Multiple instrument control using MPK49?

[AlexMC]

I'm about to pull the trigger on a used Akai MPK49 (keyboard/drum pads/knobs and faders etc), but first I need to be sure that it gives me at least the same functionality as my current MIDI keyboard, i.e:

With my existing EMU XBoard49 and Ableton, I can set each MIDI track to take input from a specific MIDI channel, so I can use ch 1 for my drums, ch 2 for basslines, ch 3 for triggering loops on another track etc... all I have to do is record-arm each track and then seelct the MIDI channel on my XBoard.

Can anyone tell me if the MPK49 supports the same functionality, i.e. can I easily change the MIDI channel on which it sends note/CC information?

And further, could I set the keyboard to output on one channel, and the drum pads to output on another simultaneously so I could control two tracks at once?


If this isn't feasible, I'll have to keep the XBoard and buy a second controller, I guess...

[gerard]

All the controls are very easy on the MPK49. Flip one time through the manual and it's ok.
In three movements you can change the midi common channel.
I think all the fader, sliders, keys are active for the same channel, but you can change the CCs assigned to the pads/keys so you might find a workaround.