from 2 GB to 4 GB and internal storage from 16GB to 48 GB. The MPC X SE also comes bundled with 6 of our brand-new premiere plugins, similar to the MPC Key 61, which are not available on the MPC X. 


What are the system specs of the MPC X SE?

The MPC X SE has its own embedded system which sports a 1.8GHz quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM. For internal storage, the MPC X SE has 48GB onboard. There are 18GB of studio-quality sounds pre-loaded and another 9.8GB for you to work with. You can use the 2 onboard USB ports and a full-size SD Card slot to add more samples or to provide extra storage. There is also a compartment on the bottom of the MPC X SE which houses a SATA port for installing an optional 2.5" internal HDD or SDD.  


What operating systems will the MPC X SE be supported on?

The MPC X SE and MPC 2.0 software will all be supported for use on Windows 10 and up, as well as Mac OS 11 Big Sur and up. This will only require the installation of a single driver to use the MPC X SE as a controller with MPC 2.0. 



What firmware version comes preloaded on the MPC X SE? 

The MPC X SE comes preloaded the MPC 2.11.9, in order to use the MPC X SE in controller mode you will need to download the corresponding MPC 2.11.9 software version and driver.  This is all available in your inMusic Account under Software downloads after registering your product.


What color is the MPC X SE?

The MPC X SE will release in our Retro Color edition, similar to the MPC Live II Retro and MPC One Retro.


What new plugins come with the MPC X SE?

The MPC X SE comes preloaded with our 6 brand-new studio-quality plugins (OPX-4, Fabric Collection, Organ, Stage Piano, Stage EP, and Studio Strings).


How big is the display? Is it a touch screen?

The MPC X SE features a 10.1" full-color, multi-touch display (Resolution: 1280x800, Aspect ratio: 16:10) for navigating and controlling the internal software. This means that not only is it touch-capable, but it can handle multi-touch gestures like pinching to zoom in/out and double-tap for advanced settings.   


How much storage is there? How big is the internal hard drive?

The MPC X SE has 48GB of internal storage. There are 18GB of studio-quality sounds pre-loaded and 9.8 GB free to use. You can use the two onboard USB ports to add more samples or to provide extra storage. There is also a compartment on the bottom of the MPC X SE which houses a SATA port for installing an optional 2.5" internal HDD or SDD drive.  



Does the MPC X SE include MPC Software version 2.0?

MPC X SE includes the latest version of the MPC Software, version 2.0. You can use the MPC X SE entirely standalone or as a controller for MPC Software 2.0.  


Can I record audio tracks on the MPC X SE?

Yes! One of the great new features of the MPC X SE and MPC 2.0 software is the addition of audio track recording.  In the standalone mode, the MPC X SE will be capable of up to 8 full audio tracks, but the MPC 2.0 software can record as many tracks as your system can handle.   


Can I plug a USB MIDI controller into the USB ports of the MPC X SE?

The USB ports on the MPC X SE have a variety of uses. They can be used to transfer files on and off of the MPC X SE, as extra storage, and as input for USB MIDI controllers.  If you have a class-compliant MIDI controller (one that does not require drivers), you will be able to plug it directly into an available USB port on the MPC X SE and control MIDI information in the embedded system software. You can also connect class-compliant audio interfaces to record vocals, and instruments.


Does the MPC X SE have USB 3.0?

Yes! The MPC X SE ships with USB 3.0 cables and works at USB 3.0 speeds when connected to the computer as a controller. While USB 2.0 may work, we do recommend using 3.0 cables and ports whenever possible for the best results.  If the MPC is in standalone mode, any connected thumb drives or storage devices will operate at USB 2.0.  


Can I add additional storage space?

Yes! The MPC X SE  features two (2) USB ports for connecting thumb drives and other USB storage devices, an SD card slot for standard SD/SDHC cards, as well as a port for adding an additional 2.5" SATA drive (either HDD or SSD). Virtually all drive sizes are supported, but we recommend formatting drives to exFAT, FAT32, or NTFS for the best results. SATA drives will be mounted to the compartment door with the included screws. Please make sure that the MPC X is turned off before connecting or disconnecting a SATA drive.   


Can I open my current MPC projects on the MPC X SE?

Yes! The MPC X SE will recognize MPC projects, programs, and sequences made with earlier versions of the software and even older MPC hardware project and program formats. The MPC will convert them to modern formats upon importing.  



Are projects transferable between the MPC X SE and MPC Live?

Yes! Projects can be transferred and opened on any MPC Live or MPC X considering all of the project's contents (samples, programs, sequences) are transferred as well. Considering there are differences in outputs and inputs on the MPC X versus MPC Live, you may notice that outputs or inputs are disabled if they are not available on the current controller.   



How many inputs and outputs are on the MPC X SE?

The MPC X SE features 8 balanced TRS outputs and 4 combo inputs. Inputs 1 and 2 will support mic and line levels (+48v phantom power available) and inputs 3/4 will support phono (RCA) and line-level (1/4" TRS) inputs. Important: The RCA inputs are intended only for phono-level audio. Please be sure not to connect line-level audio sources to this input.  There are also 2 instrument inputs (1/4" TS) on the front of the unit that can be assigned as inputs 1/2 with the Rear/Front switch below the channel gain knobs on the top.  On top of the audio i/o, the MPC X SE also has 2 full-size, 5-pin MIDI inputs and 4 full-size 5-pin MIDI outputs, as well 8 CV/Gate outputs to sync with your modular synths and sequencers.  



What is a CV/Gate output used for?

CV/Gate signals are similar to a standard MIDI connection in that they are responsible for transferring pitch and sequence timing data to other gear, usually modular synths or sequencers. Unlike MIDI, CV and Gate signals use simple voltages in varying ranges and lengths to control the other devices which opens a lot of possibilities for implementation. For example, modular synths will often have a CV Pitch input (deciding the pitch of the synth at any given point), but they may also have filter input to control the filter instead. The gate would tell the synth when and how long to play a note, again just like the regions in a MIDI sequence.  For more info, check out the article here.  



What is the CV range? Can all outputs be used simultaneously?

The MPC X SE uses the 0-5v range. All outputs can be used simultaneously.  



Can I transfer content directly to the internal storage?

All content will need to be stored on a thumb drive or the internal SATA drive before transferring to the internal storage on the MPC X SE . The Internal storage will not appear as an available drive when connected to your system.   



Are there any cases or bags available?

There are no plans for official MPC X SE cases at the moment, but we’re glad to hear that there is interest! In the meantime, you may be able to find an alternative third-party case/bag that meets the size requirements:

  • HxWxD in mm:
    • When display is flat: 87.3 x 504.5 x 424.4
    • When display is upright: 213.5 x 504.5 x 387.9
  • HxWxD in Inches:
    • When display is flat: 3.4 x 19.9 x 16.7
    • When display is upright: 8.4 x 19.9 x 15.3


  

If I record a sample while the MPC X SE is in controller mode with MPC 2.0, is the sample recorded to my MPC X SE or my computer?

The sample will be recorded into your MPC 2.0 sample pool and saved to the hard drive selected while saving the project (the internal factory drive is not available in controller mode, but any connected USB, SD or Internal drives will be available to save to in controller mode). While connected in controller mode, the MPC X SE will act as a controller/interface, similar to the MPC Renaissance. But once disconnected from controller mode, your project can be transferred to a USB drive, SD card, or additional drive on the MPC X to open in standalone.  Note: Any projects saved to the internal factory drive will not be available in controller mode. To access a project on the internal factory drive; open the project and save as to a connected USB, SD, or internal SATA drive.)



Will the MPC X SE support legacy file types?

Absolutely! The MPC X SE will be fully compatible with projects, programs, and sequences from previous MPC versions and legacy hardware MPC's such as the MPC5000, MPC4000, MPC3000, MPC2500/2500XL, MPC1000, and MPC500. The MPC X SE will support the following file types: .AKP, .ALL, .IPT, .PGM, .PRJ, .SND, .MID, .SEQ, .APS, .50k, and .50s.