The MPC Key 37 is the only MPC that has Direct USB-MIDI. This means you can use the MPC Key 37 as a MIDI controller in Standalone mode to trigger software instruments in any DAW.
This set up can also be achieved wirelessly, please refer to THIS article to learn more
TABLE OF CONTENTS
USB/MIDI Set Up
- Connect a standard USB cable to the MPC's USB-B port, the other end should go to your computers USB port
- Go to Menu > Preferences > MIDI / Sync
- Input Ports: Global, Control, Track (On)
- MPC Keyboard: Global, Control, Track (On)
- MPC Pads: Global, Control, Track (On)
- Output Ports: Sync, Track (On)
- MIDI Control Mode Output: USB MIDI Port 1
Track Set Up
- Create a new MIDI Track
- Ensure that USB MIDI Port 1 is selected in the MIDI Output Port field
Once this has been done, you will then be able to use the MPC Key 37 as a MIDI controller to trigger software instruments in your DAW.
Setting Up the Pads for your Drum Plugin
If you are planning to use the pads to trigger drum plugins in your DAW, please see the set up below:
- Create a new Drum Track
- Tap the four-squares icon and change the Send To to your MIDI track. By doing this, the MPC will be lined up perfectly to the pads in your DAW
- If for any reason you need to remap the pad note, select the Pencil Icon on your drum track:
- Select Edit Pad Note Map
- Use the Pad field to select a pad, or press the pad on your hardware. Use the MIDI Note field to set the desired MIDI note value for the pad
- Use the Presets buttons to assign a preset layout to the pads
Chromatic C1 (an ascending chromatic scale, beginning with C1)
Chromatic C-2 (an ascending chromatic scale, beginning with C2)
Classic MPC (the default MIDI note map of classic MPCs).
Was this article helpful?
That’s Great!
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry! We couldn't be helpful
Thank you for your feedback
Feedback sent
We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article