MPC Essentials MIDI learn

not sure if this is the right forum for this, but I have a MPD218 and it came with MPC Essentials. The MPD218 comes with rotary controls, but no dedicated qlink controls. Is there a midi learn function for the Essentials software and external midi controllers that aren't the Renaissance or Studio? I've tried to use the Essentials in stand alone and plug-in mode to no avail. There's a "Midi Setup" menu function that continually tells mne theres no midi device connected. I have no issue with the pad controllers, but I cannot control functions like program or effects parameters without using the mouse on screen - which defeats the purpose of an external midi controller.

Thanks