Akai MPC Reference Manual
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Akai MPC Reference Manual

Music production controller with iconic mpc sound
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REFERENCE MANUAL

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  • Page 1 REFERENCE MANUAL...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Welcome to the MPC ......3 5. The MPC Software in Detail .... 29 5.0 DRUM Program vs. KEYGROUP 1.1 About this Manual ......3 Program ........... 31 1.2 Important Notes ......... 3 5.1 The File Browser ......33 2.

  • Page 3: Welcome To The Mpc

    MPC Studio offers the most streamlined MPC experience yet. At under one-inch thin, with low- profile controls and a brushed aluminum body, it’s made to move. MPC Studio merges real MPC pads, iconic workflow, and the same MPC Software used by MPC Renaissance to give you a fully integrated portable production solution.

  • Page 4: Overview: Mpc Hardware

    2. OVERVIEW: MPC HARDWARE MPC Renaissance and MPC Studio are hardware specifically designed to control the MPC software. This section describes the hardware controls for each device. For a complete explanation of the software, please read the corresponding chapter of this manual.
  • Page 5 Q-LINK TRIGGER – Hold this button down, then touch one of the Q-LINK KNOBS to make that knob's parameter's value jump to its minimum or maximum (depending on the Trig parameter in the MPC software). 10. PADS – Use these pads to trigger drum hits or other samples in your software. The pads are velocity-sensitive and pressure-sensitive, which makes them very responsive and intuitive to play.
  • Page 6 Hold down SHIFT and press this button to view the Sample Record screen in the display and MPC software. 23. SONG / OTHER – Press this button to view the Song screen in the display and software.
  • Page 7 Sequence without having to stop playback. 42. TAP TEMPO – Press this button in time with the desired tempo to enter a new tempo (in BPM) in the MPC software. I/O & LEVEL CONTROLS 43. MIC/LINE / PHONO SWITCH – Use this switch to select the MIC IN or PHONO IN jacks on the rear panel.

  • Page 8: Mpc Renaissance: Front Panel

    STEREO OUT – Connect these 1/4" TRS outputs to your speaker system (not included). The signal sent out of these outputs is the main mix. In the MPC software, you can set what is routed to these outputs in the Program Mixer tab, by selecting OUT 1,2 as the OUT for one pad or multiple pads.
  • Page 9 15. MIDI IN – Use a five-pin MIDI cable to connect the MIDI OUT of an optional external MIDI device to the MIDI IN of MPC Renaissance. 16. MIDI OUT – Use a five-pin MIDI cable to connect the MIDI OUT of MPC Renaissance to the MIDI IN of an optional external device.

  • Page 10: Mpc Studio: Top Panel

    POWER & I/O COMPUTER USB PORT– Use the included USB cable to connect this high-retention-force USB port to an available USB port on your computer. This connection allows MPC Studio to send/receive MIDI and audio data to/from the MPC software.
  • Page 11 CURSOR BUTTONS – Use these buttons to navigate through the fields of menus and options shown in the DISPLAY. DATA DIAL – Use this dial to scroll through the available menu options or adjust the parameter values of the selected field in the DISPLAY. -/+ –...
  • Page 12 16 LEVEL – Press this button to activate/deactivate 16 Level. When activated, the last pad that was hit will be temporarily copied to all 16 pads. The pads will now output the same note number as the initial pad, but a selectable parameter will be fixed at the values shown in the diagram on the right, regardless of how hard you hit them.
  • Page 13 WINDOW / FULL SCREEN – When this button is lit, it means the selected field in the display contains additional functions; press this button to access them. Use the F- BUTTONS, CURSOR BUTTONS, and DATA DIAL or -/+ buttons to execute (or cancel) these additional functions.

  • Page 14: Installing The Mpc Software

    3. INSTALLING THE MPC SOFTWARE This chapter explains how to install the MPC software including the plugin version on your computer. It also guides you through the process of authorization. 3.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS In order to be able to use the MPC software, you will need at least: Windows PC: •...

  • Page 15: Installation Under Windows

    How to install the MPC software. Installation from DVD: 1. Start your computer and launch your operating system. Insert the MPC DVD into your DVD-ROM drive. If you have enabled the Autostart function in Windows, the Installer will start automatically and you can proceed with Step 5 below. If not, please proceed as follows: 2.

  • Page 16: Installation Under Mac Os X

    Double-click on the MPC Installer icon to load the installation software. Follow the on-screen instructions. After installing the MPC software you need to unlock the program on your computer. Please refer to the chapter "Unlocking the MPC Software." Installation of a downloaded Installer File: Refer to the folder where the downloaded MPC zip archive is located.

  • Page 17: Unlocking The Mpc Software

    3.4 UNLOCKING THE MPC SOFTWARE You’ll need to unlock your MPC software before using it. Follow these steps to unlock it: Connect your MPC hardware to a USB port on your computer. If you are using MPC Renaissance, connect it to a power source, too.

  • Page 18: Quick Start Tutorial

    4. QUICK START TUTORIAL This Quick Start Tutorial was written to help you to familiarize yourself with the MPC. In order to get the most out of this tutorial, we recommend reproducing each of the described steps. The MPC hardware display reflects what it's controlling in the software, but due to space and character limitations, the hardware display is slightly different (e.g., parameter names may be...

  • Page 19: Recording A Drum Pattern

    UNDO will erase all events from that recording (i.e., since the PLAY or PLAY START was pressed). How about a crash cymbal? Let's create it directly in the MPC software by clicking on the desired position in the grid, in the same row as the crash sample.

  • Page 20: Basic Sound Edits

    Press the F2 button (Level) to control the volume for each pad. You can use the Q-Link knobs of your MPC hardware as well as the corresponding fader in your MPC software. Adjust the levels of each pad to suit your taste.

  • Page 21: The Bassline Track

    Press the PAD BANK D button of your MPC hardware to switch to pad bank D and hit Pad 13. You should hear the bass sample played back with its original pitch. You can use the other pads to play your sample chromatically.
  • Page 22 Edit menu. Back to the MPC hardware! The Filter and Envelope display of the MPC hardware Press the PROG EDIT button of your MPC hardware to enter Program Edit Mode. Click on the F4 button (Flt Env) to enter the Filter page.

  • Page 23: Working With A Drumloop

    The Chop mode of the MPC hardware’s Sample Edit page Press the SAMPLE EDIT button of your MPC hardware to enter Sample Edit Mode. Use the data dial to select the loaded drum loop. You can scroll through all loaded samples seen the top of your MPC hardware display.

  • Page 24: Pad And Track Mute

    The Pad Mute display of the MPC hardware First, go back to your basic Drum track. Press and hold the SHIFT button on your MPC hardware and press the TRACK MUTE/ PAD MUTE button to enter Pad Mute Mode. You can now mute a pad by pressing it once. The muted pad will be lit red. This is useful for listening to a sequence without the muted sample.

  • Page 25: Record And Edit A Sample

    MIC. Set the MIC IN/PHONO IN switch on the top panel of the MPC hardware to MIC/LINE and turn up the REC GAIN dial. In the MPC software you should now see the input signal. Make sure that the signal gain does not exceed the maximum level (the top input level display segment should be hardly lit).
  • Page 26 Now press F6 (Stop) again, to stop recording. If you're happy with your recording, please name the new sample in the MPC software in the small window, which will pop up automatically after finishing the recording procedure. Let’s call it "Vocal"...

  • Page 27: Step-By-Step With Step Recording

    Now, let's add some spice to our sequence. First, we'll add an effect to our new recorded sample, e.g., a reverb. In the MPC software, click on the Main tab to open Main Mode. Locate the pad that shows the name "Vocal", indicating that our sample has been assigned to it.

  • Page 28: Creating A Song

    Once the MPC software plugin is loaded, it automatically synchronizes with your host sequencer software. When you start your sequencer, the MPC software starts to play back at the same time. The MPC plugin offers the same features and functionality as the standalone software version.

  • Page 29: The Mpc Software In Detail

    5. THE MPC SOFTWARE IN DETAIL The following chapters explain the MPC software in detail. Whenever the MPC hardware can be used to control a parameter or a function, this is explained separately in a light-grey box marked by an arrow on its left side.
  • Page 30 MPC plugin playback starts simultaneously. Important! Make sure to save your work in the MPC Software as well as saving all of your work in your host application. For ease of use, we recommend saving your host application projects...

  • Page 31: Drum Program Vs. Keygroup Program

    5.0 DRUM PROGRAM VS. KEYGROUP PROGRAM A Program in the MPC is a file, which contains a list of all samples used, and settings for each sample (i.e., pad assignments, loop points, pitch tuning, effects, etc.) The MPC’s PROGRAM EDIT mode lets you edit and assign samples. The MPC software can hold a total of 128 programs in a Project.
  • Page 32 These samples are placed in Layers. In the MPC software, click on the Program Edit tab. With the pop-up menus of Layer 2 to Layer 4 you can assign up to four samples – that were loaded into the Project Information beforehand - e.g.

  • Page 33: The File Browser

    To enter the File Browser, press the BROWSER button on your MPC hardware. Within the MPC software, the File Browser can be found in the left area of the application window. The File Browser section can be hidden or revealed by clicking the "triangle" button in the lower-left corner of the window or by pressing "B"...
  • Page 34 The Browser display of the MPC hardware With the Parent Directory arrow button (in the MPC software, to the right of the data path selector) you can go up one level to the parent directory. FILE directly under the file list window shows the name of the selected file in the list.

  • Page 35: The Upper Section

    Main, Program Mixer, Track Mixer, Track View or Step Seq tab is selected. Click on the PROG EDIT button of your MPC hardware and use the data dial or the -/+ buttons to select the desired Program. This can also be done in the PGM field on the MAIN page.

  • Page 36: The Lower Section

    Click on the REC button to put the MPC software in Record mode. Pressing it on the MPC hardware or in the software will light up its LED to show that Record is armed. To start recording, press PLAY or PLAY START. When the sequence starts to loop in Record mode, it will switch to Overdub mode.
  • Page 37 MPC3000, the MPC60, Other and of course no emulation (no LED will be lit). The Vintage display directly below the output level meter indicates the selected emulation mode. If your MPC Renaissance is set up as audio interface you can use the MAIN VOLUME dial to adjust the volume level.

  • Page 38: The Grid

    The Grid is always visible, independently from the mode selected (except Sample Record Mode and Sample Edit mode). Click on the SHIFT + WINDOW/FULL SCREEN buttons of the MPC hardware to enlarge the grid. This is ideal for working on tracks and sequences in detail.
  • Page 39 On your MPC hardware, press the MAIN button to edit the described parameters. For selecting a track, use the cursors to navigate to the Trk parameter. You can select the track by using the data dial as well as the -/+ buttons. To change the number of bars, navigate to the Bars parameter.
  • Page 40 Press the STOP button to finish your recording. In the MPC software, you can use the Select tool as well as the Draw tool to create notes: Double-click (Select mode) or click (Draw mode) the desired location in the grid to create a note.
  • Page 41 (KEYGROUP Program) to select all corresponding notes or use the Select tool as described above. In the MPC software, proceed as follows to record automation data: 1. Click on the Main tab to enter Main Mode. 2. Click and move a corresponding Q-Link knob, so that it is shown in the QLINK display.

  • Page 42: Main Mode

    5.5 MAIN MODE Main Mode gives you an overview of the most used functions. To enter Main Mode, press the MAIN/ TRACK button on your MPC hardware or click on the Main Tab in the Upper section of your MPC software window.
  • Page 43 • Click on the TRIG field to open a pop-up menu for selecting Min or Max. When you hold down the Q-Link Trigger button on your MPC hardware and touch the top of one the Q-...
  • Page 44 Keep in mind that the LAST BAR value depends on the total length of the sequence. On the MPC hardware, move the cursor to Bars and use the data dial or the -/+ buttons to set the desired bar length of your sequence. You can set up to 999 bars.
  • Page 45 In the MPC software, click on the TRACK pop-up menu and select the desired track. On the MPC hardware, move the cursor to V% and use the data dial or the -/+ buttons to edit the overall velocity of the selected track in percent.
  • Page 46 When Plugin is selected as the INSTRUMENT: On the MPC hardware, move the cursor to Pgm and use the data dial or the -/+ buttons to load the desired plugin. Move the cursor to Midi Ch and use the data dial or the -/+ buttons to select the desired MIDI channel on which the track sequence data is sent to the loaded virtual instrument plugin.

  • Page 47: Program Edit Mode

    The program settings will change automatically in the display of your MPC hardware. This procedure is not possible for KEYGROUP programs. To select a DRUM program for editing in the MPC software, you have to select the desired pad first in Main Mode.
  • Page 48 This function allows you to define up to four pads that are triggered by hitting one pad only. To select the pads for SIMULTANEOUS PLAY, press the F1 button (Master) on your MPC hardware. Use Q-Link knobs Q5 – Q8 to select the corresponding pads. Keep in mind that this function is only available in DRUM programs.
  • Page 49 To edit the KEYGROUP PLAY MODES parameters, press the F1 button (Master) on your MPC hardware. Use Q-Link knobs Q9 – Q11 for direct access of all 3 parameters. Keep in mind that these parameters are available only in KEYGROUP programs.
  • Page 50 MPC hardware and changing the displayed values or by clicking in the segment chain on the right side of the LAYER area in your MPC software window and dragging its left and right ends to the desired value. A range from 0 to 127 lets the layer respond to the entire velocity...
  • Page 51 With ROOT NOTE, you can change the root key of each loaded sample. The virtual keyboard (only available for KEYGROUP programs) shows the NOTE RANGE which can be set in the KEY GROUP section. In the MPC software, you can also drag the left or right range with your computer mouse.
  • Page 52 FILTER & ENVELOPES SECTION Select the pad you wish to filter by hitting it on your MPC hardware or by selecting it in Main Mode of the MPC software. To edit the FILTER, FILTER ENVELOPE & AMP ENVELOPE parameters press the F4 button (Flt Env) on your MPC hardware.
  • Page 53 Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release, which is why it is also called ADSR Envelope. Everytime you hit a pad on the MPC, an Envelope is started. Within the period of time you have defined with the ATTACK (ATK) parameter, it rises to its maximum value. After that it will enter the decay phase with its duration defined by the DECAY value until it reaches the sustain level, set by SUSTAIN (SUST) parameter.
  • Page 54 In this section, you set how much velocity effects various sound parameters. To edit the Velocity Sensitivity parameters press the F5 button (Lfo Mod) on your MPC hardware. Use Q-Link knobs Q9 – Q12 for direct access of all 4 parameters. Keep in mind that a DRUM program uses different dials for controlling than a KEYGROUP program.
  • Page 55 Here you can select up to four audio insert effects for each pad. You can use various effects included in your MPC software as well as optional VST/AU plugins installed on your computer. A list of all available MPC effects including their parameters can be found in the Appendix on Page 93.
  • Page 56 -/+ buttons or the data dial. You can use Program Edit Mode to directly edit a set of parameters in a section with your MPC hardware. MPC Renaissance’s 4x4 Q-Link knob matrix corresponds to the MPC software’s controls as well as virtual instrument parameters.

  • Page 57: Program Mixer Mode

    With the PAD BANK buttons you can also select different pad banks to select different sets of 16 channels. In the MPC software, click on ROUTE tab of the desired channel first, then on the pop-up menu at the bottom the ROUTE tab. Select the desired output (e.g. Out 3,4) to route the audio signal directly to this output.
  • Page 58 With the PAD BANK buttons you can also select different pad banks to select different sets of 16 channels. In the MPC software, click on the SEND button of the desired channel. Click on one of the SEND dials and edit its value with your computer mouse. Alternatively, you can use your mouse scroll wheel.

  • Page 59: Track Mixer Mode

    The Track Mixer section in the display of the MPC hardware In the MPC software, click on the desired channel fader and move your computer mouse up and down. Alternatively you can use your mouse scroll wheel. To view more mixer channels, use the scroll bar below the channel view.
  • Page 60 PAD BANK buttons, you can also select different pad banks to select different sets of 16 channels. In the MPC software, click on the SEND button of the desired channel. Click on one of the SEND knobs of the desired channel and edit its value with your computer mouse. Alternatively, you can use your mouse scroll wheel.
  • Page 61 Next to the send effects, you have access to 8 submix dials which control the volume of the corresponding submix channel. In the Program Mixer, you can route the audio signal to the desired submix bus. Please read more on this on Page 57. Below the Submix section you can find additional master insert effects.

  • Page 62: Track View Mode

    The Track View mode gives you an overview of the tracks of each sequence. Use this mode to edit tracks and sequences simultaneously. To enter the Track View mode, press SHIFT + MAIN/ TRACK on your MPC hardware. In the MPC software, click on the Track View tab in the Upper section.

  • Page 63: Song Mode

    A Project can handle up to 32 songs, each consisting of up to 999 steps. You can create a song by assigning a sequence to each step in the list and also set the number of times the MPC software will repeat the sequence.
  • Page 64 This is useful in live performances, if you need to switch to the next sequence at a certain cue. NEXT jumps to the next sequence at the end of the current sequence. These buttons can be also used in conjunction with HOLD to get the MPC out of a HOLD sequence.

  • Page 65: Next Sequence Mode

    Next Step mode window. On the MPC hardware, start playback by pressing the PLAY button. Use the 16 pads to select the desired sequence. The currently playing pad will be lit solid green. Used sequences are shown in the MPC hardware display with their names;...
  • Page 66 The Next Sequence section in the display of the MPC hardware In the MPC software, you will find all parameters to create a sequence playlist in the lower section of the Next Seq mode window. The Playlist window gives you an overview of all used Sequences in your MPC project as well as the number of bars and the tempo of each sequence.

  • Page 67: Sample Record Mode

    To record a signal, you need to connect a suitable microphone, instrument or sound generator to the MIC IN jacks of your MPC Renaissance. You can also connect a turntable or CD player by using the PHONO IN jacks. If a connected microphone requires phantom power, make sure the PHANTOM POWER switch is set to "on."...
  • Page 68 To adjust the Threshold, use Q-Link knob Q1 on your MPC hardware. With Q3 and Q4 you can set the record time in Minutes and Seconds.
  • Page 69 To reset the peak hold on your MPC hardware, press the F1 or F2 button (Reset Peak). The peak hold is shown as a vertical bar within the Level Meter.

  • Page 70: Sample Edit Mode

    MPC display. In the MPC software, click on the Sample Edit tab in the Upper section. To select a sample for editing, click on the EDIT SAMPLE pop-up menu in the left section below the waveform display and select the desired sample from the Project.
  • Page 71 Use the Q-Link knobs Q13, Q9, Q5 or Q1 of the MPC hardware to adjust the start point of the sample. The smaller the Q-Link knob number, the more precise the adjustment of the start point.
  • Page 72 CHOP mode please refer to the end of this chapter. The description below refers to the TRIM mode only. Use the data dial or the -/+ buttons on your MPC hardware to select a sample for editing. The selected sample name is shown at the top of your display.
  • Page 73 Here you can directly edit various parameters affecting playback and loop functions. On the MPC hardware, you can edit the sample start, the end and the loop start by navigating with the cursor to the corresponding option (Start, Loop, End). Use the data dial or the -/+ buttons for precise editing.
  • Page 74 The Process Sample display for Pitch Shift of the MPC hardware In the MPC software, click on the desired sample editing option. A new window will open. Some options offer additional parameters. To execute a selected option, click on Do It. Otherwise, you can cancel your changes by clicking the Cancel button.
  • Page 75 Exp fades the audio out with an exponential curve. An exponential curve will fall quickly in the beginning, and then flatten out as it reaches the end. • PITCH SHIFT changes the pitch of the sample without changing its length. This is useful when you want to change the pitch of the phrase sample in the sequence without changing the tempo.
  • Page 76 Click on the F1 button (Chop) to activate the Chop mode. Use the Q-Link knobs Q13, Q9, Q5 or Q1 of the MPC hardware to adjust the start point of the sample. The smaller the Q-Link knob number, the more precise the adjustment of the start point.
  • Page 77 Here you can edit various parameters regarding the Chop mode. On the MPC hardware you can select the desired option by navigating with the cursor to the corresponding option (Slice Select, Snap To Zero, Link, Start and End). Use the data wheel or the -/+ buttons for changing the value.
  • Page 78 The CHOP To Section in CHOP Mode This section determines the slicing process. On the MPC hardware, you can select the desired processing option by navigating to the Chop to option with the cursor. Use the data dial or the -/+ buttons for selecting the various Chop to options.
  • Page 79 The PROCESS section in CHOP mode offers an additional option which affects the whole sample regardless of the selected slice. • CONVERT offers three ways of exporting the sliced sample. o Patched Phrase creates a new sample based on your edits done in the Chop mode and places it in the current Project.

  • Page 80: Pad Mute Mode

    In the MPC hardware, the 16 blocks displayed represent the 16 pads. Click on the F1 button (PadMute) to activate Pad Mute Mode. Hit the corresponding pad to mute or unmute the desired sound that is assigned to this pad.
  • Page 81 Up to 16 different mute groups can be created. In the MPC hardware, click on the F2 button (PadGroup) to activate the Pad Group mode. Hit a pad to select it, and use the data dial or -/+ buttons to select the desired group. Pads assigned to a mute group will blink yellow when one of the pads in the group is selected.

  • Page 82: Track Mute Mode

    The Track Mute section in the display of the MPC hardware In the MPC software, select the desired BANK first. Make sure to activate TRACK MUTE Mode in the MODE section. Click the corresponding pad to mute / unmute the desired track that is assigned to it.
  • Page 83 On the MPC hardware, click on the F4 button (Time Div.) to edit the TIME CORRECT value. Press the F5 button (T.C.) to activate or deactivate Time Correct. Press the F6 button (Solo) to solo the selected pad.

  • Page 84: Step Sequence Mode

    In Step Sequence Mode you can create sequences from scratch as well as edit an existing sequence. It also includes further information about your sequence and track settings. To enter Step Sequence Mode, press the STEP SEQ button on your MPC hardware. Working with Step Sequence Mode in the MPC hardware display In your MPC software, click on the Step Seq tab in the Upper section.
  • Page 85 The F-buttons allows you to select the desired value, e.g., with F1 you can select 1/4, with F2 1/8 etc. In the MPC software, you can use the Pad section for step input. Use the TRACK field at the top of the Grid or the TRACK pop-up menu in the TRACK section to select the desired Track first.

  • Page 86: Software Menus

    Some of the MPC software’s menu items let you access features that cannot be accessed with the MPC hardware. Keep in mind that the menu structure of the MPC software differs between a Windows PC and a Mac computer. When loaded as plugin, the Menu button is located to the left of the Main tab.
  • Page 87 • For the render option, you can choose between Master and Separate tracks. Master will render an output that will be the same as the final output from the MPC software. Separate tracks will render at the Track Mixer. The rendered audio will not include Track Sends but will include the Track insert effects.
  • Page 88 The Active Input Channels displays the active installed inputs on your computer system. When the MPC Renaissance is connected and powered on, the two available ports are displayed. By checking the corresponding input, you can select the audio input you want to use.
  • Page 89 When hardware is connected and powered on, the available ports as well as the MPC Public port are displayed. The Midi Mapping lets you define the four Midi Out Port A to D. Here you can select the MIDI output your sequencer data is routed to.
  • Page 90 If checked, Filter All Notes OFF CC can filter all note off data. If you have connected another device to your MPC hardware's MIDI IN, checking this box will cause the MPC software to ignore an "All Notes Off" ("MIDI panic") message. That is, if a MIDI device sending MIDI messages into the MPC hardware sends a MIDI panic message, the software will not stop all notes and will continue as before (recording, for instance).
  • Page 91 A (a soft touch is enough to create a big velocity value) up to D (you have to hit the pad really hard for a high velocity value). With Footswitch 1 and 2, you can select the functionality of a connected footswitch to your MPC hardware. You can either select transport commands (e.g. PLAY; REC+PLAY) or trigger commands for pads and the F(unction) buttons.
  • Page 92 Check for Updates… checks online if a newer version of the MPC software is available. You need an active internet connection to use this function. MPC Help opens this PDF manual. In the Mac MPC software, About MPC and Check for updates are located in the MPC menu.

  • Page 93: Appendix

    6. APPENDIX In this section, you will find some additional tips and useful information regarding the MPC software. 6.1 EFFECTS & PARAMETERS The MPC software offers various effects for processing samples and sound programs. In the following section, you will find a detailed descriptions how to use effects as well as a list of all available effects and their corresponding parameters with a short explanation of each effect.
  • Page 94 Mixer. If you want, you can change where it is routed to any one of the following outputs: the Track Mixer, Submix 1 to 8, paired Out 1,2 to Out 15,16. Keep in mind, that the MPC Renaissance offers the following physical outputs: 1,2 (main out) and 3,4 (assignable). This can be done in Program Mixer mode.
  • Page 95 Use the data dial or -/+ buttons to change the Send Level. In the MPC software, click on the Track Mixer tab in the Upper section. The Master effect section is located on the right end of the Track Mixer.
  • Page 96 The Effect Types: Some effects offer a "sync version", e.g. Flanger Sync, which enables the effect to synchronize to the tempo. Flanger A Flanger is an effect that uses a modulated delay line to emulate a classic effect, formerly produced by running two analog tape machines in parallel with a slight time disalignment. Slow rates can produce a jet engine "whoosh"...
  • Page 97 Chorus 2-voice Parameter Value Range Default Value Q-Link No. Wet/Dry 0 (DRY) - 100 (WET) 100 (WET) Delay 0 - 100 Amount 0 - 100 Width 0 - 100 Feedback 0 - 100 Rate 0 - 100 Autopan This effect uses an LFO to move the incoming signal back and forth across the stereo field, creating a somewhat rotary effect.
  • Page 98 Phaser 1 The Phaser is a classic effect, created by ganged multiple all-pass filters to create "notches", or sharp spikes in the frequency spectrum. The frequencies of these all-pass filters are usually modulated by an LFO to create a sweeping sound. Parameter Value Range Default Value...
  • Page 99 HP Filter Sweep Parameter Value Range Default Value Q-Link No. Wet/Dry 0 (DRY) - 100 (WET) Low Frequency 0 - 100 High Frequency 0 - 100 Resonance 0 - 100 Rate 0 - 100 HP Filter Sync Parameter Value Range Default Value Q-Link No.
  • Page 100 HP Shelving Filter This filter differs from the standard filter type, as it attenuates all frequencies after the cutoff point equally. Parameter Value Range Default Value Q-Link No. Frequency 10 – 19999 Hz 1500 Hz Resonance 0 - 100 Gain -18.0 - 18.0 dB 0.0 dB LP Shelving Filter...
  • Page 101 0 - 100 Gain 1 -18.0 - 18.0 dB 0.0 dB Gain 1 -18.0 - 18.0 dB 0.0 dB Gain 2 -18.0 - 18.0 dB 0.0 dB Gain 4 -18.0 - 18.0 dB 0.0 dB Delay Mono Delays the original signal for a specified period of time and plays it back over an adjustable period of time.
  • Page 102 Delay LP The LP and HP Delay is identical to the Mono Delay, but they use a resonant filter in the delay line. Parameter Value Range Default Value Q-Link No. Wet/Dry 0 (DRY) - 100 (WET) Time 2 - 2000 ms Feedback 0 - 100 Cutoff...
  • Page 103 Delay Tape Sync Tape Delay emulates a delay system using an analog tape loop and a series of tape heads to produce an echo effect. This delay type yields a very distinct echo sound, often heard in reggae and dub-style music. Parameter Value Range Default Value...
  • Page 104 Pan 2 0 - 100 Pan 3 0 - 100 Damping 0 - 100 Gain 1 0 - 100 Gain 2 0 - 100 Gain 3 0 - 100 Distortion Fuzz This popular effect uses hard clipping of the audio signal, which, at extreme settings, can turn a standard waveform into a square wave, producing a "razor"...
  • Page 105 Distortion Custom This effect is a highly customized distortion, capable of a wide range of useable sounds. Parameter Value Range Default Value Q-Link No. Wet/Dry 0 (DRY) - 100 (WET) Drive 0 - 100 +Soft 5 - 75 +Clip 5 - 50 -Soft 5 - 75 -Clip...
  • Page 106 Compressor Opto A compressor is an effect that changes the dynamic range of a signal by automatically reducing its gain. The Opto Compressor is modeled after a vintage compressor type using an optical circuit to control the volume reduction of the input signal. These compressors are usually associated with soft and unobtrusive attack and release characteristics.
  • Page 107 Compressor Master This is the most transparent compressor, able to perform substantial volume adjustments without artifacts. Parameter Value Range Default Value Q-Link No. Wet/Dry 0 (DRY) - 100 (WET) Attack 0 - 100 Release 0 - 100 Threshold -50 – 0 dB 0 dB Ratio 1 - 20...
  • Page 108 Reverb Medium This is a spatial effect, designed to emulate a medium room. Parameter Value Range Default Value Q-Link No. Wet/Dry 0 (DRY) - 100 (WET) Pre-Delay 1 - 100 Early Reflection 0 - 100 Density 0 - 100 Diffuse 0 - 100 Decay 0 - 100...
  • Page 109 Reverb Out Gate This is a hall reverb that has an additional control. The reverb effect is cut off when the output drops below the level set in the OutGate parameter. Parameter Value Range Default Value Q-Link No. Wet/Dry 0 (DRY) – 100 (WET) Pre-Delay 1 –...
  • Page 110 Frequency Shifter A frequency shifter changes the frequencies of an input signal by a fixed amount and alters the relationship of the original harmonics. This can produce a chorus-like effect as well as very crazy artificial timbres. Parameter Value Range Default Value Q-Link No.

  • Page 111: Keyboard Shortcuts

    6.2 KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS Here you will find all computer keyboard shortcuts for the MPC software. Keyboard modifiers Function Command SHIFT (CTRL) (CTRL) Main Grid – Click and drag to Clicking on Drag Lasso Lasso tool copy selected background: events to add to...
  • Page 112 File Menu Function Command (PC) Command (Mac) New Project CTRL + N COMMAND + N New From Template CTRL + SHIFT + N COMMAND + SHIFT + N Save Project CTRL + S COMMAND + S Open Preferences CTRL + , COMMAND + , Edit Menu Function...

  • Page 113: Specifications

    6.3 SPECIFICATIONS Technical overview and specifications of the MPC hardware and software. MPC Renaissance HARDWARE Display 360 x 96 dot graphic LCD w/backlight Dimensions 19.75" x 12.9" x 2.75" (4.9" at max display angle) 502 mm x 328 mm x 70 mm (124 mm at max display angle) (W x D x H) Weight 10.5 lbs.

  • Page 114: Support & Updates

    MPC Software • Maximum events: unlimited (based on computer’s CPU) • Resolution: 960 pulses per 1/4-note • Sequences: 128 • Tracks per sequence: 128 • Drum pads: 16 (velocity- and pressure-sensitive) • Drum pad banks: 8 • Sync mode: MIDI clock, MIDI Time Code •...

  • Page 115: Glossary

    6.5 GLOSSARY To avoid confusion, the terminology in this manual is based on the MPC parameter names. In this glossary you will find the various terms explained. Aftertouch The majority of contemporary keyboards are capable of generating aftertouch messages. On this type of keyboard, when you press harder on a key you are already holding down, a MIDI Aftertouch message is generated.
  • Page 116 Controllers can be used for effects such as slowly swelling vibrato, changing the stereo panning position and influencing filter frequency. Cutoff The cutoff frequency is a significant factor for filters. A low-pass filter for example dampens the portion of the signal that lies above this frequency. Frequencies below this value are allowed to pass through without being processed.
  • Page 117 A Program is a file that contains a list of all samples to be used, and settings for each sample (i.e., pad assignments, loop points, pitch tuning, effects, etc.) The MPC’s PROGRAM EDIT mode is where you can edit and assign samples. The MPC software can have a total of 128 programs in a Project.
  • Page 118 Sample When you tap the pads on your MPC, you can trigger sounds that we call 'samples'. Samples are digitized snippets of audio that can either be recorded using the recording function of your MPC software or loaded from the File Browser.
  • Page 119 The MPC software has a special song mode that allows you to arrange different sections (verse, chorus, hook, etc.) in order to build a song. Each song can have up to 250 parts and the MPC software can hold 20 songs in its memory.

  • Page 120: Manual Addendum V1.1

    Click a feature from the list below to jump to the section of the addendum. NEW FEATURES • Support for Pro Tools: MPC software can now be used as an RTAS plugin in Pro Tools 9 and Pro Tools 10. Pro Tools 10 is recommended for the best performance.
  • Page 121 USING MPC AS AN RTAS PLUGIN You can now use MPC software as an RTAS plugin in Pro Tools 9 and Pro Tools 10. When used as an RTAS plugin, MPC software offers the same features and functionality as the standalone software version.
  • Page 122 Plugin Presets: When Inst is set to PLUGIN and a plugin is selected (Plg field), press MAIN, select the Program field, and then press WINDOW. Loop Measures: When Inst is set to MPC, press MAIN, select the Loop field, and then press WINDOW.
  • Page 123 Click OK when you are finished. SELECTING PLUGINS AND PRESETS WITH THE HARDWARE You can now use the MPC hardware to select your plugins and their presets. To select a plugin, press the MAIN button on your hardware to enter Main Mode. Use the cursor buttons to select the Inst field, and use the data dial or -/+ buttons to select PLUGIN.
  • Page 124 EDITING SEQUENCE LOOP PARAMETERS WITH HARDWARE You can now use the MPC hardware to set the Loop parameters of the sequencer. To edit the sequencer's Loop parameters, press the MAIN button to enter Main Mode, use the cursor buttons to select the Loop field. You can use the data dial or -/+ buttons to select ON or OFF.

  • Page 125: Manual Addendum V1.3

    • Improved "legacy" MPC file importing. • Various bug fixes. FUTURE UPDATES Always be sure you're using the latest version of MPC software by checking for updates. You can do this directly in MPC software's menus: Windows: Help Check for updates…...
  • Page 126 Select to select it or Close to cancel. To make a Plugin Program with your MPC hardware, press MAIN to enter Main Mode. Use the F3 (Track–) and F4 (Track+) buttons to select the Track you want to route to a plugin. Then, use the cursor buttons to select the Type field, and use the data dial or -/+ buttons to select PLUGIN.
  • Page 127 After that, click the Track Mixer Mode icon. You will see channel strips for the Tracks on the left and for the Plugin Programs on the immediate right. Above each channel strip's Pan knob, you will see where its audio is routed. The Tracks you dealt with in the previous step will be routed to the desired plugin.
  • Page 128 Plugin drop-down menu to open that plugin's graphic UI. Custom graphic UIs for included plugins We've made graphic UIs for any plugin that came with your MPC hardware and software. We've made some for a few other popular, supported third-party plugins, as well.
  • Page 129 Tool Select Events When Hitting Pads Select Events is selected, you can hit a pad on your MPC hardware to select all events on that pad in the currently shown Sequence. This option is available in modes where the grid is shown.
  • Page 130 You can also use MPC Renaissance or MPC Studio to manage Programs more easily. To delete, create, or copy a Program with your MPC hardware, press MAIN to enter Main Mode. Use the cursor buttons to select the Pgm field, and then press WINDOW. In the Edit Program window that appears, press F2 (Delete) to delete the Program, F3 (New) to create a new Program, F4 (Copy) to copy the Program, and F5 (Close) to cancel.
  • Page 131 TRACK MIXER MODE REDESIGN We redesigned some features of Track Mixer Mode window. Showing/hiding channel strips: You can now show or hide (1) unused Tracks' channel strips (those with no note events) and (2) plugins through which your tracks are routed. To show or hide unused Tracks' channel strips, click the + icon to the left of the channel strips or in the upper left corner of the grid.
  • Page 132 We redesigned some features of the Preferences window. Access this window by doing the following: • Windows: Click the Edit menu, and select Preferences. • Mac: Click the MPC menu, and select Preferences. Hardware tab Several settings from the Other tab in earlier versions are now on a dedicated Hardware tab.
  • Page 133 Pro Tools). To set this up, click the Help menu in the MPC software, and select Set Up MMC Control. A PDF will open with instructions for setting it up with select host DAWs.
  • Page 134 MPC HARDWARE: ZOOM CONTROL You can now use your MPC hardware to zoom in and out of the grid. In the software, you would do this by adjusting the sliders next to the vertical and horizontal scroll bars. To zoom in and out of the grid, press and hold the SHIFT button and use the up and down cursor buttons (to zoom vertically) or the left and right cursor buttons (to zoom horizontally).
  • Page 135 MPC STUDIO Q-LINK KNOB INDICATOR Because MPC Studio has 4 Q-Link knobs (whereas MPC Renaissance has 16), the SCROLL knob allows you to select which row/column of 4 parameters, channels, etc. the Q-Link knobs are currently controlling (shown below). This indicator is present in the upper left corner of the MPC Studio display only in certain modes.
  • Page 136 WWW.AKAIPRO.COM...

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