MPC Series | Connecting the MPC to External Gear

In this guide we will cover the basic steps to configure your MPC for MIDI input/output control to an external device using a 5-Pin MIDI DIN connection.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• MIDI In from an External Device
• MIDI Out to an External Device
• Audio Set Up
• MIDI Sync
• MIDI Machine Control (MMC)

MIDI In from an External Device

• Connect a standard 5-Pin MIDI DIN cable to your MPC's MIDI In port.
• Connect the other end of the 5-Pin MIDI DIN cable to your external device's MIDI Out port 

Go to Menu > Preferences > MIDI / Sync:

Input Ports: Enable these ports - Global, Track, Sync 

MPC Keyboard

MPC Pads

Enable these ports: Global, Track, Sync

Create a new MIDI Track on the MPC

Set the appropriate MIDI Input port

Configure your external device properly so it can send MIDI to the MPC.

MIDI Out to an External Device

• Connect a standard 5-Pin MIDI DIN cable to your MPC's MIDI Out port.
• Connect the other end of the 5-Pin MIDI DIN cable to your external device's MIDI In port 

Go to Menu > Preferences > MIDI / Sync:

Input Ports:

MPC Keyboard

MPC Pad

Enable these ports - Global, Track, Sync 

Output Ports: Enable these ports - Track, Sync

MIDI Control Mode Output: Select the output port you will be using:

Create a new MIDI Track on the MPC

Set the appropriate MIDI Output Port

Configure your external device properly so it can receive MIDI from the MPC.

Audio Set Up

In the scenario that you are using the MPC to trigger sounds from your external synth, please see the steps to route the audio correctly:

1. Connect 1/4inch TRS jack cables from the MPC's Inputs to your synths Main Outputs
   
2. Connect 1/4inch TRS audio cables from the MPC's Main Outputs to the Inputs of your external speakers or audio interface
   
3. Go to MPC Sampler and chose Input 1,2 then select the In monitoring state:
   
   

   
   

MIDI Sync

When using the MPC to sync an external device, you'll need to ensure your Sync Receive/Send settings are configured correctly.

The Sync Receive/Send section in the MIDI/Sync tab allows you to configure which type of clock will be sent or received by the MPC. You can select MIDI Clock, MIDI Time Code (MTC), or Ableton Link.

Transport controls (Play, Stop, Record, etc.) can be synced by enabling the corresponding box:

Receive MMC: The MPC will react to incoming transport messages sent from external gear. Be sure to verify that your external hardware is capable of sending MMC messages.

Send MMC: The MPC will send transport messages to connected external gear. Be sure to verify that your external hardware is capable of receiving MMC messages.

MMC (MIDI Machine Control) is a standard protocol that will automatically communicate with other MMC-enabled devices.

MTC Frame Rate: This determines the frame rate used by MIDI Time Code (MTC), which is important for correct timing, especially when working on film scoring projects. In most cases, you should select 25.

Start Time: This is the starting time that will be sent when Send MIDI is set to anything other than Off. The time is formatted in hours:minutes:seconds:frames.

Filter ‘All Notes Off’ CC: When enabled, “All Notes Off” (“MIDI panic”) messages will be ignored. This is useful if you are using an external MIDI device that can send these types of messages, but you want to filter them out. When disabled, “All Notes Off” messages will be received normally. 

MIDI Machine Control (MMC)

Your MPC hardware can also send and receive MIDI Machine Control (MMC) messages, a standard protocol for transport controls. 

Important: Your external device must also be capable of sending/receiving MMC for this set up to work.

The MPC hardware can send these messages:

To set up your MPC hardware to send MMC messages to an external device:

1. Use a standard 5-pin MIDI cable to connect your MPC hardware’s MIDI Out A to the MIDI input of your external device.

2. Press Menu to show the menu, and tap the gear icon to enter the Preferences.

3. Tap the Sync tab.

4. Tap the Send Port 1 field, and use the data dial or –/+ buttons to select Midi Out A.

5. Tap the Send MMC box so it is enabled (checked).

6. Exit the Preferences.

7. Configure your other device properly so it can receive MMC messages.

The MPC hardware can receive these messages: 

To set up your MPC hardware to receive MMC messages from an external device:

1. Use a standard 5-pin MIDI cable to connect your MPC hardware’s MIDI In A to the MIDI output of your external device.

2. Press Menu to show the menu, and tap the gear icon to enter the Preferences.

3. Tap the Sync tab.

4. Tap the Receive MMC box so it is enabled (checked).

5. Exit the Preferences. 6. Configure your other device properly so it can send MMC messages.