Akai Pro MPC Series | I Can't Map The Pads and Buttons In My DAW

It is important to note that MPC series hardware products require MPC 2 software (Desktop or VST version) to be launched for the correct mapping of the pads and other physical hardware functions.

Note: MPC 2 software is included free with your MPC hardware purchase:

Akai Pro | Is my MPC hardware eligible for a free copy of MPC 2.0?

Akai Pro MPC 2 Software | How to Download, Install & Activate

Attempting to use the MPC as a MIDI controller* without launching MPC 2 software or the VST version in your DAW, will not give you the option to customize the pad mapping, buttons & knobs as this is not how the MPC's have been designed.

*If you own the MPC Key 37, you can use this MPC as a MIDI controller: Akai Pro MPC Key 37 | Using The MPC Key 37 as a MIDI Controller : Akai Professional

If you do require a MIDI drum pad controller for this purpose, please see the following alternatives below:

MPD218 MIDI Pad Controller | Akai Pro

MIDI Pad Controller With Sliders MPD226 | Akai Pro

MPD232 Step Sequencer With MIDI Pads | Akai Pro

LPD8 MKII Laptop Pad Controller | Akai Pro