Akai Pro MPC Series | How To Pitch Bend Without a MIDI Keyboard

This article will provide detailed steps to achieve pitch bending using the Q-Links, allowing you to manipulate sounds and create unique musical expressions directly from your MPC.

Whether you're looking to enhance your tracks or explore new sonic possibilities, these instructions will guide you through the process of utilizing the Q-Links effectively for pitch bending.

Q-Link Edit Mode (Easy Set Up)
Q-Link Edit Mode (Custom Set Up)
Advanced Editing

Q-Link Edit Mode (Easy Set Up)

In this mode, the Q-Links are fixed to a selection of MIDI performance controls, allowing you to control modulation, pitch bend, sustain and other common MIDI messages as you play.

1. Create a plugin track load a plugin instrument. For this example, we will be using TubeSynth

2. Go to Q-Link Edit Mode

3. Select Mode - MIDI

4. Pitch Bend will be fixed to Q-Link 1

Q-Link Edit Mode (Custom Set Up)

In this edit mode, the Q-Link knobs can control 16 track parameters. Only parameters for the current track, any Pads or Keygroups on the current track, or any Inserts on the current track can be selected as part of a macro control. This option serves as an alternative for creative pitch bend control.

Plugin Tracks

1. Create a plugin track load a plugin. For this example, we will be using TubeSynth

2. Go to Q-Link Edit Mode

3. Select Mode - Track

4. Select an empty Q-Link slot

If there are no empty q-link slots available, tap the trash can icon on the current parameter assignment

5. Tap the + icon

6. Select Edit > Osc 1 Fine

Play the pads and turn the newly assigned Q-Link, you'll find you can emulate a pitch bend effect.

Note: Not all plugin instruments will have the 'Osc 1 Fine' parameter. So you'll need to experiment with the available options for that plugin instrument. We recommend looking for options relating to Global Pitch, Pitch, Fine (or similar)

Keygroup Tracks

1. Create a keygroup track and tap on Browse

2. Find a keygroup instrument (.xpm), then tap Load to load it in.

3. Go to Q-Link Edit Mode

4. Select Mode - Track

5. Select an empty Q-Link slot

If there are no empty q-link slots available, tap the trash can icon on the current parameter assignment

6. Tap the + icon

7. Select Edit > Global Semi Tune

Play the pads and turn the newly assigned Q-Link, you'll find you can emulate a pitch bend effect.

Advanced Editing

To reverse the polarity of the knob, tap the Flip button.

To adjust the minimum and maximum values sent by the knob, use the two Parameter Range knobs.

To set the response curve of the macro, use the Control Input field to select Linear, Logarithmic or Exponential. Use the knobs next to this field to set the percentage of the control that will be active.

To adjust the behaviour of the macro, use the Toggle selector:

- When set to Off, moving the control sends a continuous range of value.

- When set to Toggle, moving the control toggles between the minimum and maximum values set above.

- When set to Trigger Max, moving the control always send the maximum value.

To remove a parameter assignment, tap the trash can icon. If all parameters are removed, the macro will no longer appear.