Akai Professional MPD26 USB/Midi Pad Controller

1. Introducció

The Akai Professional MPD26 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller designed for producers, programmers, musicians, and DJs. It integrates intuitive MPC controls with easy USB connectivity, bringing the classic beat-making experience to computer music production environments. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your MPD26.

Característiques principals:

• Access 64 samples on 16 pressure and velocity-sensitive MPC pads with four banks each.
• MIDI output over USB and traditional DIN MIDI I/O for controlling software and hardware.
• Dedicated transport controls transmit MMC and MIDI to DAW and sequencing applications.
• Control virtually any 12 software parameters on assignable Q-Link knobs and faders.
• MPC technologies include Note Repeat, Swing, 16 Level, Full Level, and Tap Tempo.

2. Configuració

2.1 Contingut del paquet

Abans de començar, assegureu-vos que tots els elements estiguin presents a la caixa:

• MPD26 Controller
• Cable USB
• Software CD (includes Ableton Live Lite and Editor Librarian software)
• Guia d'inici ràpid

2.2 Connecting the MPD26

The MPD26 offers both USB and traditional MIDI connectivity.

Figure 2.2.1: Rear panel connections of the MPD26. This view highlights the USB port, MIDI In and Out ports, and the power input.

1. USB Connection (Recommended for Computer Use):

   Connect one end of the included USB cable to the USB port on the MPD26 and the other end to an available USB port on your computer (Mac or PC). The MPD26 is USB bus-powered, meaning it draws power directly from the USB connection, eliminating the need for an external power adapter when connected to a computer.

2. Traditional MIDI Connection (for Hardware):

   If you are connecting the MPD26 to external MIDI hardware (e.g., synthesizers, sound modules), use standard 5-pin DIN MIDI cables. Connect the MIDI OUT of the MPD26 to the MIDI IN of your hardware, and optionally, the MIDI IN of the MPD26 to the MIDI OUT of your hardware for two-way communication. For this setup, an optional MP6-1 AC adapter (sold separately) is required to power the MPD26.

2.3 Instal·lació del programari

The MPD26 comes with Ableton Live Lite and Editor Librarian software. Insert the included Software CD into your computer's CD/DVD drive and follow the on-screen instructions for installation.

3. Operating the MPD26

3.1 Superfície de control sobreview

Figura 3.1.1: superior view of the MPD26 control surface. This image displays the 16 MPC pads, Q-Link faders and knobs, LCD screen, and transport controls.

• 16 MPC Pads: Pressure and velocity-sensitive pads for triggering sounds. Each pad can access four different sound banks, providing a total of 64 accessible sounds.
• Q-Link Faders (6): Assignable faders for controlling various parameters in your software or hardware.
• Q-Link Knobs (6, 360-Degree Pots): Assignable rotary knobs for precise control over parameters.
• Pantalla LCD: Blue backlit screen for displaying current settings, program information, and parameter values.
• Controls de transport: Dedicated buttons (Rew, FF, Stop, Play, Rec) for controlling your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or sequencing software via MMC (MIDI Machine Control) or standard MIDI messages.
• Pad Banks: Buttons to switch between the four pad banks (A, B, C, D).
• Preset/Edit/Global/Program Change Buttons: For navigating and configuring the MPD26's internal settings and presets.

3.2 MPC Technologies

The MPD26 incorporates several key technologies from Akai Professional's MPC series:

• MPC Note Repeat: Automatically plays a rhythmic pattern (e.g., 16th notes on a hi-hat) for accurate and fast entry of repetitive musical phrases.
• MPC Swing: Applies a humanized feel to quantized sequences by adjusting the timing of notes. You can specify the degree and timing of swing.
• MPC Full Level: Ensures that all pad hits trigger at maximum velocity (127), regardless of how hard the pad is struck.
• MPC 16-Level: Assigns a single sound to all 16 pads, but with each pad triggering the sound at a different velocity level, allowing for dynamic expression.
• Toc Tempo: Allows you to set the tempo by tapping a button, synchronizing the MPD26 with your performance or DAW.

4. Manteniment

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Akai Professional MPD26.

• Neteja: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the exterior of the unit. Do not use abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents.
• Emmagatzematge: When not in use, store the MPD26 in a clean, dry environment away from extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight.
• Manipulació: Avoid dropping the unit or subjecting it to strong impacts. Do not place heavy objects on top of the MPD26.
• Connectivitat: Always handle cables by the connector, not the cable itself, to prevent damage to the connectors and ports.

5. Solució De Problemes

If you encounter issues with your MPD26, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• Sense alimentació/La unitat no respon:
  • Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the MPD26 and your computer.
  • If using an external power adapter (for DIN MIDI), verify it is correctly plugged in and providing power.
  • Prova un port USB diferent de l'ordinador o un cable USB diferent.
• Pads Not Triggering Sounds:
  • Check if the MPD26 is recognized by your software (DAW/MIDI application). Ensure the correct MIDI input is selected.
  • Verify that the pads are assigned to the correct MIDI notes or samples within your software.
  • Ensure the correct pad bank is selected on the MPD26.
• Q-Link Controls Not Working:
  • Confirm that the Q-Link faders and knobs are properly mapped to parameters within your software. Refer to your software's manual for MIDI mapping instructions.
  • Use the Editor Librarian software to verify or reconfigure the MIDI CC messages sent by the Q-Link controls.
• Software Not Recognizing MPD26:
  • Restart your computer and the MPD26.
  • Ensure you have installed any necessary drivers (though the MPD26 is plug-and-play, some systems might benefit from specific MIDI drivers if available from Akai Professional's weblloc).
  • Check your computer's device manager (Windows) or Audio MIDI Setup (macOS) to see if the MPD26 is listed.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, please contact Akai Professional customer support for further assistance.

6. Especificacions

7. Garantia i Suport

7.1 Exempció de responsabilitat legal

Please note: This product is being sold as is and is not returnable.

7.2 Atenció al client

For further assistance, technical support, or to find updated drivers and software, please visit the official Akai Professional weblloc:

Akai Professional Official Weblloc

També podeu consultar el Akai Professional Store on Amazon per obtenir informació sobre productes i recursos.