AKAI MPK249 Performance Keyboard Controller User Guide
- October 27, 2023
- AKAI
Table of Contents
MPK249 Setup Guide
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The Akai MPK2 series controllers combine deep software integration, enhanced
workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The
MPK225, MPK249, and MPK261 are engineered to be all-in-one controller
solutions for comprehensive interfacing and manipulation of virtual
instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. This guide walks through how to
set up the MPK2 series controller with Ableton Live.
MPK2 Series Hardware Setup
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First, connect the Akai MPK2 series controller to an available USB port on your computer using the supplied cable and power the controller on.
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Press the PRESET button and use the data dial to scroll to Preset: 1 LiveLite. Press the PUSH TO ENTER knob.
Note: The presets, preset names, and order of presets may vary depending on the specific model. -
Press the GLOBAL button to enter the Global settings menu. Press the right arrow key until the display reads Clock Source: Use the rotary knob to select External.
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Hit the right arrow key until the display reads Save Globals. Press the PUSH TO ENTER knob to save the settings. The display will flash. When this is complete, the display will read.
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Press the PRESET button to return to the preset screen.
Ableton Live Lite Software Setup
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First, connect the Akai MPK2 series controller to an available USB port on your computer using the supplied cable, and launch Ableton Live Lite.
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Next, open the Ableton Live Lite Preferences window. Choose your Audio Device in the Audio tab. This will be dependent upon the audio interface that you are using. MAC: Select Live > Preferences or use the key command shortcut – [Command + comma] PC: Select Options > Preferences or use the key command shortcut – [Control + comma]
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Select the MIDI / Sync tab from the left side of the window. Within the MIDI Ports section, adjust the settings as suggested below: Next to Input: MPK249, toggle On the button in the Track,
Sync and Remote columns as shown in the image below. Next to Output: MPK249, toggle On the button in the Track, Sync, and Remote columns as shown in the image below.
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Next, at the top of the window under Control Surface, choose MPK49 from the drop-down list in row 1. The MPK series controllers are back-compatible with the MPK series controllers in Ableton Live 9 Lite. Also, choose MPK249 from the Input and Output drop-down menus in row 1.
Virtual Instruments and Plugins
Note for Windows users only: If you have difficulty locating your plugin in your PlugIns category within Ableton Live Lite, be sure Ableton Live Lite is reading plugins from the correct location where your plugin is installed. To do this:
- Open the Preferences menu in Ableton Live 9 Lite MAC: Select Live > Preferences or use the key command shortcut – [Command + comma] PC: Select Options > Preferences or use the key command shortcut – [Control + comma]
- Choose the File Folder tab
- Under the heading Plug-In Sources: Toggle On the button next to Use VST Plug-In Custom Folder Note the location under VST Plug-In Custom Folder.
- If this location is not set correctly, next to VST Plug-In Custom Folder, choose Browse, browse to the correct folder, and press OK.
Default Plugin Installation Locations
AIR Hybrid 3 Default Installation Locations:
Windows: 32-bit: C: Program Files (x86)VstPlugins 64-bit: C: Program
Filesvstplugins Mac: (AU): Macintosh HD > Library > Audio > Plugins >
Components (VST): Macintosh HD > Library > Audio > Plugins > VST
SONiVOX Twist 2 Default Installation Locations:
Windows: 32-bit: C:Program Files (x86)SONiVOXVstPlugins 64-bit: C:Program
Filesvstplugins Mac : (AU): Macintosh HD > Library > Audio > Plugins >
Components (VST): Macintosh HD > Library > Audio > Plugins > VST
SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Default Installation Locations:
Windows: 32-bit and 64-bit: C:Program Files (x86)SONiVOXVstPlugins Mac:
(AU): Macintosh HD > Library > Audio > Plugins > Components (VST): Macintosh
HD > Library > Audio > Plugins > VST