-update-
I called tech support and they helped me get it working again. The firmware is updated and the lag is gone. I’m still not sure if it’s better than my midi keyboard though for drumming. I will do a comparison soon.
I’m really disappointed with the mpd24 and I apologize for the raving review I gave it before I’d even tested it. I’ve had the mpd24 for five months and I’ve shelved it for most of the time, having had a frustrating initial experience with it and then recently having another frustrating time with it again.
The thing looks cool, and I’ve seen it used on youtube for triggering loops in ableton, but has anyone actually tried to use this thing as a drum trigger? On both mac and PC there’s such a long delay between hitting the pads and hearing sound that I find it impossible to play, both in Reason and in BFD Lite and Finale. The pads are not very responsive either; even on its highest sensitivity setting I find myself banging on them very hard and not getting a good response. Usually I have to put the pads on “FULL” which turns off touch sensitivity and plays everything at velocity level 127, which defeats much of the purpose of this device. I can make better drum beats with my MIDI keyboard. I’ll admit that this is the first drum trigger I’ve played with, but seeing that demo video (linked earlier) of the padkontrol, I can’t help but feel that the Akai’s pads are dismal. I bought two Akais and sold one on ebay when they came out (for a $50 profit, woot), and tried both thinking there was something wrong with my first one. There was not.
It’s flabbergasting how dismal Akai’s support is. My first problem with the unit was it wasn’t compatible with several programs. I never got the knobs, faders, or transport to control anything in digital performer. The transport didn’t work with any program except Reason, unless I synced them with Reason open via rewire or the IAC driver. Even then, the fast forward / rewind buttons worked dismally.
This was software support issue, not a hardware issue, and so I tried contacting Akai support and got a dismal response. I’ve included my Akai Correspondence here because it’s so apparent that they don’t really care about supporting their product after you buy it. This is not the way to treat your customers.
I shelved the unit and just waited for better software releases to come out for it. I checked this weekend and tried using it again (after buying a longer USB cable for it, the 3 foot cable that comes with it is a joke), and the firmware 1.07 hosed my box. That’s right. Their instructions have you delete your firmware first, and then try and load the new firmware onto the unit, with no way to downgrade if it doesn’t work. They don’t offer firmware versions 1.04-1.06 on their website so they’ve completely destroyed my MPD24. I’m pretty angry, but I’d be angrier if it wasn’t useless in the first place.
Back to the firmware problem–on Mac OS X, the uniquest MIDI software that’s on Akai’s website at least tried to load the firmware and failed. The troubleshooting notes suggest setting a 30 ms delay between sysex messages in your preferences. I tried that and then, great, the mpd24_v1_07.syx file was completely greyed out, so I couldn’t even select it to try and upload again. I tried downloading both uniquest and mpd24_v1_07.syx again and no luck.
The firmware update instructions say don’t unplug your mpd24 without the firmware upgraded, but after I had “qwerasdfzxcv” embossed on my bloody forehead from the frustration of all of this, I yanked the MPD out anyway and tried it on my PC. Luckily, the MPD24 was smart enough to let me still upgrade (again, good hardware, bad software), but after downloading 1.07 and the PC version of uniquest again, it didn’t work on the PC either. On the PC, the error was “Upload failed, Please use a uniquest syx file!” Um, I thought I did.
So, instead of having an unresponsive piece of junk, I now have a useless piece of junk. Akai, this is no way to treat your customers.
I did got three MPD-24’s for repair this week. All 3 users tried to update them.
All three MPD’s are braindead. No Idea what to do.
But that is not the only thing,…I did receive already 4 ! ! other MPD’s with the same problem.
I use a mpd 16 and don´t feel delay at all, some miliseconds, what´s your set?
I was thinking in upgrade my 16 to 24…
Hey. I also got an MPD24 and have problems with MMC. The other things are fine. Does anyone know how to get the older Firmware (1.05 or sth.)? Drop a note if so, thanks. Max
the delay problem is not to do with the mpd24 but to do with your computers usb connection being laggy i had the same problem but once i used it thru a midi input it is fine no delay what so ever.
Just purchased an MPD24, and having similar problems. No MIDI in ports are recognized in the initial set up. The instructions say make sure MIDI drivers are installed correctly. Not quiet sure how to check the status of my computers MIDI drivers…
OK so this is all very negative! But my MPD24 arrives this week and I would appreciate some Tips on setup.
Where can I get maps and firmware upgrade instructions that actually work? Cheers!
PS: your MIDI drivers can be viewed from Settings, Control Panel and then the next bit depends on your Computer.
Hi, I’ve got the delay problem on the MPD (when you hit a pad the sound comes with delay). Does anyone know what I can do to fix this? I use it with FL Studio 7 in Windows
Jordan, could you please write the procedure they told you to unbrick the MPD? I’ve got the exactly same problem you had…
Having my own handful of problems. Hopefully any resolution I come across, I can post here to help. Here’s a copy of the e-mail I sent tech support.
I’ve read numerous posts about the MPD24 having USB/MIDI/ and software issues on MakeTunes.com. However,I chose to ignore these posts, and purchased from Guitar Center on 3/21/2008. Well, the unit arrived today. I plugged it (tried all my USB ports) into my new Dell Vostro 2.4 ghz dual core PC (Windows XP, SP2) and Windows found the hardware, and was able to identify it as the Akai MPD24. However, Windows wasn’t able to find a driver to fully install the device, thus showing the MPD24 as “Not functioning” and “Driver not installed”. I searched the software discs that came with the device, akaipro.com, and even the japanese version akai-pro.jp, to no success. There’s not a windows driver to be found. The device is supposed to be plug-and-play, however my Studio PC won’t accept it.
Here’s the funny thing. If I plug it into my older (2004-ish) Centrino laptop (I know, use the laptop. But it’s not going to be at the studio. I purchased the MPD to be used at the studio) (Windows XP, SP2) and Windows finds and installs it immediately. It identifies it as the Akai MPD24, however it installs it as “USB Audio Device”, and works in FL Studio and Reason as such. It works fine with the USB Audio Device title. I’m able to use it as a midi controller perfectly, and it’s also shown in the Sounds and Audio devices menu. Great device, by the way.
Please help me out here. I’m at my wit’s end with this thing. It’s gotta be something on my Studio PC’s set up. I just got it brand new 2 weeks ago from DELL. I don’t have it hooked up to the internet or to a LAN connection. I don’t have any web-cameras running, nor were any ever installed (apparently Logitech drivers can give the MPD problems). I’m only running a USB Keyboard/Mouse and an M-Box (which is installed on the laptop as well).
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you kindly.
having exactly the same issues you describe with the mpd24 i bought this afternoon..
needed to upgrade for ableton transport controls, so followed the procedure…
Im using a mac with the latest 10.5.1 sfw, and after deleting the mpd OS found the upload via USB failed ( or did not even start)…
then retried using a direct midi cable, which seemed to work ( the midi data was received by the mpd, )but at the end when instructed to press enter to restart nothing happens…
Disconnect the midi cable and reconnect…..dead mpc
do the same with the command keys for upgrade and your back to square one, with only options to delete the missing OS, so now cannot boot it at all..
just tried send the sysex with 30ms delay using other software..same problem..
back to the shop tomorrow for me..just wasted 4 hours…not happy..
I’ve managed to unbrick the thing.
Vyzex didn’t work properly, USB didn’t work (Vista could not properly install the device).
I’ve used UniQuest under Vista (you have to set it to “run as administrator” to work) and MIDI cable. MIDI settings that worked for me:
Delay between SysX transmissions – 60
Delay SysX (delay every n bytes) – 1
Slow SysX – 60
It took ages (one hour or so), but it worked.
Hope this helps.
F’n A!!!
I have actually UNBRICKED MY MPD24 !!!!
Yesterday I attempted the wonderful v1.09 firmware upgrade. using the new Vzyex software that Akai is favoring over the proven Uniquest Software. At the end of the first 5 attempts to complete the firmware .sys file dump the “enter” button on the mpd24 would not engage and complete the install.
However, after reading Marcin’s Post I gladly uninstalled Vzyex and installed the Uniquest software from the Akai CD that came with my MPD24.
I did have to play around with the parameters a bit.
but here’s everything spec’ed out
Windows Vista 32
Uniquest MPD24 Software v1.00
M-audio Midi Sport Uno (as direct midi to pc) –
Radio Shack 6vdc 500ma AC adaptor
patience.
Step-BY-Step:
Close all programs.
restart your computer.
allow all start-up and diagnostics to complete and have a smooth start-up.
open Uniquest
**settings that worked for me**
Midi / In Ports Set to Midi Usb Device port and “#of Buffer” to 5
Options/ Preferences/ MIDI
Delay Between SysX transmissions : 0
Delay SysX ( delay every n bytes): 2
Slow SysX (ms per SysX delay): 20
apply
close and restart uniquest. (for settings to apply)
plug in mpd24 with
plug in mpd24 with
posting problems….
plug in mpd24 with
plug in mpd24 with
i just wanted to say that i got the mpd24 working fine…the latency you mentioned (delay between hitting the pad and the sound coming on) is what i believe to be a soundcard/audio driver issue or the ASIO driver isn’t properly selected in the software’s preferences…
as for the touch sensitivity on the pads, these can be adjusted by changing the GLOBAL settings. There is a pad sensitivity and pad curve option which you can tinker with until you find a comfortable setting wherein it is easy to hit the pad at full velocity and at a softer one. i don’t know about you guys, but i would drum on the mpd24 over a regular keyboard any day…
i’m not familiar with digital peformer, but the transport controls work with reason and cubase sx3 (in device setup, you have to click on a small + button on the upper left hand side in order to set MMC control, but for some reason i didn’t have to do this). it still doesn’t work with live 7 though
and i don’t know about all you other mpd24 owners out there, but i never even considered using the uniquest or vyzex software…even though it takes some time, editing the mpd24 manually allowed me to learn it quicker and made me feel more comfortable with it…
other than that, i’m sorry some of you out there don’t dig it too much…but i haven’t really had any problems with it and i’m pretty satisfied…
cheers
PS: i just wanted to add that the Akai support is pretty messed up
upgrade MPD24 firmware with mac os x using sysex librarian (snoize.com)
Slow down the data transmit rate to 10% !!!!
Thanks!
this site saved me
I was dammed because no wonder what to do . So I plugged this “stuff” called MPD24 in my M-audio fast track Ultra , using MIDI cables
had to powered up the “stuff” using a USB cable on my laptop
then I used the MIDI-OX that I downloaded few minutes ago
first try : the “stuff” crashed after some SYS data sent
I decided ( after read here – thank you !!!! that you had to try out # parameters )
to try some “delays” , I thought “the slower , the better ” . Actually I DIDNT KNOW
what I was doing , man was like trial-and -error you know
well , right now Im 65% ok , the bars on the MIDI-ox is filling , I hope everything
goes fine till the end . Im writing this message , and looking at “the stuff”s LCD and following-up the “I suppose” sysex data being sent throughout my beloved MIDI card
parameters on the MIDI-ox : delays I setup all to “thousands” 4.000 …..
ok , now I’m really dammed
after uploading the FILE , in the LCD screen I got a beatifull “DONE” + press enter
after that nothing happened , I pressed the enter and it never responded , so I decided to turn it off , and when I turnon again , surprise ….. the LCD does not work , the system is completely OFF
buy bye … anything you could say to save me it is welcome
my MPD 24 is dead
thanks
ok I discovered that I should reset the system again …. I tried to press the infamous combination of << stop rec , the same procedure reccomended in the manual to delete everything , and it worked , I could lit up the LCD , and then “the stuff” asked me if I want to delete OS again , and for the 1000th time I did it again , so my dead MPD24 now is a zombie , I bring him to life again , is still dead , but lit up . Jajajaja
Hey Allen are you there , I need you to complete your instructions man , I almost there but everytime I press the enter , after uploading the sys , the enter doesnt work !!! did you let the mpd still conected with standart midi cables , or you disconected it from you sound card and connect it via USB to computer ….
need your help !
thanks !!!
Denis
I’ve jus ordered one, if i get these sort of problems i will be pissed.
its wierd coz i’ve seen two sides of the akai mpd24, one side, people sayin its the best investment ever made, and others talking about all these problems.
jus gonna hav to wait see how mine turns out.
Peace.
Well… i got mine upgraded easily through Vyzex, from 1.07 > 1.09…
no problems…
Still trying to get the ‘new feature’ in 1.09 of having the <> stop play rec (MMC) buttons to function as CC controls in Cubase… Making these run as MMC was a stupid idea for Akai, as this is old news in the world of many DAW systems…
I’m going to now look for Cubase files that will allow proper working of these controls… Anyone know if they are out there?
Okay, I love answering my own questions… and also perhaps i should take back my MMC comment, as it is working very well at the moment…
Here is a simple link for Cubase users who want to set up the MMC controls on the MPD 24 to use the <> stop play rec buttons…. nice… and smoof.. worked like a charm…
http://www.maketunes.com/forums/setting-up-mpd24-mmc-controls-in-cubase
*** if you can’t find the ‘MIDI machine control slave’ function under > Device Setup > Transport as some users reported, simply hit the plus button on top of the menu and add :
‘MIDI machine control slave’ then follow his instructions..
Peace in the middle east.
-Aki
I was having MAJOR stress trying to sort this on my Vista machine… it would not recognise the MPD, so i could not use the Uniquest app. Soln = try an XP machine! It found the MPD no problem, and updated the Firmware with no changing of settings using Uniquest from eth CD I got with the MPD. The only thing I changed was the #of buffer for midi in = 0.
hth,
Simon
I got mine, had no issue. Updated firmware without a hitch and have no latency issues.
works fine with Reason and Battery3.
Most likely it’s your pc… are you using usb1.0?
No, 2.0…The latency issues went away, but I’m still not impressed with the sensitivity, and one of the continuous knobs constantly generates MIDI noise.
I didnt read any comments but i read the original post and i must say, maybe its cuz you had a MAC… but as far as windows installation…yea, you may have a bit of trouble updateing the firmware, but if you give up just like that, maybe you didnt need the MPD24 in the first place… trust me, i went through it all with this but i use it hapilly with reason 4.0 and FL STudio 8…transport and everything works… i do, however, have problems when it comes to Ableton Live…but i never used it much anyway… but my current problem is the fact that it stopped showing up in the MIDI device list for FL Studio…im not sure but i think it may be the new logitech quickcam i just installed cuz it seems funny how my mpd worked with no problems for all this time and then the mornin g after i install my webcam it doesnt show up… i have tried uninstalling the webcam and all that jazz it annoying…maybe a COM port issue??? any suggestions?
P.S if i came off as being a jerk by anything previously stated, i do apologize…just tellin it like it is
H E L P !!!
Anybody can send me the V1.07 Firmware? PLEASE!! I upgrade my MPD24 to 1.10 and now can only send MIDI on port B and IT DOESN’T send MMC ( STOP PLAY REC)
nazo_ep @ hotmail . com
The file is called “mpd24_v1_07.syx” , if you have downloaded it someday, search the file on your computer please!
AKAI Must fix that MMC errors on 1.10 Firmware :/ i’m not the only one.
Here in Spain, AKAI client supporters can’t help me :/
You should be able to set the transport back to MMC by doing this:
hit EDIT
hit the Play button
Push the knob to enter
Roll the data knob left to MMC (not CTRL)
Hit Enter
Hit PRESET to go back
And you should be able to get it to transmit on A by going to:
Global
> (to CommonCH 2)
Rotate the data knob all the way left
Hit PRESET to go back.
I’m liking the MPD24 more now, if only I could get the knobs to stop transmitting random MIDI noise. 🙁
Hi Jordan, thanks but my MMC are in MMC, not in CTRL and if i put the port on A (rotate left) the MIDI information is not send, before the upgrate my common CH was on 1A and i must change to #B to make it simply work 🙁
All is able to work on channel B, its no a problem, the real problem is the MMC.
Thanks
By the lway, when i plug the MPD first time the MMC work perfectly (On FL Studio and others softwares)
Elior: Ok I sent it to you. I’m running 1.10 and it’s fine on my mac BTW. Good luck!
Thanks jordan, check your e-mail i sent you something, now i go to bed, we will continue tomorrow, THANKS!!!
its giving me an app problem too.the akai service went into my computer and added it for me but it still says app error and thats why i can even enjoy my mpd24 it fucking sucks thanks akai!!!
I have downloaded the programs with the Akai MPD24…its telling me im missing ASIO DRIVER?
Thank you so much for this site and the comments!!!! As you may guess my story is much like ever body else. Tried to update and turned my mpd24 into a piece of useless plastic. I followed the settings in uniquest and about 20 minutes later i was able to hit the “enter” button after the 24 was done receiving. I have been trying to update for the past 3 hours and finally stumbled onto here. So once again, thanks a lot!!
easy people! finally updated firmware….. my advice is keep on trying! took me prob 10 times to finally do it! tried on xp and vista with cheap usb midi interface, then with ni audio 8, nothing worked. bought a second hand midisport 4×4 off ebay about £40. finally got it updated.
used midisport 4×4
xp and these settings:
Delay Between SysX transmissions : 0
Delay SysX ( delay every n bytes): 2
Slow SysX (ms per SysX delay): 20
with uniquest
big thanks to every1 here, id given up with it, was sat here for a year useless!
just keep trying, try all settings in this site, when it finally worked probably took over an hour to transmit data.
all good now cheers!
could of been the other settings
Delay between SysX transmissions – 60
Delay SysX (delay every n bytes) – 1
Slow SysX – 60
was a few weeks ago when i did it
keep trying, i gave up then came back to it
it does work in the end tho!
umm yea I bought this off craigslist…so i have Vyzor (w/e its called) and it doesn’t work…can anybody send me a link to the Uniquest because the demo won’t let me send the file…and it took me a wole day to find the update…ANND from what i hear the MPD24 is never properly installed on SP3 due to a loss of USB Audio Codec that is supposed to recognize the hardware as a USB Audio Device…best bet: install it as a “generic USB audio Device” and download the codec…. hit me with the uniquest link please!!!!
Hi guys:
I think i did something really stupid that killed my MPD24, here the story…
After doing the firmware upgrade the machine stop working, later one i could load the .syx file and everything seemed to be ok, the machine said on the screen “DONE” press enter, i did pressed enter button but nothing happened, i didn´t now what to do after while so i turned off and went to sleep, today i found out that my MPD24 is dead, if i plug the usb chord the screen blinks in blue just once and then nothing hapens…
Does anybody have had the same problem? Do you guys think my machine is useless now?
Thank you so much for your comments.
Chuchin
Try reflashing it again.
Does anybody know if there is a conflict between the Vyzex and Mac OSX Lion?
Cheers