MPC Expansions are at the core of the MPC workflow.  In this guide, we cover the different types of MPC Expansions and how to install and import their content into the MPC Software. Let's get started!

 

Contents

Identifying the Different Types of MPC Expansions

MPC Expansions come in a variety of formats that each require a different process for importing into the MPC Software. Before attempting to import an Expansion, let's determine which type you have first.

  • MPC Software Expansions - This is a single .xpn file that can be dragged and dropped directly into the MPC Software.
  • Standalone MPC Expansions - These packs come in the form of an installer (.exe or .pkg files) which will automatically add your Expansion to the MPC Software Browser.
  • Standard Samplepack Folders (Legacy) - Older products are organized in a system of folders containing samples and MPC programs.
  • Plugin Expansions - These are actually plugins that have their own dedicated GUI and are accessible in MPC's VST Browser. It's important to note that these Expansions cannot be exported to the X/Live for use in standalone mode.

Installing and Importing MPC Expansions into the MPC Software

Now that we know which type of MPC Expansion pack you have, let's install and import the content into the MPC Software.

MPC Software Expansions

These are .xpn files that are specially formatted to work with the MPC Software. When you download this type of Expansion it will most likely come in a compressed folder.

  1. Double-click the zipped folder to open its contents.
  2. Click Extract to unzip the folder. If you attempt to drag and drop the compressed .xpn file directly into MPC it will not import.
  3. Enable Show Extracted Files When Complete and click Extract.
  4. Launch the MPC Software and drag and drop the .xpn file into the software.
  5. The Expansion Pack Import window will automatically appear. Select Import.
  6. Allow the sample content to load. Once completed, you will find your newly imported Expansion in the Browser.

 

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Standalone MPC Expansions

Standalone MPC Expansion packs come in the form of an installer (.exe or .pkg files) which will automatically add your Expansion to the MPC Software Browser.

  1. After downloading the Expansion installer, locate the compressed folder and double-click it.
  2. Click Extract All to unzip the folder's contents.
  3. Enable Show Extracted Files When Complete and click Extract.
  4. When the extraction process is complete, you will see two installers. Double-click the installer for your operating system.
  5. Follow the prompts to install the MPC Expansion.
  6. After you have successfully installed the Expansion, launch the MPC Software. Click the Expansion Browser icon at the bottom right to reveal your Expansions. You'll see the Expansions thumbnail appear at the top right.

 

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Standard Samplepack Folders

Standard Samplepack Folders are organized in a system of folders containing WAV samples and MPC programs. These are often legacy expansions but are still entirely compatible with the MPC Software. Please note that these legacy packs do not support image thumbnails or program previews. 

  1. Download the samplepack. In this example, we are going to use the MPC Content Drum Library which is available for download in your Akai account. Keep in mind that this download is not specific to any OS. Mac and PC users can download the Expansionalike.
  2. Navigate to your Download folder and open the compressed file. Click on Extract All to unzip the contents.
  3. For PC users, select a directory to save your extracted folder to. We suggest storing the Expansion in the following directory:

    C:/ProgramData/Akai/MPC

    Click Extract when you have chosen your folder pathway. Remember this directory as we will need later in the MPC Software!


    Mac users: Locate the Expansion zip in your Download folder. Double-click the file to unzip its contents and move the folder to the following directory:

    ~Library/Application Support/Akai/MPC/Content

    Remember this pathway as we will need it later in the MPC Software!
  4. Now that your Expansion is installed, launch the MPC Software.
  5. Click on the File Browser icon. Using the downward pointed arrow, navigate to the MPC Content folder.
    Windows:

    Mac:

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Plugin Expansions

Plugin Expansions have their own dedicated GUI and are accessible in the MPC's Plugin Browser. Some examples of this type of Expansion are: The Bank, The 809, The Noise, The Wub. It's important to note that these Expansions cannot be exported to the X/Live for use in standalone mode.

  1. Download the Plugin Expansion for your select OS. For this example, we will be using The 809.
  2. Locate the Plugin Expansion in your Download folder and select Extract All.
  3. Enable Show extracted files when complete and click Extract.
  4. Double-Click the Expansion. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

  5. Once the process is complete, open the MPC Software.
  6. You can access the Plugin Expansion by creating a Plugin Program and clicking on the Plugin field. Select MPC Expansions then Akai Professional from the Browser. Highlight the Plugin Expansion and click Select.


    If you do not see the plugin GUI, click on the icon to the right of the Plugin field.

 

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