MAC USERS

Hi folks I've just bought the MPC Live and I'm completely frustrated. I want to use it as a sound card when connected to my computer, but it only works as a sound card when it's in controller mode with MPC software active. The MPD218 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJ's alike. Its intuitive blend of MPC controls and technologies mesh with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making into the world of computer music production. This guide walks through downloading, installing and authorizing the included MPC Essentials, Big Bang Drums and Big.

Sound Cards 7.1

Apple Mac users should make sure install the lastest version of the Aria software. Earlier versions of Aria (including the version that ships on the included DVD ROM disc) do not run correctly with OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard and higher. Download the latest version of Aria at the akaipro website here in the 'Support' section.

Also Mac users should use the latest version of the system software and its components. On Mac OSX, select 'Software Update' from the Apple Menu in the upper-left of the screen.

Click here to download a very useful pdf with some performance tips from Akai regarding the Akai EWI USB.

PC USERS

PC users should make sure install the lastest version of the Aria software. Download the latest version of Aria at the akaipro website here in the 'Support' section.

Click here to download a very useful pdf with some performance tips from Akai regarding the Akai EWI USB.

PC users experiencing a large latency (delayed / sluggish response) should try installing and using the ASIO4ALL audio driver. More info on using ASIO4ALL can be found at the ASIO4ALL website, the WindController FAQ, and the Patchman Music Wind Controller Forum.

If you are still having trouble with your Akai EWI USB and a PC computer, the following text from Akai's tech support may help...

Many USB audio devices use Window's built in USB Audio Codec drivers to communicate with the computer. The USB Audio Codec has been built in to Windows since Windows 98SE.

In very rare cases, this set of drivers may go missing, or become corrupt, causing USB audio devices to no longer function. However, the same symptoms can be caused by several much more common situations. It is important to rule out these more common causes, before trying to reinstall the drivers.

• Bad USB Ports: Have you tried all the ports on your computer?
• Bad USB Cable: Have you tried another cable? (you can borrow the cable from your printer)
• Conflicts: Have you tried the device with all other USB devices disconnected (except for your keyboard and mouse)
• Logitech Web Cameras: Have you ever had a Logitech Web Cam connected to this computer? (if so, call the Akai Tech Support Department at 401-658-3131)
• Software Configuration: Have you installed the latest version of your recording software from the company's website, and carefully followed the setup instructions?
• Computer System: Have you installed all available updates for your computer's Operating System? On a PC, visit http://www.windowsupdate.com.
• Other System: Have you tried the device on a second computer? If the device does not function on more than one computer, and you've tried multiple USB ports and cables on both computers, do not try any of the suggestions below. Please call the Akai Tech Support Department at 401-658-3131.

If you have ruled out all of the more common causes of USB Audio Device connectivity problems (listed above), perform the following:

Open the Device Manager:

Windows XP:

1. Select the Start menu at the bottom-right of your screen.

2. Choose Control Panel (or Settings, then Control Panel on some computers).

3. In the window that opens, double-click the control panel titled System. If there is no item titled System listed in the Control Panels window, click the link in the upper-left of the window titled Switch To Classic View. The System Control Panel should now be visible to the right. Double-click it to open the System Properties window.

4. At the top of the System Properties window that opens, click the tab titled Hardware.

5. Then click the button labeled Device manager. You will be presented with a list of all the components installed on your computer.

Windows Vista :

1. Select the Start menu at the bottom-right of your screen.

2. Choose Control Panel.

3. In the window that opens, double-click the control panel titled System. If there is no item titled System listed in the Control Panels window, click the link in the upper-left of the window titled Classic View. The System Control Panel should now be visible to the right. Double-click it to open the System Properties window.

4. At the top of the Control Panel > System window that opens, click the tab titled Hardware.

5. Then in the upper-left of the window, under Tasks, click the link labeled Device manager. You will be presented with a list of all the components installed on your computer.

Uninstall the Drivers:

1. Connect your USB Audio Device to your computer.

2. Locate your device in the list.

o Normally, it will be listed as USB Audio Device in the Sound, video and game controllers section.

o However, if your device drivers didn't get installed properly (which is likely if you're reading this guide), the USB Audio Device might have the wrong name (i.e. Unknown Device) or be listed in the wrong section of the Device Manager (i.e. under Other Devices).

o If you are unsure which one is the correct device, you can unplug the device's USB cable, and then take not of which item gets removed from the list. Then, reconnect the device and proceed.

Akai Sound Cards App

3. Once you have located your device in the list, right-click it, and choose Uninstall from the menu that pops up. A warning will appear, saying something like: Warning: You are about to uninstall this device from your system. Click OK.

4. After the operation is complete, disconnect the Audio Device from your computer.

5. Restart your computer.

Reconfigure the Audio Device

1. After your computer has been completely restarted, reconnect the USB Audio Device to your computer.

2. Shortly after you reconnect the device, the Hardware Installation Wizard should open, allowing you to reconfigure the device.

o Essentially, to proceed through the installation's various prompts and questions, you'll want to click buttons with labels such as Next, OK, Continue, Automatic, and Allow.

When the installation is finished, your audio device should work properly. If your device still does not function properly, repeat the two sections above titled Open the Device Manager and Uninstall the Drivers and then perform the following:

Reinstall the Drivers:

The USB Audio Codec Driver Files included with this document need to be copied to very specific locations on your computer.

Windows XP:

1. Copy the files below into the location on your computer titled: C:WINDOWSsystem32drivers

o drmk.sys

o ks.sys

o portcls.sys

o stream.sys

o USBAUDIO.sys

2. Copy the files below into the location on your computer titled: C:WINDOWSsystem32

o ksproxy.ax

o ksuser.dll

o wdmaud.drv

3. Restart your computer

Windows Vista:

1. Copy the files below into the location on your computer titled: C:WINDOWSsystem32drivers

o drmk.sys

o portcls.sys

o USBAUDIO.sys

2. Copy the files below into the location on your computer titled: C:WINDOWSsystem32

o SysFxUI.dll

o WMALFXGFXDSP.dll

3. Restart your computer

Reconfigure the Audio Device

1. After your computer has been completely restarted, reconnect the USB Audio Device to your computer.

2. Shortly after you reconnect the device, the Hardware Installation Wizard should open, allowing you to reconfigure the device.

o Essentially, to proceed through the installation's various prompts and questions, you'll want to click buttons with labels such as Next, OK, Continue, Automatic, and Allow.

When the installation is finished, your audio device should work properly.

Andrew Tomasello
Akai Technical Support & Return Authorizations
Call: 401-658-3131
Thursday, August 20, 2009