Akai Pro MPC Series | Mapping Plugin Instruments & FX Parameters via MIDI Learn

This article cover the steps on how to use MIDI Learn to map a MIDI controller to plugin instruments/FX on MPC Standalone and MPC desktop software (MPC 3, MPC 2 and MPC Beats)

Overview
MPC Standalone - Plugins/FX
MPC Standalone - Transport Control
MPC Software

Overview

You can use the MIDI Learn function to assign external MIDI controllers to various parameters in your specific MPC project:

Mixer parameters such as volume, pan, mute, and solo* for tracks, returns, submixes, and main outputs.
Pad parameters (for drum tracks only) such as tuning, filter and amp envelopes, layer settings, LFO settings, and velocity.
Track parameters, which depend on the track type.
Insert effects parameters, which depend on the effect type.

These assignments will be saved with your MPC project.

*Solo on Standalone is currently only available on MPC 2.15.1 and lower

MPC Standalone - Plugins/FX

1. On your MPC, go to Menu > MIDI / Sync and ensure you MIDI controller has been set to the following:

Input Ports: Global, Control & Track (ON)

Important: When 'Control' is enabled, MIDI data from this port will be sent to MIDI Learn.

Output Ports: Sync & Track (ON)

2. Load a plugin instrument

3. Go to the Main Menu, and navigate to

MIDI Learn (MPC 3) or MIDI Control > MIDI Learn (MPC 2)

4. Tap LEARN (MPC 3) or LEARN + ENABLE MAPPING (MPC 2)

5. Tap the + icon in the top left section of the screen

6. Tap Source & select Program > Plugin 001

7. Tap Target & select Program.

From here, select the plugin parameter you wish to map

8. Once selected, manually move the parameter on your MIDI controller that you wish to apply the mapping to. The MIDI Type, Channel, and CC of the Fader/Knob you moved will appear next to your chosen parameter

Important: If you receive Learned (CC) to Macro after mapping, this indicates that the MIDI device you are using is not set up correctly for MIDI Learn control. Ensure it has been set for Control in the MIDI/Sync page

9. Repeat steps 5 to 8 until all plugin parameters have been mapped to your MIDI controller

Once you have completed your mappings, return to you project by pressing the Main button.

That's it, your controller is now mapped!

MPC Standalone - Transport Control

Please note that the MPC's transport controls cannot be mapped to an external MIDI device in MIDI Learn. For transport control, you will require a MIDI controller that supports MMC (MIDI Machine Control).

Please refer to this article for more information: Akai Pro MPC Series | Connecting the MPC to External Gear

MPC Software

1. Launch MPC, go to Menu > Edit > Preference > MIDI / Sync and configure your MIDI controller to the following settings:

Input: Global, Control & Track

Output: Sync & Track

2. Load your plugin instrument:

3. Enter Program Edit mode:

4. Click on the MIDI Learn icon in the bottom right section of MPC software:

5. Click Learn and Enable

Note: Remember to select your MIDI controller in the dropdown menu. In this example, we are using an MPK Mini Play:

6. Select the parameter type you wish to map:

7. Then manually move the parameter on your MIDI controller that you wish to apply the mapping to. The MIDI Type, Channel, and CC of the Fader/Knob you moved will appear next to your chosen parameter

In this example we have mapped the first four drawbars in the Organ plugin:

8. Exit MIDI Learn by clicking on Learn, this icon will now be dark grey. However, ensure that Enable is still activated: