AIR Ether & Sprite | MPC FAQ

Welcome to our FAQ article for the AIR Ether & Sprite for MPC Standalone and Force Hardware. This article aims to provide you with answers to common questions and concerns regarding the compatibility and usage of these products with MPC standalone hardware and Force hardware running firmware 3.5 onwards.

What is AIR Ether?

A reverb like no other, Ether takes your sound to new dimensions with its unparalleled processing capabilities. This isn't just another multi-effects processor - Ether is a creative powerhouse that allows you to shape and manipulate your sound like never before.

With its advanced algorithms and intuitive controls, you can add depth, richness, and texture to any audio source, from vocals and guitars to synths and drums. Whether you're a producer, musician, or sound designer, Ether opens up a world of sonic possibilities that will inspire your creativity and elevate your productions to the next level.

What is AIR Sprite?

Sprite is a powerful multi-effects plugin that is as simple, or as complex as you like. Sprite makes synths shine, bring guitars to life, and can sprinkle audio fairy dust on vocals. With the simple and intuitive user interface, you can shape sounds in seconds. But that’s just scratching the surface, there’s even more under the hood.

Shape every part of the multi-effects just how you want, with enough control to take the distortion from a little added warmth to extreme breakup. With multiple ways to modulate the sound, you can do from a gentle movement to a sweeping flanger.

Delay offers everything from super clean to gnarly tape and reverb can sit the effects in anything from a tiny room to a huge stadium. Add EQ, compression and pitch shift and you've got yourself the ultimate sound design effects toolkit where originality is the name of the game.

I've purchased Either / Sprite - How do I activate it on my MPC Hardware?

1. First, ensure your MPC/Force is running firmware version 3.5 (or onwards)
   • To help you update your hardware's firmware, see this guide: Akai Pro MPC | Firmware Update Walkthrough
2. Connect to the internet - Ensure your MPC is connected to a stable internet connection
   
3. On your MPC Hardware, press the 'Menu' button
4. Navigate to 'Preferences' and tap the 'Activations' tab on the left.
5. Login to your inMusic Profile
   
   
6. Observe your list of plugins from the Activation Pane to view your Plugins
   • Tap 'Refresh' if it is missing from the list, and ensure you're connected to the internet
7. Tap the Activate Button
   • If you purchased Ether, Sprite or the bundle from a third-party, click 'Enter Serial' to redeem it. If you already own the plugin(s) and see a deposit in your inMusic Profile account, you can tap 'Activate'. 
8. Select a drive as the download location

   • Tap the 'Change' button and select your drive
   • 
   • 
9. Tap the Download button to begin the Download
   • Ensure a storage device (formatted to exFAT) is connected to your MPC
     

Which firmware is required to run Ether & Sprite on Standalone MPC OS Hardware?

Ether & Sprite are available only from firmware version 3.5 onwards on both MPC and Force hardware. 

To help you update your hardware's firmware, see this guide: Akai Pro MPC | Firmware Update Walkthrough

I already own Sprite & Ether, do I need to purchase them again for my MPC?

No - If you have already purchased Sprite or Ether, you do not need to purchase it again for your MPC Hardware.

Your MPC shares the same inMusic Profile activation as the desktop builds of the plugin.

To download & activate Ether or Sprite on your MPC Hardware, see this guide: MPC Series | Managing Plugins

If you're experiencing any activation issues, see this guide: Akai Pro MPC Series | Troubleshooting Activation Issues on MPC Standalone Hardware

Are there any limitations while using Sprite or Ether on my MPC Hardware?

Yes - Ether & Sprite use high amounts of processing power to offer complex multi-effects and nuance. As a result, users are limited to only 2 instances at a time of either plugin in a project: I.e, x2 Sprite & x2 Ether max.

There are no limitations on the number of instances used when using VST/VST2/AU/AAX builds for Desktop.