Contents


I have an LPD8 MK2. Now what?

There's a lot packed in with this device, so you've come to the right place. You're going to want to start by going to the Akai Professional website and making an account, then registering your device. From there you'll want to click My Products, scroll down to your LPD8 MK2, then click the box that says  See Details, Downloads, and Offers, and then click on the LPD8 MK2 Software Manager. Download that for your computer's operating system, open the program, and install all the software.


From here, we suggest you make an iLok account; download the iLok License Manager and then install it. Log into that application, and then go back to your product page. Then, next to the LPD8 MK2 Software Manager, there should be a red box that says Get Activation Code. Click that, and copy the activation code that generates. 


From there we're going to click the redeem button on your license manager application. It's next to the search bar in the top right. Paste your code in and activate it, which will unlock the Air Music Plugins that came with the LPD8 mk2.


Where is the driver located?

The LPD8 is a class compliant device and therefore has no need for a driver. While some mapping or preset selection may need to be done based on your application you're using with the device; your computer should automatically see the device as soon as it is plugged in. If not, take a look at this guide: Troubleshooting Class Compliant Devices


I can't get the pads to work with MPC Beats. What do I do?

Like many DAWs, MPC Beats requires you to specify that you want your controller to take control of the program. To do this, you only need to get into the Preferences of the program(Ctrl+, on windows; Cmd+, on Mac) and go to MIDI/Sync. Inside here, find the Midi Inputs and then the LPD8. All you need to do is highlight Master and Control. Then, hit the Ok button in the bottom right. As soon as you do, your pads should start responding in the program. 


With MPC Beats, you may notice that the pads are not corresponding to the pads you have on the interface. If that is happening, go into your MIDI Learn(ctrl/cmd+shift+L) and then click Enable in the new column that populates in the top right hand corner. From there, click the drop down box to the right of the Enable and then go Factory>Akai>LPD8.


How do I use the Editor?

The editor is for mapping the LPD8 out for different DAWs or Plugins that may require the controller's specific MIDI notes to match up to a program's internal notes. For example, while MPC and Ableton both start their drum racks on note 36, East West will start their Drum plug-ins on note 24. Many people assume the controller needs to be mapped for every DAW that they use and will go to the editor program to get started. However, the LPD comes with 4 preset slots already setup for different DAWs that are accessed through holding the Program button and selecting one of the first 4 pads.


All 4 of these presets are remappable according to your needs, but we suggest you leave your first preset as your "MPC" preset incase you should need to access the programs that came with the LPD8.


If for some reason you should need to start fresh with your presets, you can access the editor with the LPD8 unplugged, save a file from the preset editor, then connect the LPD8 and load your factory presets onto the unit from the file you just saved.


How do I make a preset for my Software (DAW/Plugin)?

The first thing you're going to need is the Preset editor. Start by entering the Application manager and hitting the settings: 


Then inside the new menu, you need to select "Show Advanced Software". Note: this option may not appear depending on your aspect ratio in window mode. If this happens, maximize your program manager window and it should appear.

Then, exit the menu and you should find the editor now populates under the Apps section of the manager.

From here, you're going to need to figure out what you would like to map where; and then work sequentially- for example, in MPC your bottom left pad is MIDI note 36, which means the next 3 are 37, 38, 39 etc. 


Keep in mind that if you're working with a melodic program, you do not need to work sequentially- If you'd like to map out a melodic idea for piano on your pads, you only need to learn what those notes are(C1=36, for example) and then put them on the pads you want them on.


From there, connect your controller and send the preset to it using the buttons on the left-hand side of the editor and you're good to go.


Selecting your new preset is as simple as holding down the Program button and selecting the numbered preset you set up from the pads (1-4)


Please note that it's during this process that you can edit your pad colors for your preset before it gets sent to the controller. These can be selected with the "on" and "off" messages on each pad in the editor.


What are Pad Modes?

Pad modes are changes to the signals your LPD8 can send. If you were playing a keyboard and wanted the ability to switch the program from a piano sound to a saxophone sound, the LPD could send out a message to do that for you. Changing your pad message is as simple as pressing the corresponding button.

  • Note: When this button is active, the LPD8 mk2's pads will send MIDI Note messages. These messages, as well as the pads’ RGB colors, are customizable in the included software editor.
  • Prog Chng (Program Change): When this button is active, the LPD8 mk2's pads will send Program Change messages. These messages are assignable in the included software editor.
  • CC: When this button is active, the LPD8 mk2's pads will send out MIDI Control Change messages. These messages are assignable in the included software editor.


How do I get this working with my iPad?

You're going to need two things to get started with using this controller with an iPad: software that will work with MIDI controllers and an Apple camera adapter to give you the USB port necessary to connect the unit to the iPad. From there, you'll need to set up your program with a virtual instrument that the LPD8 can control and you should be good to go from there.


However, if for some reason you can't get anything to come through, try holding the Program button as you plug in the LPD8. This will turn the unit on in Low Power mode and may fix some connectivity issues you may experience.