User Guide English Manual Version 1.
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 ..........
Transport Controls .................................................................................. 20 Note Repeat ............................................................................................ 20 Arpeggiator .............................................................................................. 21 Pitch-Bend Wheel ................................................................................... 22 Modulation Wheel ....................................................................
Program Change Mode ............................................................................. 28 Program Change ..................................................................................... 29 Program Change with Bank Change ...................................................... 29 Features ...................................................................................................... 30 Top Panel ............................................................................................
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.
Quick Setup / Connection Diagram Wall Power Sustain Pedals or Footswitches (optional) (optional) Expression Pedal (optional) External MIDI Sound Module Computer (optional) Items not listed under the Box Contents are sold separately. Important note for Mac OS X users: The first time you connect MPK261 to your computer, you will see a Keyboard Setup Assistant message saying that your keyboard cannot be identified. Do not click Continue.
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. Edit Mode lets you to edit MPK261's configuration—how the keyboard, pads, knobs, faders, buttons, and other features behave.
Preset Mode In Preset Mode, you can load, save, copy, and rename Presets. A Preset is a collection of information about how the faders, knobs, buttons, and pads will behave. 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." To load a Preset: 1. Press Preset to enter Preset Mode. 2. Turn the Value Dial to select the desired Preset, which will appear in the display. 3.
To name or rename a Preset: 1. Press Preset to enter Preset Mode. 2. Press the Right Cursor button so Store Program appears in the display. 3. Press the Down Cursor button to select the Name field. The first letter of the name will blink. 4. Turn the Value Dial to change the blinking character, and use the Left Cursor and Right Cursor buttons to move between the characters. 5. To save the Preset name when you are finished, press the Value Dial. To cancel the operation, press Preset.
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. To navigate Edit Mode: 1. Press Edit to enter Edit Mode. 2. Select a control to edit (fader, pad, button, etc.) by moving or pressing it. The selected control and its editable parameters will appear in the display.
Keyboard Important: Global Mode contains other parameters that affect the keyboard but are saved only with global settings and not with the current Preset. See the Global Mode: Keyboard section for more information. MIDI Channel: This setting determines over which MIDI channel the messages are sent. The available settings are Common, USB A1–A16, and USB B1–B16. Octave: The keyboard's octave setting. The available range is -3 to +3, with 0 as the center octave.
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. If this is set to On, the following additional parameters will be available. (A refers to the zone on the left side of the Split Note. B refers to the zone on the right side of the Split Note.
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. Tip: For more information about Program Change and Program Bank messages, please see the Program Change Mode chapter of this guide.
MSB / LSB: If Program Change or Program Bank is the selected Type, these determine the MSB (Most Significant Bit) and LSB (Least Significant Bit). The available range is 000–127. Tip: For more information about Program Change and Program Bank messages, please see the Program Change Mode chapter of this guide. 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.
Assignable Knobs Type: The type of message that will be sent. The available settings are MIDI CC, Aftertouch (Aft), Increment/Decrement 1 (Inc/Dec1), and Increment/Decrement 2 (Inc/Dec2). MIDI Channel: This setting determines over which MIDI channel the messages are sent. The available settings are Common, USB A1–A16, and USB B1–B16. CC Number: If MIDI CC or Inc/Dec2 is the selected Type, this determines the MIDI CC number. The available range is 000–127.
Assignable Faders Type: The type of message that will be sent. The available settings are MIDI CC and Aftertouch (Aft). Important: Aftertouch refers to MIDI information sent when pressure is applied to a key or pad after it has been played and while it is being held down. Aftertouch is often used to control volume, vibrato and other parameters. MIDI Channel: This setting determines over which MIDI channel the messages are sent. The available settings are Common, USB A1–A16, and USB B1–B16.
Assignable Switches and DAW Control Type: The type of message that will be sent. The available settings are CC, Note, Program Change (PrgChange), Program Bank (PrgBank), and Keystroke. MIDI Channel: This setting determines over which MIDI channel the messages are sent. The available settings are Common, USB A1–A16, and USB B1–B16. CC Number: If CC is the selected Type, this determines the MIDI CC number. The available range is 000–127.
Program Number (Pgm): If PrgChange or PrgBank is the selected Type, this determines the Program number. The available range is 000–127. Tip: For more information about Program Change and Program Bank messages, please see the Program Change Mode chapter of this guide. MSB / LSB: If PrgChange or PrgBank is the selected Type, these determine the MSB (Most Significant Bit) and LSB (Least Significant Bit). The available range is 000–127.
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. Time Division: The division of the master tempo or external clock.
Transport Controls Type: The type of message that will be sent. The available settings are MMC, MMC/MIDI 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.
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. • Down: Notes will sound from the highest to lowest. • Inclusive (Incl): Notes will sound from the lowest to the highest, then back down. The lowest and highest notes will sound twice at the direction change.
Pitch-Bend Wheel MIDI Channel: This setting determines over which MIDI channel the messages are sent. The available settings are 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. The available settings are Common, USB A1–A16, and USB B1–B16.
Footswitch Inputs Type: The type of message that will be sent. The available settings are MIDI CC, Tap Tempo, Play, Record, Stop, Play/Stop, Arp/Seq, and Sustain. MIDI Channel: This setting determines over which MIDI channel the messages are sent. The available settings are Common, USB A1–A16, and USB B1–B16. MIDI CC: If MIDI CC is the selected Type, this determines the MIDI CC number number. The available range is 000–127.
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: 1. Press Global to enter Global Mode. 2. In each page of Global Mode: • Use the Up Cursor and Down Cursor buttons to move through the parameters on the current page. • Use the Left Cursor and Right Cursor buttons to move between different pages.
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.).
Pads Important: Edit Mode contains other parameters that affect the pads but are saved only with the Preset, not with the global settings. See the Edit Mode: Pads section for more information. Pad Threshold: The velocity threshold to trigger the pads. The available range is 0–15. This can help prevent false triggering or make it easier to trigger the pads. Velocity Curve: The pads' velocity curve. The available settings are Linear, Exp1, Exp2, Log1, and Log2.
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. Prog: ___ Sent will appear to confirm the Program was sent successfully. Utilities Contrast: The display's contrast. The available range is 0 to 99.
Program Change Mode A Program Change, often referred to as a Patch Change, is a MIDI message from one device to another that causes the latter to switch to a new program. Using Program Change messages, MPK261 can tell another hardware or software device which sound to play. 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.
Program Change MIDI Channel: This setting determines over which MIDI channel the messages are sent. The available settings are Common, USB A1–A16, and USB B1–B16. Program Number: This determines the Program number that will be sent. The available range is 000–127. Please refer to your external MIDI device's documentation for information on its available programs. MIDI to DIN: Determines whether or not MIDI data is sent to the MIDI Out (On) or not (Off).
Features Top Panel 18 19 3 4 21 17 5 20 17 17 6 7 17 8 9 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 16 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 28 28 28 28 2 2 15 15 15 14 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 1 1. Keyboard: This 61-note keyboard is velocity-sensitive and, in conjunction with the Octave Up/Down buttons, can control a ten-octave range. 2. Octave +/– : Use these buttons to shift the keyboard's range up or down. The display will indicate the current octave.
6. Arp On/Off: Press this button to enable or disable the internal Arpeggiator whose rate is based on the current Tempo and Time Division settings. The Arpeggiator will function on notes being played on the keyboard only. Note: You can also sync the Arpeggiator to an internal or external MIDI Clock source. 7. Latch: Press this button to activate or deactivate the Arpeggiator's Latch feature.
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. 15.
21. DAW Control: You can configure these buttons to send HID (Human Interface Device) messages to your DAW (digital audio workstation—your music software). To learn how to do this, please see the Edit Mode: Assignable Switches and DAW Control section. Tip: You can save time by configuring these controls to send your most-often-used commands to your software (e.g., copy, paste, save, zoom, etc.). 22. Preset: Press this button to enter Preset Mode where you can select and load different Presets (or Programs).
Rear Panel 1. Power Input: If you do not want to use a computer in your setup (i.e., if you are using MPK261 to control an external MIDI module), connect MPK261's power input to a power outlet using an optional power adapter (6V DC, 1A, centerpositive, sold separately). Alternatively, you can connect MPK261's USB Port to a power outlet using a standard USB charger (sold separately). 4 2 1 3 5 6 7 8 9 9 2.
7. 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. 8. Expression Pedal Input: Connect an optional 1/4" TRS expression pedal to this input. 9. Footswitch Input: Connect an optional 1/4" TS sustain pedal or footswitch to this input.
Appendix Mode Parameters Edit Mode To edit a control's parameters, press Edit then move or press that control.
Control Parameter Settings Assignable Pads Type MIDI Channel Program Number MIDI to DIN On Color Program Change Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 000–127 On, Off Off, Red, Orange, Amber, Yellow, Green, Green Blue, Aqua, Light Blue, Blue, Purple, Pink, Hot Pink, Light Purple, Light Green, Light Pink, Grey Off, Red, Orange, Amber, Yellow, Green, Green Blue, Aqua, Light Blue, Blue, Purple, Pink, Hot Pink, Light Purple, Light Green, Light Pink, Grey (continued) Off Color Type MIDI Channel Program (Pgm) MSB
Control Parameter Settings Assignable Knobs Type MIDI CC MIDI Channel Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 CC Number 000–127 MIDI to DIN On, Off Min 000–127 Max 000–127 Type Aftertouch MIDI Channel Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 Min 000–127 Max 000–127 MIDI to DIN On, Off Type Inc/Dec1 MIDI Channel Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 MSB 000–127 LSB 000–127 MIDI to DIN On, Off Value 000–127 Type Inc/Dec2 MIDI Channel Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 CC Number 000–127 MIDI to D
Control Parameter Settings Assignable Switches Type MIDI Channel CC Number MIDI to DIN Mode Invert CC Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 000–127 On, Off Momentary, Toggle On, Off Type MIDI Channel Note Velocity (Velo) MIDI to DIN Mode Note Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 C-1 to G9 000–127 On, Off Momentary, Toggle Type MIDI Channel Program Number MIDI to DIN Program Change (PrgChange) Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 000–127 On, Off Type MIDI Channel Program (Pgm) MSB LSB MIDI to DIN Program Bank (PrgBa
Control Parameter Settings Tempo BPM 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% Type MMC, MMC/MIDI Clock, MIDI Real Time, MIDI CC, Pro Tools Express (PTEX) Transport Controls MIDI to DIN On, Off Time Division 1/4, 1/4T, 1/8, 1/8T, 1/16, 1/16T, 1/32, 1/32T Mode Momentary, Toggle Gate 00–99% Swing 50–75% Type Up, Up Double, Down, Down Double, Inclusive (Incl), Inclusive (Incl) Double, Exclusive (Excl), Exclusive (Excl) Double, Random (
Control Parameter Settings Footswitch 1&2 Type MIDI CC 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 Expression Pedal Mode Momentary, Toggle MIDI Channel Common, USB A1–A16, USB B1–B16 MIDI CC 000–127 Max 000–127 Min 000–127 MIDI to DIN On, Off 41
Global Mode To edit these parameters, press Global and use the Left Cursor and Right Cursor buttons to move through the pages.
Program Change Mode To edit these parameters, press Program Change and use the Value Dial to switch between Program Change and Program Bank.
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" (6.35mm) TRS expression pedal input 2 1/4" (6.
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. Mac and OS X are trademarks or service marks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other product or company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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