NI Expansions for MPC & NI MPC Editions (Play Series) - Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need MPC3 to install Native Instrument Expansion Packs?

Yes - Native Instruments Expansion Packs are not compatible with MPC2 firmware and require MPC3. MPC3 is a free update for MPC OS hardware: Akai Pro MPC - Firmware Update Walkthrough

Which MPC hardware is compatible with MPC3 & NI Expansion Packs? 

• MPC Live
• MPC Live II
• MPC One
• MPC One+
• MPC Key 37
• MPC Key 61
• MPC X
• MPC X SE
• MPC Live III
• MPC XL

Which NI Expansion Packs are available for MPC3 OS?

You can find all available and upcoming MPC Expansions here: Akai MPC Expansions

I already own Maschine versions of NI Expansion Packs, can I still redeem them for my MPC?

No - NI Expansion Packs for MPC hardware are exclusive editions specifically built for MPC3 hardware and need to be purchased separately on the Native Instruments store: https://www.native-instruments.com/products/for-akai-mpc/expansions-for-mpc/

Users who already own Maschine versions of expansion packs are not eligible for a free upgrade to MPC Edition builds of these plugins.

Does my MPC require storage to download / install NI Expansion packs?

Yes - in most cases, the internal storage of MPC Hardware will not be large enough to download/install your NI Expansion Packs.

MPC hardware supports read and write capability for exFAT, FAT32, NTFS, and EXT4 file systems as well as read-only capability for HFS+ file systems. (We recommend using an exFAT file system as it is the most robust one supported by both Windows and macOS.

Do I need an internet connection to activate/install NI Expansion packs?

Yes, a stable internet connection is required to download your expansion pack from a Windows or Mac computer via the inMusic Software Center.

Over-the-air download is not currently available directly from your MPC Hardware.

Are MPC Edition NI Expansion packs available for MPC Desktop?

No - MPC Edition NI Expansion packs are only available for Standalone.

MPC3 on standalone hardware is backwards compatible with MPC2.15.1 Desktop. Upon navigating to controller mode operation with your Windows or Mac computer, we suggest exporting your Drum Programs, Samples or similar as an audio file. See this guide: MPC Series: How to Export Individual Tracks

Is Akai Force compatible?

Yes - Akai Force currently does support Native Instrument Expansion Packs as of the 3.7 Firmware.

Can I redeem via Native Access?

No - the code you receive from Native Instruments post-sale is not available to redeem via Native Access.

Your purchase is exclusively available only for MPC OS hardware and is redeemed directly via the inMusic Software Center.

I'm experiencing an issue activating my Expansion Pack via inMusic Software Center, who should I contact for assistance?

Akai Pro / inMusic Support is available to assist concerning any issues associated with activating your MPC Edition NI Expansion Packs: Submit a Support Request

NI MPC Editions(Play Series)

Do I need MPC3 to install Play Series plugins?

Yes - Native Instruments Play Series plugins are not compatible with MPC2 firmware and require MPC3. MPC3 is a free update for MPC OS hardware: Akai Pro MPC - Firmware Update Walkthrough

Which MPC hardware is compatible with MPC3 & Play Series plugins? 

• MPC Live
• MPC Live II
• MPC One
• MPC One+
• MPC Key 37
• MPC Key 61
• MPC X
• MPC X SE
• MPC Live III
• MPC XL

Which NI Play Series plugins are available for MPC3 OS?

You can find all available and upcoming NI Play Series MPC Editions here: Akai MPC Editions

I already own these Play Series plugins, can I still redeem them for my MPC?

No - Play Series plugins for MPC hardware are exclusive editions specifically built for MPC3 Hardware and need to be purchased separately on the Native Instruments store: https://www.native-instruments.com/products/for-akai-mpc/akai-mpc-editions/

Users who already own Play Series plugins are not eligible for a free upgrade to MPC Edition builds of these plugins.

How many activations are available between my MPCs?

Each license allows up to 3 activations between MPC Hardware signed into the same account.

The license serial supplied by NI post-sale can only be redeemed on a single inMusic Profile account.

Does my MPC require storage to download / install  Play Series Plugins?

Yes - in most cases, the internal storage of MPC Hardware will not be large enough to download / install your Play Series plugin.

MPC hardware supports read and write capability for exFAT, FAT32, NTFS, and EXT4 file systems as well as read-only capability for HFS+ file systems. (We recommend using an exFAT file system as it is the most robust one supported by both Windows and macOS.

Do I need an internet connection to activate / install Play Series plugins?

Yes, a stable internet connection is required to activate / install Play Series plugins.

Note, for MPC One which does not feature integrated WiFi - users should refer to using either an ethernet connection or a class-compliant USB WiFi adapter upon connectivity to the USB Type-A port on the rear.

Are MPC Edition Play Series Plugins available for MPC Desktop?

No - MPC Edition Play Series plugins are currently only available for Standalone.

MPC3 on standalone hardware is backwards compatible with MPC2.15.1 Desktop. Upon navigating to controller mode operation with your Windows or Mac computer, we suggest exporting your Play Series plugins as an audio file. See this guide MPC Series: How to Export Individual Tracks

Is Akai Force compatible?

Yes - Akai Force currently does support Native Instrument Play Series plugins as of the 3.7 firmware update.

Can I redeem via Native Access?

No - The code you receive from Native Instruments post-sale is not available to redeem via Native Access.

Your purchase is exclusively available only for MPC OS hardware and is redeemed directly on your hardware.

I'm experiencing an issue activating my Play Series plugin, who should I contact?

If for any reason you're experiencing an activation issue, please view this setup guide:
Troubleshooting Activation Issues on MPC Standalone Hardware

Akai Pro / inMusic Support is available to assist concerning any issues associated with activating your MPC Edition NI Play Series plugin: Submit a Support Request