Ableton Forum

I'm looking for some advice on using the Akai mpd26 with live.

What I'd like to be able to do, is build drum beats in live using the mpd. I'd like to be able to loop record and overdub different elements on each pass I.e kick, snare, hats etc. I'd also like to be able to start/stop from the mpd if possible.

I've seen numerous videos on YouTube with people doing this, but I've never seen anyone explain how to set it up.

Thanks!

Not sure what you need to know

What is your setup?

Do you know how drum racks work?

I just plug the MPD (I have a 32) into a drum rack overdub record as per the manual...

Yep, I've used drum racks, just not with an mpd before. I have my samples in the rack and can control them from the mpd, but for some reason I can't trigger play/record/ etc.

I am not sure whether you can do that with the mpd as is

You can configure it to record into the selected clip if you use it with SelectedTrackControl but then the pads will no longer be sending signals to the drum rack.

Is the idea that you don't want to use the mouse / keyboard for that?

Hey Finn,

That's exactly what I was hoping to be able to do. If it's not easily done, it's not really an issue. I just noticed people doing that in a lot of youtube videos and it looked like a fun way to work. Thanks!

It's worth finding out more about their setup and whether they are actually doing everything with the MPD.

For instance, in addition to the MPD, you could use the LD8, also by AKAI. It is really inexpensive. If you have that, you can use that in conjunction with SelectedTrackControl, which is a MIDI control script which gives you very flexible control over the currently selected track in Live. You could use the LD8 to control recording and overdub, muting tracks, soloing them, whatever you want. You could use the pads on the MPD to trigger your drum rack. And the knobs and sliders can be used to control sends and effects. I think the combination of the two plus STC is a very effective and flexible combination. And it is relatively easy to learn how to use.

Finn,

Thanks for that tip - actually, I just bought an APC20 a few days ago. From what I've read on it, I think that has the ability to do exactly what you're saying. I wasn't reeally even very aware of STC, so thanks for pointing that out too.

You are welcome.

Selected Track COntrol is here

An awesome bit of code, in my view absolutely essential for anyone one wants to control live with Midi control surfaces

This looks incredible. Exactly what I was hoping for. I realize this is probably a stupid question, but how do I go about loading this onto one of my midi devices? I've got the APC20, MPD26, and a Novation Impulse. Thanks man.

The installation instructions are on the website.

It is not too difficult - look, I am a complete n00b, and I managed to do it

Basically what you do is copy the SelectedTrackCOntrol folder, once you have downloaded it, into your MIDI remote scripts folder. The location of that folder varies according to whether you have a mac or a PC.

Once it is in that folder, go to Live --> preferences, and in the Midi preferences, you choose selected track control as a control surface, and then assign the in and out to your APC 20 or MPD 26 as you wish.

Now the tricky bit is this: does your APC or MPD send the control codes you need from the controls you need?

If not, one more step is needed. Get hold of the APC or MPD's editing software (it is available on the AKAI website) and use it to set up your controller the way you want it. Depending on how at ease you are with geek stuff, this may or not be a bit of a learning curve. But it is generally fairly straightforward.

When I set it up, I followed the following steps

• 1. I first made a clear diagram for myself of what I wanted each pad/slider/button to do
  2. Then I made sure what the correct MIDI codes were - the documentation is on the STC website
  3. Then use the AKAI editor to assign the correct MIDI code to each control.For the MPD, your editor comes up as a GUI with a picture of the AKAI, and you just dial in the correct codes & save.
  
  
  Then powered up Live

.

It is a bit of work - it took me a couple of hours - but the pay-off is ten times worth it!

If you get stuck, there is a specific thread for STC on the Ableton forum http://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php? ... 2#p1257042

Richard, who wrote the STC script, monitors that thread and is very helpful

Or just give a shout in this thread

Really, really appreciate your taking the time to explain this and make me aware of it. Going to give this a go! Thanks.

I'm going to throw in an additional endorsement for SelectedTrackControl. I was looking exactly for something like that to navigate tracks and clips with my MPD24 and MPD26 and STC does it perfectly! I did also end up buying an APC20 (which was on sale for $99 on Amazon) and it's great, but I love being able to use my MPDs across all my different software.