TABLE OF CONTENTS


Day 1 Firmware Update

The MPC Key 37 requires a Firmware Update when you first get the device. The purpose of this is to install the most stable and feature-rich version of MPC OS so that you can get started making music with the best features and zero issues! This can be performed by simply connecting your MPC Key 37 to WiFi and following the prompts on startup! 


For more in-depth Firmware Update Instructions, click here.

 

Difficulty Registering the MPC Key 37

When registering your MPC Key 37, please ensure that you provide the complete 15-digit serial number, including any letters that may be present. Input the date and location of your purchase and you should be good to go! Please see the guide below for reference, if you have trouble.



If you experience repeated error messages, be sure to note down exactly which error message you're receiving and reach out to our support team!


MPC 2.0 Software Requires Activation Code  

You can find your activation code under the MPC Software installer in your Software Downloads list. This is usually listed as 

IMPORTANT: MPC 2.12 Desktop Software Click on the software title, then scroll down and click on Get MPC 2 Software Serial generate a software activation code.



The MPC 2.0 software uses the iLok License Management system to authorize the software. Prior to launching your MPC 2.0 software for the first time, be sure to install the latest version of the iLok License Manager, found here.

After installation, launch the iLok License Manager and either create a new iLok Account, or sign in to your existing one. Locate the icon as shown in the image below and input the 30-Digit Activation Code from your account. Follow the prompts to redeem the license to your account.



Once redeemed, right-click your license and select Activate. By activating your license on your computer, you will be able to seamlessly launch the MPC Software without any more prompts to activate. For a more detailed, step-by-step walkthrough, check out the link here!


MPC Key 37 is connected to the computer but displays "Looking for computer" in controller mode

"Looking for computer" is the message that automatically comes up when the MPC is put into controller mode. The MPC will stay on "Looking For Computer" until it detects the MPC Desktop Software is running on your computer. However, it will not detect the software if there is no driver installed and the software is not on the same version as the firmware of the MPC Key 37. If you plugged your MPC into your computer and it is still saying "Looking for computer", please check the following.


  • The MPC Desktop software is on the same version as your MPC Key 37's firmware version.
  • The MPC Key 37 driver has been installed.
  • The MPC Desktop software is running.


If you have confirmed all of three of the above and the MPC still says looking for computer, please refer to 

the 'MPC Key 37 is not recognized by my computer' section below.


My MPC Key 37 is not recognized by my computer  


If you have confirmed that your MPC software and firmware versions are the same and that your drivers are installed correctly, there are still troubleshooting steps that can be performed! At its core, the MPC Key 37 is a MIDI controller. 


Potential causes for connection issues are:

  • A bad USB cable or port
  • Poor communication, typically due to the use of a USB hub, long or extended USB cables, or having too many USB devices plugged in.


The first steps when you encounter a device not connecting properly should always be to try different USB cables, different USB ports, and even a different computer. You will also want to disconnect other USB peripherals and avoid USB hubs. 


We have several troubleshooting guides for MIDI controllers, which are linked below! 

Troubleshooting USB MIDI devices on Mac

Using a MIDI Monitor to Test a MIDI Device



Difficulty Updating MPC Key 37 Firmware  

The MPC Key 37 Firmware Updater is a standalone application that can be accessed through the inMusic Software Manager, which can be found in your inMusic account at www.akaipro.com. Prior to launching this firmware installer, it is important to confirm that your device drivers are current. Once that is confirmed, proceed to download the MPC firmware updater and choose the install option from the window below.



After installation, run the firmware updater program and connect your MPC Key 37 and computer. It is important to note that only firmware updaters obtained via the MPC Key 37 software installer should be utilized for updating your device. Please ensure to adhere to these instructions for every release of MPC Key 37 firmware version.


For more in-depth Firmware Update Instructions, click here.


MPC Key 37 is lagging or freezing during use  

The MPC Key 37 boasts some of the most powerful and complex tools ever included with an MPC, which may require a significant amount of system resources. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor your System Resources when creating on the MPC Key 37 in standalone mode. This will provide valuable insight into any potential issues that may cause your unit to slow down during use. Should you encounter lag or freezing on your unit, we recommend navigating to the System Resources panel of your MPC by clicking either the battery or system resource bars available from the Main Mode menu. This will bring up a screen resembling the one below.



The indicators in this window show current usage statistics:

  • Battery: If you are using MPC Live or Live II powered by its internal battery, the first indicator shows the current battery life as a percentage. (See Battery Usage to learn more about MPC Live and MPC Live II’s internal battery.)
  • CPU: The CPU indicator shows the current CPU as a percentage. If this indicator shows that you are nearing full capacity, you may begin to experience some freezing. Try disabling any unnecessary plugins or effects when not using those tracks! 
  • RAM Usage: The Mem indicator shows your MPC hardware’s current RAM usage.
  • Drives: The Drives indicator shows the available storage space on any detected external storage devices or the internal drive of MPC X, MPC Live, MPC Live II, or MPC One.

If these resources all check out, there may be something else causing your unit to experience lag. Refer to the guide below for a more in-depth look into why your device may be freezing!


A single key is going inactive until the MPC Key 37 is restarted

It is recommended to update the firmware of your MPC Key 37 upon first use. If you are experiencing issues with your keyboard becoming inactive, please make sure that you update your MPC Key 37 to firmware version 2.14 to resolve this. 


For in-depth update instructions, please click here.