This guide will provide steps on how to set up a MIDI device to control the 16 FX pads inside Flex Beat on your MPC/Force standalone hardware.




Overview


Flex Beat is an FX player, this means it applies FX based on the activity recorded into the arrangement/grid - such as a drum pattern or some notes from a plugin. 


In order for Flex Beat to work, you'll need to first record MIDI into the arrangement - such as notes from a plugin or a drum program.



Loading Flex Beat


1. Create a new track by tapping on + New Track




2. On your new track, tap FX, then the + icon



3. Select Flex Beat Player. It will be located under Harmonic > Akai Professional


4. Tap Select to load in Flex Beat



Mapping Flex Beat using MIDI Learn


MIDI Learn allows you to assign external MIDI controllers to various parameters in your specific MPC project:


1. On your MPC, navigate to Menu > Preferences > MIDI / Sync

2. Ensure you MIDI controller has been set to the following:


Input Ports: Global, Control & Track (ON)


Important Note: When 'Control' is enabled, MIDI data from this port will be sent to MIDI Learn. Ensure this is on.


Output Ports: Sync & Track (ON)



3. Return to the Main Menu, and navigate to MIDI Learn



4.  Tap LEARN 



5. Tap the + icon in the top left section of the screen


6. Tap Source & select the track where Flex Beat is loaded i.e Track > Kit Name



7. Tap Target & select Insert.


In this example, Insert 1 represents Flex Beat



8. In the list, scroll down and select Pad Hold



9. Once selected, manually move the parameter on your MIDI controller that you wish to apply the mapping to.
The MIDI Type, Channel, and CC of the Pad/Fader/Knob you moved will appear next to your chosen parameter



10. Repeat steps 5-9 until all parameters have been mapped to your MIDI controller.


That's it!


Return to Main Mode and open Flex Beat, you should find that your MIDI controller is mapped to control the 16 FX pads inside Flex Beat