This guide is broken into two parts: (A) Creating editor presets and (B) Syncing the editor with the MPK Mini.
If you haven't already, download and install the firmware* and Editor in the downloads tab here: https://www.akaipro.com/mpk-mini-mkii If you try updating the firmware but receive the error "can't find the device," this simply may indicate your firmware is already updated. At this time, the latest firmware is from 2014, so you likely already have an updated device.
Part A: Creating and saving your custom .MK2 file for future use
1. Exit all audio programs, including your DAW and internet browsers. Consider simply restarting your computer to be sure all programs are properly closed.
→ If you skip this step, the editor program will exit or crash when you try to "Send" anything to your Akai MPK Mini MKII.
2. Open the Editor.
3. Make desired customization.
For some DAW/plugins, the octave must be adjusted. For example, assign pads one octave down for Battery 4 (FL Studio, Cubase) and FPC (FL Studio). For instance, if you want pad 5 to trigger C3, then assign pad 5 to C2.
4. On the top left of the Editor, click "File", "Save as", name the file, then "Save". You may get an error stating "You don't have permission to save in this location," when saving to the path C:\Program Files (x86)\Akai Professional\MPK Mini MkII Editor. Simply select a different location to save the MK2 file (user folder, desktop, etc.).
Part B: Sending the custom MK2 file to your MPK Mini
The MPK Mini can store up to 4 programs. Program 1 will be used as the example here.
1. The Editor should still be open, if not, open the Editor again, click "File" and "Open" your MK2 file. A new Editor window pops up with your file loaded. You now have 2 Editors open. To avoid confusion, close the "Untitled1" Editor window.
2. In the Editor, click "Options" at the top, "Device Setup", and then select MPK Mini MKII for both input and output. Click "Apply" and "OK."
→ If you skip this step, the input/output prompt will pop up again when you attempt to "Send" or "Get", but your settings will failto sync with the MPK Mini.
3. Click "Send" on the left side under Program 1.
4. Click "Get" under Program 1 as well. The pad assignments should be correct to your liking.
5. On your physical MPK Mini, press and hold the "Prog Select" button, then press and hold pad 5 to select program 1. This pad should blink. Now release both the button and the pad.
6. Exit the Editor.
7. Open your DAW.
8. Load up a plugin and test your AKAI MPK Mini MKII pads. Everything should now be assigned to your liking
If you're still having issues, try:
- Performing step (B)5 again after opening your DAW.
- Plugging the AKAI MPK Mini MKII directly to a USB port from your motherboard.
- Running the AKAI MPK Mini MK2 Editor as administrator and/or in Windows 8 compatibility mode.
