Akai MPK261 User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Akai Manuals
  4. Recording Equipment
  5. Professional MPK261
  6. User manual

Akai MPK261 User Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for MPK261:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

User Guide
English
Manual Version 1.0

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the MPK261 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for Akai MPK261

Summary of Contents for Akai MPK261

  • Page 1 User Guide English Manual Version 1.0...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents (Click a chapter/section to jump to it.) Introduction ....................5 Box Contents..................... 5 Support ...................... 5 Quick Setup / Connection Diagram ............6 About Modes ....................7 Preset Mode ....................8 Edit Mode....................10 Keyboard ....................11 Pads ......................
  • Page 3 Transport Controls .................. 20 Note Repeat .................... 20 Arpeggiator ....................21 Pitch-Bend Wheel ................... 22 Modulation Wheel ................... 22 Footswitch Inputs ..................23 Expression Pedal Input ................23 Global Mode ....................24 MIDI Channels ..................25 Note Display .................... 25 Keyboard ....................
  • Page 4 Program Change Mode ................28 Program Change ..................29 Program Change with Bank Change ............29 Features ...................... 30 Top Panel ....................30 Rear Panel ....................34 Appendix ..................... 36 Mode Parameters ..................36 Technical Specifications ................. 44 Trademarks and Licenses ............... 45...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Introduction Box Contents MPK261 USB Cable Quickstart Guide Safety & Warranty Manual Support For the latest information about this product (system requirements, compatibility information, etc.) and product registration, visit akaipro.com/mpk261. For additional product support, visit akaipro.com/support.

  • Page 6: Quick Setup / Connection Diagram

    (6V DC, 1A, center-positive, sold separately). To use MPK261 to control an app on an iOS device, connect MPK261's USB Port to an iOS device using an Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately), and power on MPK261...

  • Page 7: About Modes

    About Modes The MPK261 has four different modes of operation. Enter each mode by pressing its corresponding button. These modes are described in detail in their respective chapters (click the name of the mode to jump to its chapter). Preset Mode lets you to load, save, copy, and rename Presets—collections of information about how the faders, knobs, buttons, and pads will behave.

  • Page 8: Preset Mode

    Using Presets allows you to save different configurations so you can load them quickly without reprogramming the MPK261 every time. This is also the default "performance mode."...
  • Page 9 Press the Left Cursor button so Factory Defaults appears in the display. Turn the Value Dial and select Presets. To restore MPK261's factory default Presets (which overwrites those you have saved), press the Value Dial. To cancel the operation, press Preset.

  • Page 10: Edit Mode

    Edit Mode In Edit Mode, you can edit the settings of the currently selected Preset. The settings vary depending on the controller you are editing and are listed in the Appendix: Mode Parameters section. Please note that the changes you make will only apply to the currently selected Preset.

  • Page 11: Keyboard

    MIDI to DIN: This determines whether or not MIDI data is sent to the MIDI Out (On) or not (Off). MIDI data will be sent to MPK261's USB connection regardless of this setting. Aftertouch (Aft): This determines whether or not the keyboard sends Aftertouch messages (On) or not (Off).
  • Page 12 Split: This determines if the physical keyboard is split into two separate zones (On) or not (Off). You can set each zone to send its notes over different MIDI channels (or the same one) or set certain controls (e.g., Pitch-Bend Wheel, Modulation Wheel, Footswitch, etc.) to affect one zone, both zones, or neither.

  • Page 13: Pads

    Pads Important: Global Mode contains other parameters that affect the pads but are saved only with the global settings, not with the Preset. See the Global Mode: Pads section for more information. Type: The type of message that will be sent. The available settings are Note, Program Change, and Program Bank.
  • Page 14 MIDI to DIN: This determines whether or not MIDI data is sent to the MIDI Out (On) or not (Off). MIDI data will be sent to MPK261's USB connection regardless of this setting. On Color / Off Color: These determine what colors the pad will be when it is pressed (On) and not pressed (Off).

  • Page 15: Assignable Knobs

    MIDI to DIN: This determines whether or not MIDI data is sent to the MIDI Out (On) or not (Off). MIDI data will be sent to MPK261's USB connection regardless of this setting. Min / Max: If MIDI CC or Aft is the selected Type, these determine the lowest (Min) and highest (Max) values.

  • Page 16: Assignable Faders

    MIDI to DIN: This determines whether or not MIDI data is sent to the MIDI Out (On) or not (Off). MIDI data will be sent to MPK261's USB connection regardless of this setting. Min / Max: These determine the lowest (Min) and highest (Max) values. (If Min is higher than...

  • Page 17: Assignable Switches And Daw Control

    MIDI to DIN: This determines whether or not MIDI data is sent to the MIDI Out (On) or not (Off). MIDI data will be sent to MPK261's USB connection regardless of this setting. Mode: If CC or Note is the selected Type, this determines whether it is in Momentary Mode...
  • Page 18 MIDI to DIN: This determines whether or not MIDI data is sent to the MIDI Out (On) or not (Off). MIDI data will be sent to MPK261's USB connection regardless of this setting. Key 1: If Keystroke is the selected Type, this determines what keystroke the Assignable Switch sends.

  • Page 19: Tap Tempo

    Tap Tempo Important: Global Mode contains other parameters that affect the tempo but are saved only with the global settings, not with the Preset. See the Global Mode: Tempo section for more information. BPM: The tempo as indicated in beats per minute. The available range is 30–300 BPM. Tip: You can also enter a new BPM setting by tapping the Tap Tempo button in time with the desired tempo several times.

  • Page 20: Transport Controls

    Clock, MIDI Real Time, MIDI CC, and Pro Tools Express (PTEX). MIDI to DIN: Determines whether or not MIDI data is sent to the MIDI Out (On) or not (Off). MIDI data will be sent to MPK261's USB connection regardless of this setting. Note Repeat Time Division: The speed of the repetition as a division of the master tempo or external clock.

  • Page 21: Arpeggiator

    Arpeggiator Type: The type of arpeggation that will be used. The available settings are: • Double: Each note will sound twice. This setting can be selected in conjunction with any of the settings described below, except Chord. • Up: Notes will sound from the lowest to the highest. •...

  • Page 22: Pitch-Bend Wheel

    Common, USB A1–A16, and USB B1–B16. MIDI to DIN: This determines whether or not MIDI data is sent to the MIDI Out (On) or not (Off). MIDI data will be sent to MPK261's USB connection regardless of this setting. Modulation Wheel MIDI Channel: This setting determines over which MIDI channel the messages are sent.

  • Page 23: Footswitch Inputs

    MIDI to DIN: This determines whether or not MIDI data is sent to the MIDI Out (On) or not (Off). MIDI data will be sent to MPK261's USB connection regardless of this setting. Mode: This determines whether it is in Momentary Mode (sends its message only while...

  • Page 24: Global Mode

    Global Mode Global Mode lets you set parameters and make changes to MPK261's general ("global") functioning. These settings are not specific to a Preset; they affect all Presets. To navigate Global Mode: Press Global to enter Global Mode. In each page of Global Mode: •...

  • Page 25: Midi Channels

    MIDI Channels Common Channel (Common Chnl): This setting determines which MIDI channel is the common channel (various controls can be assigned to the common channel in Edit Mode). The available settings are USB A1–A16, and USB B1–B16. Note Display Type: Determines whether the display will show a note by its pitch Value (e.g., C2, F#3, etc.) or by its MIDI note Number (e.g., 36, 54, etc.).

  • Page 26: Pads

    Preset, not with the global settings. See the Edit Mode: Tap Tempo section for more information. Tempo: The global tempo as indicated in beats per minute. When MPK261 is using its internal MIDI clock, this global tempo setting determines the speed of the Arpeggiator, Sequencer, and Note Repeat rate.

  • Page 27: Clock

    Clock Source: Determines whether MPK261 uses its Internal MIDI clock or refers to an External clock (e.g., from a DAW). SysEx Send Program: The Program to be sent via SysEx. The available options are the individual Program numbers (01–30) or All Programs. Press the Value Dial to send the Program.

  • Page 28: Program Change Mode

    For example, if your MPK261 is controlling a piano patch in your software or an external MIDI device, sending a Program Change message from MPK261 causes it to switch to a synth patch. MPK261 lets you send two types of Program Change messages: •...

  • Page 29: Program Change

    MIDI to DIN: Determines whether or not MIDI data is sent to the MIDI Out (On) or not (Off). MIDI data will be sent to MPK261's USB connection regardless of this setting. Since an external device will usually be connected to MPK261's MIDI Out, we recommend leaving this set to On.

  • Page 30: Features

    Tap Tempo: Tap this button at the desired rate to enter a new tempo. Note: If you reload the current Preset, the tempo will revert to that Preset's tempo, which you set in Edit Mode. Important: This feature does not work when the MPK261 is set to External sync.
  • Page 31 Tip: While holding down a combination of keys on the keyboard, add more notes to that arpeggiated chord by pressing additional keys. Display: Use this LCD screen to view MPK261's menus, options, parameters, and settings. Value Dial (Push to Enter): Use this dial to change the Preset, parameter values, settings, etc.
  • Page 32 14. Time Division: Press this button and then press one of the Assignable Switches to select the current Time Division, which determines the rate of the Note Repeat and Arpeggiator features. This button can function as a momentary or toggle (latching) button. Important: While Time Division is active, the Assignable Switches will not send any of their normal MIDI CC or Program Change messages until Time Division has been deactivated.
  • Page 33 Important: Your software must be able to loop or repeat in order to use this feature. Also, make sure that you are using the MPK261 Preset named after your particular software. If your software does not have a corresponding MPK261 Preset, configure the Loop button in Edit Mode so it communicates properly with your software.

  • Page 34: Rear Panel

    (6V DC, 1A, center- positive, sold separately). Alternatively, you can connect MPK261's USB Port to a power outlet using a standard USB charger (sold separately). Power Adapter Restraint: You can secure a power adapter cord to this restraint to help avoid disconnecting it accidentally.
  • Page 35 MIDI In: Use a standard five-pin MIDI cable to connect this MIDI In to the MIDI Out of an external MIDI device (e.g., another MIDI controller). The MIDI messages sent to this MIDI In will be sent to your computer via the USB port. Expression Pedal Input: Connect an optional 1/4"...

  • Page 36: Appendix

    Appendix Mode Parameters Edit Mode To edit a control's parameters, press Edit then move or press that control. Control Parameter Settings Keyboard MIDI Channel Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 Octave -3 to +3 Transpose -36 to +36 MIDI to DIN On, Off Aftertouch On, Off...
  • Page 37 Control Parameter Settings Type Assignable Program Change Pads MIDI Channel Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 (continued) Program Number 000–127 MIDI to DIN On, Off On Color Off, Red, Orange, Amber, Yellow, Green, Green Blue, Aqua, Light Blue, Blue, Purple, Pink, Hot Pink, Light Purple, Light Green, Light Pink, Grey Off Color Off, Red, Orange, Amber, Yellow, Green, Green Blue, Aqua, Light Blue, Blue, Purple, Pink, Hot Pink, Light Purple, Light Green, Light Pink, Grey...
  • Page 38 Control Parameter Settings Assignable Type MIDI CC Knobs MIDI Channel Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 CC Number 000–127 MIDI to DIN On, Off 000–127 000–127 Type Aftertouch MIDI Channel Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 000–127 000–127 MIDI to DIN On, Off Type Inc/Dec1 MIDI Channel...
  • Page 39 Control Parameter Settings Assignable Type Switches MIDI Channel Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 CC Number 000–127 MIDI to DIN On, Off Mode Momentary, Toggle Invert On, Off Type Note MIDI Channel Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 Note C-1 to G9 Velocity (Velo) 000–127 MIDI to DIN...
  • Page 40 Control Parameter Settings Tempo 30–300 Time Division 1/4, 1/4T, 1/8, 1/8T, 1/16, 1/16T, 1/32, 1/32T Gate 00–99% Swing 50–75% Transport Type MMC, MMC/MIDI Clock, MIDI Real Time, MIDI CC, Pro Tools Express (PTEX) Controls MIDI to DIN On, Off Note Repeat Time Division 1/4, 1/4T, 1/8, 1/8T, 1/16, 1/16T, 1/32, 1/32T Mode...
  • Page 41 Control Parameter Settings Footswitch Type MIDI CC 1 & 2 MIDI Channel Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 MIDI CC 000–127 MIDI to DIN1 On, Off Mode Momentary, Toggle Type Tap Tempo, Play, Rec, Stop, Play/Stop, Arp/Seq, Sustain MIDI Channel Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 MIDI to DIN On, Off Mode...
  • Page 42 Velocity Sensitivity (VelocitySense) 01–10 Tempo Tempo 30–300 BPM Tap Average 2–4 Tempo LED On, Off Source Internal, External Clock SysEx Send Program All, 1–30 Utilities Contrast 00–99 Save Globals Press Value Dial to save Global Settings. Current MPK261 operating systems versions.
  • Page 43 Program Change Mode To edit these parameters, press Program Change and use the Value Dial to switch between Program Change and Program Bank. Control Parameter Settings Program Change Program Change MIDI Channel Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 Program Number 000–127 MIDI to DIN On, Off Program Bank...

  • Page 44: Technical Specifications

    Technical Specifications Note Keys 61 keys; velocity-sensitive; 10-octave range with octave up/down buttons or transposition Pads 16 pads; velocity- and pressure-sensitive; 4 banks Faders 8 faders; 3 banks Knobs 8 360º encoders; 3 banks Switches 8 switches; LED-backlit; 3 banks Inputs / Outputs 1 USB port 1 1/4"...

  • Page 45: Trademarks And Licenses

    Trademarks and Licenses Akai Professional is a trademark of inMusic Brands, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. IOS is a registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license. Kensington and the K & Lock logo are registered trademarks of ACCO Brands.
  • Page 46 akaipro.com...

Table of Contents

Save PDF