On the fly switching of midi channels on the keyboard of the MPK249

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On the MPK249 is there an easy way to switch MIDI channels on the fly to control different software instruments in Ableton Live that are on different tracks and assigned to different MIDI channels? The control banks do not seem to be able to switch the MIDI Channel of the keyboard. I want to record a clip on one instrument then press a button and have the keyboard controlling another instrument so i can record a clip on that, I can't seem to figure this out on the MPK249. On the MPK mini, the "PROG SELECT" button allows for a different MIDI channel on all 4 of the separate programs. Help!

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Nick D (Employee) May 16, 2017 22:31

Hey Brett,

Thanks for posting!

There are a few ways that you can change the MIDI channel. You can change globally, by control (keybed, pads, etc.), or even make dedicated presets for this purpose (this would be similar to the MPK functionality you mentioned).

Changing the global MIDI channel is simple - just push the Global button and set the desired channel.

To change channel of a specific portion of the MPK (like the keybed itself for instance), press the Edit button and push a key. The display will allow you to set the MIDI channel.

Using a combination of these two methods above, you can make multiple presets and just alternate between these as necessary. To save a preset, make your changes, push the Preset button, push the right cursor button and save it!

I hope this helps you. Let me know if you have any questions!

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good answer! good answer! (undo)
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- Brett May 17, 2017 02:15
  
  Hey thanks for your reply. This is all information that I am already aware of. I want to avoid using the encoder to select the preset and/or midi channel, I just want to be able to press a button and have the midi channel switch, this works with the assignable knobs and faders with the 3 layers of control, but it leaves the keyboard portion out which still requires me to use the encoder at the top to select either a new preset or a new midi channel. Is there a way to assign preset changes to a button on the mpk249? I'm using multiple software instruments for live performance and switching very quickly on the fly is crucial for me, I just want to press a button and "bam" everything is changed, ya know? Having to dial through to my desired preset takes me out of the flow of performance........thanks!
  
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- Nick D (Employee) May 23, 2017 16:50
  
  Preset changes are not assignable to controls on the hardware itself, they are selected by using the Data Dial. I understand that in a performance timing is critical and digging through a menu wouldn't be the most appealing option. What I might do if I were in this situation is strategically group and order the presets almost like a setlist or, if you are not changing presets in a linear order, group the presets that work together close together in the menu in an effort to make changes as quickly as possible. As long as you have Preset selected on the MPK, a spin and depression of the Data Dial is all that is necessary to get into another preset. You can always rename presets when storing for quick visual reference by pressing the right cursor button when Preset is selected.
  
  I hope this helps a bit!
  
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- Brett May 25, 2017 05:34
  
  Thanks Nick, I will look into doing this.......is it possible to trigger preset changes from an outside source via usb or traditional midi? Will there possibly be an update to the MPK249 to make switching midi channels on the fly easier? I don't understand why Akai wouldn't make switching midi channels on the fly an easy thing to do, maybe you have some insight into this. Its simple enough on the Akai mpk mini. thanks again!
  
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- Nick D (Employee) May 26, 2017 18:01
  
  Currently you will select your preset via the Data Dial. I will be happy to submit this as a feature request for you!
  
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Hey Brett, Thanks for posting! There are a few ways that you can change the MIDI channel. You can change globally, by control (keybed, pads, etc.), or even make dedicated presets for this purpose (this would be similar to the MPK functionality you mentioned). Changing the global MIDI channel is simple - just push the Global button and set the desired channel. To change channel of a specific portion of the MPK (like the keybed itself for instance), press the Edit button and push a key. The display will allow you to set the MIDI channel. Using a combination of these two methods above, you can make multiple presets and just alternate between these as necessary. To save a preset, make your changes, push the Preset button, push the right cursor button and save it! I hope this helps you. Let me know if you have any questions!

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