MPC LIVE Connecting to Computer for the First Time (Controller Mode)

Setting up the MPC LIVE to work in controller mode for the first time on my PC computer. Run through MIDI inputs, Audio inputs, Audio outputs from my L-12 all to work with my MPC 2 software.
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[@Ron197704]

you helped me a lot Matt. Love this thing!

[@MatthewStratton]

Glad to help out!

[@digitalkmultimedia]

Matthew thank you so much. I was confused about how to get my MPC One Standalone projects stored on my SD CARD to load into the MPC Computer Software. I assumed it would be loaded from the PC menus (sort of like the PC is the master and the MPC One is the slave). But you showed that its loaded via the MPC One browser! Thanks a ton. Was driving me crazy until I saw your video. I also learned on my own that the SD Card drive won't show up in Controller mode. But I just ejected it and inserted into my PC, copied the project and opened it from there.

[@MatthewStratton]

That is weird that your SD card doesn't show up in controller mode, but I am glad the video helped you!

[@keith303]

@@MatthewStratton are you sure it's weird? does a USB / SD Card drive show up in controller mode with your LIVE? isn't it the internal sata drive that showed up on your side? SD card drive doesn't show up with my MPC ONE in controller mode as well.

[@keith303]

appears to be normal behaviour for the one. i also have to juggle with my SD card from MPC One to PC when in controller mode... true bummer.

[@MatthewStratton]

@@keith303 it is normal behaviour for the mpc one. It isnt normal behaviour for the mpc live.

[@MatthewStratton]

@@keith303 on the mpc live any sata,usb drive, or SD card shows up in the computer in controller mode (not the built in "interna"l drive). Not the case with the mpc one. Nothing shows up.

[@qtthagod]

this video really helped me out! Thanks man!!!

[@MatthewStratton]

Nice! Thanks for sharing.

[@romainleroy4575]

Thanks buddy , answered all my questions before i even asked!

[@MatthewStratton]

Nice, glad I could help.

[@tesorotesoro1654]

Just found u .nice one ,made some sense .new to mpcx....

[@babysunn2]

Thanks For That Entertaining Perfectly Paced Breakdown of Setting The MPC into The PC... Could You Please Show How It Can Be Ran With FL Studio 20, THAT WOULD MEAN THE WORLD TO ME... Musically.😃

[@herb39hs]

Bro I'm having a hard time connecting my mpc live to the software for MacBook Pro keep tell me it can't unlock this version been trying for last 6 months any suggestions

[@fiscaldisco5234]

Thank you so much! I have a zoom R16 and was wondering if I could use all the inputs with the MPC somehow

[@davidbradford7076]

Thanks Matt you helped me with my Mpc One

[@MatthewStratton]

You’re welcome 🙂

[@yahslimitlessvisionoftruth3336]

Do you have a video that shows how to add a mixer to the mpc live? I want use my mic as will with the mpc live via mixer.

[@indicastrain4127]

Another great vid. Question for you.. if you were to unplug the audio cables from the Blofeld, would the audio from the recorded track still be heard? Or does it not matter once you've recorded it? Sorry if my question doesn't make much sense or if it's a total noob question.

[@MatthewStratton]

The blofeld is being trigger with midi notes. So if you unplug the audio cables then you wouldn't hear it. You can record the blofeld to audio tracks. Then you could unplug it and still hear the sound of the blofeld.

[@didnotplay]

Hey Matt, thanks for the tutorial. This was really helpful. There's one problem I still have though... When I am in controller mode, I cannot get the "clips" (sequencer mode) to play the same as they would in standalone mode.. Normally, in standalone, I would hit pads in a "clip" kit and they start playing loops; but for some reason in controller mode, when I hit pads in a clip kit nothing happens. I'm using logic pro x by the way; every regular kit works.. just not the sequence loops for some reason. If you could help me that would be amazing!

[@jmfhsmith4923]

This explains a lot. But I have a question. I like to make some beats with my Boss DR-660 and I know I can sync that up and use it to trigger drums in the MPC, but could I still do that in controller mode, or would I need a separate midi interface?

[@vlove888]

Thanks for the vid! Question, the audio tracks you record in the mpc live do they transfer over to the pc in controller mode?

[@MatthewStratton]

Yes. All the audio tracks transfer in controller mode. If you use more than 8 audio tracks in the software and go to standalone then only 8 show up in standalone.

[@therainmaka6455]

Thanks Matt 🙌🏾

[@cresshead]

Q. so you connected was the usb cable and it carries the midi signals and audio outs to your mixer?

[@staystoosh9119]

Hello Matthew, I was wondering if you known if I can use the mpc live/touch as a step sequencer drum machine via midi with say reason or fruity loops? Ta mate

[@allabouttheclassics9522]

+1

[@Trig231]

I'm having a hard time transferring my unfinished tracks that's in my internal files to the software 2.3. I have a SD card but its only uploading one part of my tracks can someone please help me out. I'm trying to put my whole project up.

[@MrBoxxed]

Super helpful :)

[@MatthewStratton]

Nice!

[@JUKETASTRAFE]

Thank you bro 👌🏿😎

[@adelinrapcore]

can i use my mpc one as a controller for ableton? i know it can work for mpc live and x but there is no option in the menu, on my mpc one, for live control

[@evatonthomas2917]

I've been trying to put my Mpc one in controller mode for 2 weeks now and I'm unable to do it. It's just looking for the computer. I have the software a drivers installed. I'm so confused.....please help me

[@dare2win215]

Same!

[@cengosengul3854]

Same here

[@hansummm]

I figured it out. You have to download the latest firmware update and then the MPC one or MPC X driver. which ever you are using. This will fix the issue

[@kaizerbutler7329]

@@hansummm i cant seem to find the Mpc one drivers man.... need a little help locating if possible. Been on the internet for a few days now trying to find it

[@kenzoblytheproducertv4934]

My man I’m just now going to try and use the software daw on my mpc x in controller mode,I been in stand alone for 2 years lol...What do I got to download to get the software?Im confused with all this firmware lingo etc on Akai site,now I see why I stayed in stand alone mode lol... Help me out my man...

[@rayoneal8391]

Great video! Looking to get the MPC X and I wanted to be sure I knew how to connect it with my computer audio interface. So just to be sure I understood what you did...The audio from the drums is routed from the audio outs on the MPC to the audio ins on the Zoom? The software is used to manage the ins and outs of the Zoom and playback is heard via the monitor outputs on the zoom, did I get that right?

[@MatthewStratton]

Hello. So the I used the Zoom L-12 in place of the audio inputs and outputs of the MPC LIVE. So I can use all the inputs from the L-12 except 11/12 because those are routed to the monitor outputs of the mpc software. I am using the MIDI ports from the mpc live which I had to route in the software.

[@rayoneal8391]

@@MatthewStratton Ok, now I see what you did. Do the audio outputs and inputs still function in controller mode on the MPC?

[@MatthewStratton]

@@rayoneal8391 Yes. But you have to select the correct MPC LIVE driver in the software settings.

[@BladeTheMotovlogger]

Does anyone know why some of the new MPC's have that MCS sticker and some do not? I bought an MPC X and a Live 2 and neither one has that sticker. I can't find any documentation anywhere regard this. Do the ones with the sticker have a different processor or something?

[@ozcandurmusoglu]

I had the same problem with midi my Mpc1, now i have something to try new, one more thing Matt, what is the mixer in front of monitor? looks good

[@chrisalvarez9147]

Hi Matthew. Do I need an audio interface to connect an MPC to a computer and use the software or will it work with just the usb. Thank you for all the videos. They help a lot!

[@MatthewStratton]

The MPC LIVE works as an audio interface when in controller mode.

[@CrossCenteredRecords]

@@MatthewStratton for some reason my one keeps searching for the computer.

[@MatthewStratton]

@@CrossCenteredRecords sometimes a different USB cable will help with this.

[@pierrojackson1761]

i synced my computer and the mpc but those leads, trap drums are not there what to do

[@PoseidonProduction]

Please I need help. I have a macbook air and I have tried to use the mpc software with my mpc live 1 but it wont recognize it at all. I have updated everything but when I turn on the software then put my mpc in controller mode nothing happens, it sits on the red screen forever.

[@aanonymousallswell5418]

Why won't my 2.0 usb port in my laptop not connect with the Live. Do I need 3.0 or 3.1?

[@owenkitto27]

It seems that the MPC only shows if you remove all the other usb devices on a mac I have a power usb 3 hub surely this would still work

[@CibiCaldi]

Hi, I recently got an MPC Live 2, I have a problem to make the machine communicate with the software, basically after typing on the menu at the top right of the MPC cip I choose controller mode, the machine communicates with the software but remains in Looking for computer with the pink screen and does not allow me to use the pads and the rest of the machine physically. What can I do? (I have also updated the firmware to the latest version)

[@Flawdaboishawn]

How do i get pass the looking for computer section, its not going back into stand alone mode fir me to see it on the computer like yours did what am i doing wrong?

[@thahomie773]

Hey Matthew I haven’t set mines up yet but can I use a i5 desktop or laptop for the Mpc software

[@MatthewStratton]

Should be able to. My tablet has i5 and it works fine.

[@dendriloquist]

could you have a tutorial about how to get the MPC Live connected with USB hooked up and synced. Im having huge latency problems :S yayyyyks ;)

[@agaleas76]

Every time I put the MPC in controller mode, it says on my computer that there is a driver error and that it’s out of date but my mpc 2.0 is all up to date. I still haven’t purchased loom and it says on Akai that I need to purchase this? Is this the reason why it won’t let me go into controller mode?

[@agaleas76]

I’ve already installed and redeemed the ILOK activation code

[@C3rul3an]

Nice video man! Anyone knows how format the internal drive? I installed the plugins (hype, solina...) in the internal drive, noob mistake, how can i remove those plugins from there?

[@djtuff1000]

matt when i try to go update it shows reset on left and legal info on right it doesnt show up date

[@ScharfeSalami]

How often can i download the mpc software for the pc - and - if i sell the mpc (i guess my account/email is added to the serial number of the mpc) can i still usw the software and - also the new owner of my mpc?

[@waliedariefdien7209]

Heyy Matt, when entering controller mode, is there anyway to access the Internal Drive of the MPC Live and play it on your Computer directly from that drive, or would I have to save the file onto an external drive first eg. a flash drive or SD Card?

[@MatthewStratton]

Hello. There is no way to access the internal drive in controller mode. You need to save your project on external drive first.

[@waliedariefdien7209]

@@MatthewStratton ok cool, thnx so much Matt

[@filipswiniarski7388]

Hi, where i can find Mpc Beats .dll file to put it into Ableton?

[@sjcrecords556]

When the Akai MPC live 2 the akku is not work anymore ? you use the usb cable?

[@laricohines2772]

Hey buy doing this I don't have to download the 2.7 software because I'm running the 2.0 software and that's the one I want to keep I gotten a new computer in I dont want bugged software on it like they said the 2.7 has just asking

[@vinylselektaz6475]

Can I use the MPC Live the same way a MPC studio can be used ? Meaning can I just connected via usb with out using the power supply ?

[@MatthewStratton]

Yes and no. No you can't use it the same way as a MPC Studio because it needs a lot of power. Even the MPC Touch needs a power cable as well as USB cable to use. Yes, you could technically use the battery in the MPC LIVE for a few hours in controller mode.

[@vinylselektaz6475]

Matthew Stratton Ok, I understand what your are saying. Thank you.

[@bboymac84]

Cult Snarez the live is plug and play, just update firmware and will always be good.

[@DL-1]

Once in controller mode can you drag and drop files from the mpc live 2 back into the pc?

[@nilssalewski304]

hey mathew, thanks for all you super tutorials. so my problem is that my MPC life 2 dosnt run the MIDI driver with my computer, it says invalid serial number, and wrote an ip adress on the screen from the driver window??? i would run the MPC live 2 with ableton over vst plugin ...so need i midi driver for that? and why does my computer gives nothing outover ableton? when i configure it like all them said? its horiible this maschine i hope i learn it quik

[@nilssalewski304]

so i found some, first: in MPC LIVE 2 you can run MPC control over Ableton via VST but very important is that you start ableton first( MPC software ist off at that time),2. istall the vst and than you have to start the vst (in ableton midi sequenz fild)and it will start the MPC software automaticly ( mpc is in controlermode waiting) than it runs another thing is, link is allredy running but without wifi i think??? bacause the link button in abloton can be start and it runs at the moment. so maybi you didnt need that ethernet adatror thing? cause the software Ableton get the internet from the pc directly? so it runs i can use now MPC controlermode and MPC software with over a dozends outputs in ableton an i have got the full midi control over MPC in controller mode, perfect but it has cost minimum 7 hours cause my english is middle...im german ok hope you can youse that peace NILS

[@cdot803]

Thanks man. How do I set up the MPC one midi input while Inside Logic Pro X? I don’t see it as an option in the MPC software. I’m not sure where to look in Logic

[@Gukbot]

Did you figure this out? 🧐

[@cdot803]

Gukbot no!!! I just stopped trying and used my MPC Renaissance. Let me know if you can help or send me a link to another video

[@Gukbot]

Will do! 👍🏻

[@skylerdarkavelifinesseflow7115]

Just got a new laptop and followed the steps but when I click on the icon to open. It doesn't open. Even after It said run MPC

[@Hitnrun69ify]

Hey Matt, which cross pad is that on your desk?

[@MatthewStratton]

I believe you are referring to the korg kaoss pad kp3.

[@BeatzOnCleatz]

Does the mpc live come with the computer software as well or do you have to buy it separately?

[@MatthewStratton]

The MPC LIVE comes with the software. All you have to do is register your MPC LIVE on the akaipro website and you get access to the software and a bunch of expansions to load into the software.

[@BeatzOnCleatz]

Matthew Stratton nice! Thanks for the quick reply. I’m totally sold after watching this video. Time to save up!

[@davebass9990]

Hi Matt,hey I did all the Updates and Upgrades for Software and Firmware,and they both display as Version 2.6,but when I connect it to my PC,the MPC Live screen just keeps saying "Searching for Computer" indefinitely,but the screen on my HP monitor says "Drives SSD detected" and I can see the window that contains my projects from the MPC Live,but I never get the controller screen like you get. Have you ever had that happen to you? Any ideas what's going wrong? Thanks.

[@MatthewStratton]

Hello. In addition to updating the software and firmware you need to update the driver for your mpc too. It is in the software install. Pick the correct mpc and then install the driver.

[@tooflybeatz4097]

So in order to use the mpc one after you paid 900 for it you have to then buy the mpc2 software?

[@charismaticweirdo]

No , software comes free

[@yahslimitlessvisionoftruth3336]

Hey Matt thanks for the video. I updated my MPC Software to 2.7 and now I'm having a issue putting the Hardware in Control Mode. The screen says "looking for computer" while the computer open up the files on a flash drive I had connected to the Live. I even disconnected the Live from computer removed the external flash drive and repeated the MPC Live.,Computer connection and still same message on the screen of the MPC Live "Looking for Computer". Any suggestions before I call Akai?

[@MatthewStratton]

Make sure you update the drivers for you device too. A lot of the time people forget to do that when upgrading the firmware and software. All 3 need to be updated: software, firmware, and drivers. Hope that helps.

[@yahslimitlessvisionoftruth3336]

@@MatthewStratton hey thx. Do you have a video that covers that. It's been a minute since I've updated the Live I'm using 2.5 still?

[@Joebabylon]

@@MatthewStratton Thank you but when I update the MPC (after downloading the zip from Akai site) it only says "Update MPC" so it's as if it updates everything at once. I can't see how to go back and just update drivers?

[@HerbSoolLLC]

any fixes? it just keeps saying looking for computer

[@TruthDoesntHurt]

Do you have the direct link to the software download?

[@goyoone8991]

Bro damn how much will u charge me to come help me set my audio up..lol...been having trouble w my mpc one audio preferences...I'm not recieveing any audio and when I press the test button its doesn't detect any either..its weird because I'm able to work and make beats already and I can also export audio without a problem...I can't figure it out....really would like to get this done so I can start using the audio feature on the mpc 2.8 software...I jumped from the mpc studio 1.9 to the mpc one 2.8 so yea I'm eager to get that going

[@dangduongg87]

How can I use a keyboard controller with mpc live in controller mode?

[@MatthewStratton]

Plug your controller into the computer/live and select the input of it in the midi tab of the preferences window.

[@dankpizzle77]

Hey Matt .. where can I find the drivers for MPC INSTALLER for the controller option? I can’t seem like to locate it

[@MatthewStratton]

It is in the MPC software installer. When you install you pick what device you are using (mpc live, mpc x, mpc studio, ect) and then you can choose to install the drivers for that device.

[@dankpizzle77]

Matthew Stratton thanks man ... BIGTIME 🙏🏿

[@cesarqzda]

Why is it that all the mpc x samples/sounds disappear when I do computer mode. I am trying to use the mpc x with the mpc vst on Ableton Live so the mpc can do my drums but everything is missing! Help! Love the video btw thank you

[@MatthewStratton]

You have to download the expansions from you akai pro login and install them in your computer to access them in the software.

[@cesarqzda]

Matthew Stratton you are the man! Thanks!

[@BushaManNH]

SO WILL THIS ONLY WORK WITH AN INTERFACE??? I keep getting "looking for computer" as well...

[@MatthewStratton]

Do you have the updated software, firmware, and drivers installed?

[@sammgold1603]

On windows open "Task Manager" go to "services" and look for "MPCOneAudioDevMon" or the name of your device, right click on it and hit "restart".

[@lifendeathchzlife5159]

What happened to the screen that you got showing on the thumbnail? I'm stuck on searching for computer, it want do anything else, and yes it's plugged up.

[@MatthewStratton]

The screen goes away once the computer software recognizes your MPC Live.

[@lifendeathchzlife5159]

@@MatthewStratton you think I'm screwing up in the file explorer part?

[@SuperHonkyPodcast]

For some reason my MPC isn't detecting the computer when I plug it in with the provided USB cable. I have the firmware updated and was able to do that using my computer with the USB cable. So I'm completely confused why my MPC is acting like it's not connected to the computer. My MPC gets stuck on a screen where it says it cannot detect computer and there's a button to force the MPC back into standalone mode. Any ideas? I have an MPC X

[@Trig231]

Download your drives in your file.

[@MatthewStratton]

In the MPC software installer there are drivers for the MPC LIVE. Click on the mpc live in the installer and install the latest drivers. See if that helps.

[@Trig231]

@@MatthewStratton How do you transfer your unfinished track MPC 2.3 I have a sd card and I saved what I thought was my whole track but it's only uploading a half a track.

[@SuperHonkyPodcast]

@@MatthewStratton I just ordered a new computer (Alienware Aurora R7) with upgraded RTX 2080 Ti graphics card and I9 processor. I'm waiting on that to get delivered before I finally try to get my MPC X working with a computer. I also have Komplete 12 Ultimate just SITTING since I purchased it months ago and have yet to use it. **rubs hands together** I can't WAIT! In the meantime, I have been making AWESOME music regardless with the MPC X in standalone mode for the last couple months. Thanks for your comment, will update reply once I get the new rig setup.

[@jbritton3784]

Mpc live keeps saying looking for computer. Pink screen of frustration on the mpc. Please help and answer me

[@Mellowisacolour]

I've been having the same issue, so frustrating. I even did all the updates needed

[@jbritton3784]

Mellow I found it!! Re install your mpc and down load eything that deals with your mpc live!! Once it’s downloaded and hooked hooked up your mpc find it on its own. The screen will go blank and then come back on and read everything your pressing! Just make sure when your done. You hit the screen button where the mpc chip would sit. Press that and it’ll go back to the standalone version and then your able to shut everything off.

[@Mellowisacolour]

@@jbritton3784 amazing bro! I will give it a goal, thanks a lot for that.

[@arsenmarek597]

Can I use my MPC one as an audio interface to connect my Guitar to my PC?

[@MatthewStratton]

Yes, the MPC One is an audio interface. But, it has line level inputs only. So for the best signal it really depends on what you are running your guitar through first.

[@arsenmarek597]

@@MatthewStratton thanks that was helpful. I do have line level cable and corresponding output on my amp. I aked because in another of your video with guitar and MPC I thought you'd used a separate audio interface (like Focusrite scarlet or something). So far I am barely skimming through the numerous options of the MPC

[@thebasiks23]

I have the live. Do I have to purchase software to use it as a controller?

[@MatthewStratton]

thebasiks23 The software comes with MPC LIVE. You just need to go to akai's website and register your MPC LIVE.

[@thebasiks23]

Matthew Stratton. Sorry for the stupid question. Thanks for the help

[@MatthewStratton]

No worries. My pleasure. 👍

[@ulitalivaa6047]

how to properly eject your MPC live from the software

[@theuntouchables808]

I'm pretty disappointed at the connectivity on this ... It's not what I call plug and play . 1 I need to turn it into a Usb Controller to be able to make it work with the computer . 2 I have no access to the HD in the MPC . I can't even load a project saved on the MPC's HD... But at least this video got me on step closer to being able to use the MPC on my computer . so thank you

[@cesarqzda]

Dude I’m with you. I’m trying to use the mpc x with Ableton Live for just drums and all samples are missing when you leave standalone. There’s gotta be a simpler way

[@theuntouchables808]

@@cesarqzda the way around it is to save the project on en external drive . Then you can load your project in both situation... I need to take out the HD i added 'format it and the treat it as a " " external " "... this my way around 8t but I still haven't done it lol.

[@lifendeathchzlife5159]

I just have a pinkish red sign saying looking for computer, nothing is happening other than that and its plugged up with MPCs USB cord.

[@MatthewStratton]

Did you install the drivers for the MPC Live yet?

[@lifendeathchzlife5159]

@@MatthewStratton I have the 2.10 on my MPC in standalone, but I want it on software. On my computer it says MPC 2 welcome to your new MPC follow steps on the right to install MPC software on your computer. On the right it says, install Mpc software next install mpc live driver then Run Mpc. But when I have the Mpc hooked up, it never gets off the pink screen "searching for computer ".

[@JaySain69]

Can I use the same method for mpc live2

[@MatthewStratton]

I would assume so. It works the same for the MPC one and MPC X. I don’t think the live 2 is that much different.

[@JaySain69]

@@MatthewStratton I can’t get it it keep saying looking for computer but I got everything hooked up

[@JaySain69]

Well this doesn’t work for me I updated all drivers and everything is there anything else I need to do to make it sync

[@teabagNBG]

i watched a ton of clips from u... this is the first time i see u with ur hair different :D damn u look like different person! u need to do them again like this LOL

[@markmaverick5362]

A tip: you can watch movies at flixzone. Been using it for watching loads of movies recently.

[@reubenhenry4333]

@Mark Maverick Yea, been using flixzone} for since december myself :D

[@sparbarz1]

can you eq in the software?

[@MatthewStratton]

Yes. You can use EQ plugins in the software.

[@180deuce]

My projects don’t show up when in controller mode

[@OMGItsMeOnYaTV]

ANALOG PUSH I’m having the same issue did you ever figure it out ?

[@MrHzha]

Same problem :(

[@Gukbot]

Me too! Did you guys figure this out?

[@copperysinger5985]

Very funny, " oh, look at all that extra sh... Stuff that showed up"

[@herb39hs]

Hey I cant get mine to work just beginning with mpc lost as shit

[@MatthewStratton]

Did you install the new drivers on your computer and do you have the newest firmware on your mpc live?

[@herb39hs]

Nope

[@herb39hs]

It dont come with the newest frimware I just got it yesterday

[@MatthewStratton]

@@herb39hs install the latest firmware first. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJXIlp2jpLCcsM0

[@cheodelpino581]

It won’t connect to my laptop

[@evatonthomas2917]

Same here

[@DWIWindsands]

That does not work. The only use the MPC live 2 has in controller mode is as a USB drive.

[@MatthewStratton]

Have you installed the drivers for the MPC Live 2 that comes with the download in your account login?

[@kymlittlefield4389]

This seems less possible after updates. Am I wrong to say that?

[@exploretheland]

video to loud

[@c-f-productionscom]

Something that im doing wrong its telling me that i didn't install the drivers right please reinstall.