Akai Pro MPC Live III | Troubleshooting Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Why isn't my MPC Live III recognized by my Computer?
• How do I record over USB into my MPC 3's Sampler?
• Why can't I use my internal Microphone?
• What Operating Systems are compatible with the MPC Live 3?
• Are the new MPC Live 3 features available on MPC 3.6 Desktop?
• How do I bus out my tracks from MPC Live 3 into a DAW?
• How do I access the new Super algorithm?
• How do I access and edit Q-Links from the new Pull-Down Menu?
• How come my Touch Strip actions aren't recording?
• How can I layer drum samples together to take advantage of the new MPCe pads?
• Why isn't my MIDI controller working with the MPC Live 3 standalone?
• Turning off pad XY events
• Assigning an analog input to a digital input
• How do I make a kit that takes advantage of the MPCe pads?
• How do I assign the Envelope Follower to a pad?

Why isn't my MPC Live III recognized by my computer?

The most important thing to verify when troubleshooting connectivity issues with your computer is the driver and firmware version currently installed on your system. The firmware version on your device must match the software versions currently installed on your computer. You can find your MPC Firmware and Drivers bundled into your inMusic Software Center located in your Akai Pro account.

If you have confirmed that your MPC software and firmware versions are the same and that your drivers are installed correctly, there are still troubleshooting steps that can be performed! At its core, the MPC Key 61 is a MIDI controller. We have several troubleshooting guides for MIDI controllers, which are linked below:

• Troubleshooting USB MIDI devices on Mac
• Using a MIDI Monitor to Test a MIDI Device

We highly suggest installing the driver before you attempt any connection to your computer.

How do I record over USB into my MPC 3's Sampler?

To set up the Sampler before recording: 

1. Make sure to reduce the volume levels of your audio source and speakers, headphones, and/or monitors before you make any connections to avoid “pops” or feedback. 

2. Connect your computer via the USB-C port.

3. Set the Input ___ menu in the upper-left corner to the input(s) where you connected your source as USB Input 1,2. 

4. Return to the Sampler Mode Screen, and when you play audio from your 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). 

5. Set the recording controls as desired. 

6. Tap the Arm button to record-arm the Sampler.

For more on recording via USB-C, please see our video guide here:

Why can't I use my internal Microphone?

In addition to the normal requirement to set the source before you can begin recording and to set the record arm/monitoring on the track, the microphone must also be turned on using the Mic On button directly above the Mic itself, and the built-in speakers must be turned off on the MPC Live 3. In addition, the internal microphone is a built-in unidirectional condenser microphone located just above the speakers; as a result we recommend placing the MPC at an angle towards your source for recording.

What Operating Systems are compatible with the MPC Live 3?

All controller mode functions with the MPC Live 3 will require the following:

• Windows 10 or 11.
• Mac OS 13, 15 and 26

In addition, MPC 3.6 will be the minimum MPC software that can be used with MPC Live 3, which carries the same requirements.

Are the new MPC Live 3 features available on MPC 3.6 Desktop?

Yes, every feature that you can control on the MPC Live 3 will also be available within MPC 3.6 for a seamless transition between your projects on the full DAW setup for an uninterrupted workflow.

How do I bus out my tracks from MPC Live 3 into a DAW?

When selected as a DAW's Audio interface, MPC Live 3 will show a range of stereo outputs that will correspond to the inputs on your computer. Select the input that matches the MPC Live 3's output, and you will be able to record from it. Please note, these 24 outputs are digital for track separation, and cannot be split via the audio outputs for monitoring purposes within the MPC Live 3. For audio track splitting for use with a mixing board for up to 32 tracks, please see external interfaces in the user guide.

Note: Increasing the number of simultaneous inputs and outputs will also increase CPU overhead.

How do I access the new Super algorithm?

The new warp algorithms can be found inside the sample edit mode, towards the bottom of the screen. Use the Algorithm field to set the Warp algorithm for the sample. By default, this will be set to whatever is selected as the Default Audio Warp Algorithm under Menu > Preferences > Audio/Export. Adjusting the setting here will override the default selection. Select Pro Ten, Repitch, or Super. When using Repitch, warping an audio sample will adjust its pitch to synchronize it with the MPC tempo.

How do I access and edit Q-Links from the new Pull-Down Menu?

Q-Link controls can quickly be mapped and edited using the new Pull Down menu function from any of the MPC modes, and navigating to page 2 using the right arrow.

Tap the Current Control field to select the type of control you want to create an assignment for. In the above screenshot, we are editing Q-Link 1.

Tap the Learn button to activate MIDI learning. Once activated, the Q-Link Bank LED on your MPC Live III will blink. 

Navigate to the mode that displays the parameter you would like to learn, and then adjust that parameter. The screen 

will show a message, "Learned [parameter] to [macro control]." To lock in the assignment, tap the Learn button again.

Tap the Momentary button to turn momentary behavior on or off. When on, moving the knob will adjust its parameter, but the parameter will immediately return to its original position (when you turned Momentary on) when you release the knob. 

When off, moving the knob will adjust its parameter, and the parameter will remain at its new setting when you release the knob. 

Tap the arrow next to the Momentary to adjust additional settings for when the macro control is released: 

To revert the macro parameter(s) to their minimum value on release, check the Go to Minimum box. 

To revert to the last value state before the macro was changed on release, check the Go to Previous box.

How come my Touch Strip actions aren't recording?

Touch strip FX are configured using the Touch Strip button below the Touch Strip on the MPC. Holding down the button will allow you to select the different functions, while SHIFT+Touch Strip will allow you to edit parameters that the touch strip is manipulating. Please note that not all Touch Strip actions will have editable parameters, such as pitch bend or mod wheel.

To record them, you need to enable Automation from the Record Automation icon in the top right corner, setting it to the red W for Write.

How can I layer drum samples together to take advantage of the new MPCe pads?

Drum layers can be layered using the sample edit screen, using the new layers column underneath the waveform:

These layers can be edited to have multiple samples applied per pad and how they express together. Tapping the sample button again at the bottom of the screen will allow you  to edit different parameters in terms of the way they act when triggered:

For example, on the TUNE/MIX screen, you can adjust the levels of each layer to adjust how each layer will sound in harmony with each other. For more information on creating new MPCe kits and layering sounds, please see our YouTube guide here: YouTube.

Why isn't my MIDI controller working with the MPC Live 3 standalone?

Midi controllers should be connected to the regular USB-A ports on the MPC, as the USB-C port is strictly for Computer connections.

Turning off pad XY events 

You can turn off the recording of Pad X Y messages in the Preferences > Sequencer “Record Pad XY Events” field. This can be helpful when recording chords on pads using plugins.

Assigning an analog input to a digital input

On the MPC Live 3, the XLR/1/4" combo outputs, the Phono inputs, and the built-in Mic are assignable using the Inputs menu, accessible from the Menu screen. From this screen, you can also select which of the physical inputs are used, in addition to the ability to split a single input from the different sets for simultaneous recording. Additionally, you can also combine your digital inputs into one stereo input and activate phantom power.,

Please note that the phono amplifier on this unit is automatically activated on the MPC Live 3.

How do I make a kit that takes advantage of the MPCe pads?

To take advantage of the MPCe pads, you will want to use the sample layer assignments from the previous question, then head into the Track Edit's global page and edit the Layer play field, which will dictate how the layers on the pad will interact. From there, double-tap the effects tab at the bottom of the screen to adjust how the MPC pads will articulate when pressed, and make sure to turn on the MPCe button to the right of Articulations before selecting what articulation you would like to use(by default, None will be selected when you make your first kit). The corresponding numbers between the MPCe button and the articulation you've selected will correspond to the zone on the pad, which should change when a number is tapped on screen or a corner of the pad is selected.

For more information, please see the following video from our MPC Academy series:

How do I assign the Envelope Follower to a pad?

Hit a pad and turn on the source, tap Learn, then tap the + sign on the screen and assign the parameters you want the Envelope Follower to correspond to.