MPK mini IV | Cubase Setup Guide

Welcome to this guide on how to set up MPK Mini IV with Cubase using the included DAW Script - Note, these steps are applicable to Cubase 12 onwards. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• 1. Update the Firmware
• 2. Install the Cubase Control Script
• 3. Load the Cubase DAW Preset
• 4. Set Up On Windows
• 5. Set Up On macOS
• 6. Control Map
• 7. Knob Modes and Mixer Controls
  • Quick Controls:
  • Volume and Pan:
  • Sends:
  • EQ:
  • Navigation:
  • User Mode:
• 8. Troubleshooting

1. Update the Firmware

Before configuring your MPK mini mk4, ensure your firmware version is v1.38 or later.

2. Install the Cubase Control Script

1. Download and install the most recent Cubase script by clicking on this link: http://inmusic.to/mini4begin
2. Ensure that Cubase is closed, open the downloaded file, and follow the instructions to finalize the installation.

3. Load the Cubase DAW Preset

1. Connect your MPK mini mk4 to your computer using the included USB-C cable.

2. On the MPK, press the PLUGIN/DAW button and make sure the DAW preset is chosen (the button is lit red).
   
   

4. Set Up On Windows

1. In Cubase, open the bottom panel.

   
   

   
   
2. Navigate to the MIDI Remote tab, and then click the + icon.
   
   
   
3. In the Add MIDI Controller Surface menu, set the following:
   a.Manufacturer: Akai Professional
   b. Model: MPK Mini IV
   c. Input Port: MIDIIN2
   d. Output Port: MIDIOUT2
   
   
   
4. Click Activate MIDI Controller Surface.

5. Set Up On macOS

1. In Cubase, open the bottom panel.
    
   
2. Navigate to the MIDI Remote tab, and then click the + icon.
    
   
3. In the Add MIDI Controller Surface menu, set the following:
   a. Manufacturer: Akai Professional
   b. Model: MPK Mini IV
   c. Input Port: MPK mini IV DAW Port
   d. Output Port: MPK mini IV DAW Port
   
   
   
4. Click Activate MIDI Controller Surface.

6. Control Map

This will outline the functionalities of MPK® mini IV’s compatible controls when operating in Cubase 

1. Keyboard, Pitch Wheel, Modulation Wheel, Sustain Input: These basic performance controls are used for controlling and playing virtual instruments in Cubase. These controls send their data on MIDI Port 1 and are not part of the additional control script  
2. SHIFT: This button provides access to secondary functions when using MPK® mini IV with Cubase. Press and hold it and then press another button or pad to access its secondary function. 
3. Encoder: Turn this knob to select tracks.
4. -/+: Press these buttons to move between banks of knob controls.
   Hold SHIFT and press these buttons to cycle between knob control modes in Cubase.
5. Knobs: These endless knobs can be used for six different functions, which you can toggle between by holding SHIFT and pressing the -/+ buttons.
6. UNDO: Press this button to undo the last action in Cubase.
7. Loop: Press this button to turn cycle playback on and off in Cubase.
8. Stop/Play: Press this button to stop or start playback in Cubase.
   Hold SHIFT and press this button go to the left locator in Cubase. 
9. Record: Press this button to enable recording in Cubase 
   Quantize: Hold SHIFT and press this button to quantize the selected region, track, or notes in Cubase. This allows the events to snap to the recording grid according to the current time division. 
10. Overdub: Press this button to record enable the current track in Cubase.
    Automation: Hold SHIFT and press this button to cycle between automation modes in Cubase.
     

7. Knob Modes and Mixer Controls

The MPK® mini IV knobs can be used in six different modes with Cubase. You can cycle between each mode by holding SHIFT and pressing the -/+ buttons. The display will show the currently selected mode. 

Quick Controls:

In this mode, the knobs will be assigned to quick controls for the current track. Press the -/+ buttons to switch between banks of quick controls 1–8 and 9–16.

Volume and Pan:

In this mode, the top row of knobs controls the volume of tracks in the current bank, and the bottom row controls the panning of tracks in the current bank.

Press the -/+ buttons to bank through tracks in groups of four. The current bank will be highlighted in Cubase. 

Sends:

In this mode, the top row of knobs controls the odd numbered sends for tracks in the current track bank, and the bottom row controls the even numbered sends.

Turn the encoder to change tracks, which will also change the current track bank in focus. The current bank will be highlighted in Cubase.

Press the -/+ buttons to bank through send pages for tracks in the current bank. 

EQ:

In this mode, the knobs control EQ in the Channel Strip for the selected track.

Turn the encoder to change tracks.

Navigation:

In this mode, the knobs control important navigation commands in Cubase.

User Mode:

In this mode, the knobs are unmapped and send standard MIDI CC messages that can be mapped as desired in Cubase. 

8. Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing trouble using the Cubase control script, you can try the following.

Check that DAW Control Mode is enabled on MPK® mini IV: Press the PLUGIN/DAW button on your MPK® mini IV so that it is lit red, indicating DAW mode is active. 

For macOS users, remove the MIDI device from Audio MIDI Setup and reconnect:

1. Close Cubase if it is open.
2. Disconnect MPK® mini IV from your computer.
3. On your macOS computer, go to Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup and open it.
4. Enter the MIDI Studio tab by going to Window > Show MIDI Studio, or by pressing ⌘ (Cmd) + 2.
    
   
5. Locate MPK® mini IV in the list of devices, and then remove by selecting it and pressing backspace on your keyboard, or by clicking the – icon in the MIDI Studio window.
   
   
   
6. Reconnect MPK® mini IV and reopen Cubase.