Using a midi controller to trigger samples

I want to use my midi controller (Edirol PCR 300) to trigger samples already in my MPC (JJ ver. 3.12) for live performances. The PCR does not have any sounds of its own- I want to load up some piano/synth samples on the MPC and play them with the PCR. Ideally, I want to be able to play both the MPC pads AND the keyboard.

So you know what kind of beginner you are dealing with, I have yet to succeed in any aspect of this process. My tinkering has led me to the following configuration, in which NO sound is triggered when I play the PCR:

Midi Out from PCR > Midi In 1 on MPC
Midi Channel #1 on PCR
I assigned a sample to every pad, every bank on the MPC (all pads produce sound)
Main Screen settings:
Loop: Off
Mute: Off
Tr: 01- Track01
Type: MIDI
Midi:1A
Midi/Sync Settings:
Active track receive channel: All
Soft thru: Omni AB
Sequence change by program change: On
Pad to internal sound: On
Sync in: 1
Sync out: AB

I've been scouring the net, these forums, and the manual for a few hours, and now I seek your spiritual guidance...

Did you choose a program for your active track (Tr: 01- Track01)?

I used the default program, which is called something like Program01- the same program that I loaded the samples into.

Don't know really know the 3.12, never used it... I'm on XL 2.25. Anyway, this should be quite simple. It should basically work right out of the box.

There is sound when playing pads, but nothing when playing the controller, right? Check your midi cable. Is it connected correctly, is it working? If you have another cable, try it.

I would turn Sequence change by program change: OFF, to make sure your MPC is not responding to any program changes sent accidentally from the controller. If you assign your program to a track of a sequence, it won't automatically be assigned to the same track in the next sequence, and if you don't name the program, you won't necessarily notice that the sequence has been changed. Try naming the program and save it with all your project settings by saving entire memory - and while you're doing it, name every sample, program, sequence, project and whatever you're working on. It's a bit of a chore (on more advanced JJ OS versions there are copy/paste options) but it pays off later on.

thank you for your help, but still no sound when I mash on the midi controller keyboard.... ugh

as far as mpc is concerned seems like you got the settings down...try watching this video maybe it can help you in getting it to work...im guessing something is off in midi controller config.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8zlBPuk0fY

Try setting the octave lower on the controller to see if it can trigger the samples.Then check all keys(controller) to find the ones that trigger your samples.As stated before (and the greatest thing about
os2xl) is how JJ has worked this out.OS 3.12 has the same midi layout as the Akai O.S. Your programs samples will be spread out all over your midi controller. Hope this helps TYPO

Unfortunately, I've tried that too, with no results. I'll keep studying the PCR manual and see if I can unveil the secret to making this work (posting the great story of my success). Until then, I'm just going to connect my controller to a hidden laptop that runs ableton live. I got that to work in about 4 seconds. Ockham's razor triumphs yet again.

O.K. try setting soft thru to as track(MPC).On your controller make sure you have it is set to the same midi channel as the MPC track (Set program of course).Good luck and I do not believe we can not get this to work. TYPO