Updating Firmware MPCX / Finding Update Mode

Im trying to update the latest firmware. When I'm in my Preferences menu and hold down the shift key, nothing happens. So I cannot select update mode. Why doesn't update mode pop up when I hit the shift key. Is there another way to access update mode

I see a lot of different firmware updates for my MPCX. Do I need to go back and complete all of the updates or will I be up to date with the latest update.

How do I know I have all of the latest software updates

Thanks guys, appreciate all the help!!!!

2.8 should be the latest version (both hardware/firmware and software). You don’t need to upgrade incrementally. You can jump straight to the newest version. If the Update option is not showing when you press Shift make sure you have the firmware update file in the root level (starting) directory of your USB flash drive or SD Card. It should have the extension .IMG

ok so you have to load the update to a SD card, then place the Card in the MPC?

Either that way (using the downloadable USB image updater file), or after installing the latest software update on your Mac/PC you can run the firmware updater via your computer. You’ll need to download the appropriate Mac/Windows hardware updater file from Akai’s website and run the installer, then choose your model MPC via the pictures to the right. In your case, the picture that looks like an MPC X.

Lately most members here have switched to the USB updater version since it’s more stable and less likely to choke than when running the update between your computer and MPC (since you need to connect the computer to the MPC via a USB cable if you choose to update that way).

Im in Controller mode. The mpc is connected to my Mac. I see the Update image. when I select update, it it says mpc not detected.

If you are in Controller mode and it’s not seeing the MPC I’m not sure what you have going on. Try exiting Controller mode, unplugging and replugging the USB cable from both ends (Mac & MPC), restart your MPC software and enter Controller mode again on the MPC X. See if the MPC is detected then. If not, try another USB cable.

If you want to update your MPC X to the latest firmware while using Controller mode, login to your Akai account and download the file named “MPC 2.8 Firmware Updater (Mac)” and run that file when the MPC is connected to the Mac via USB.

Or better yet, download the file labeled “MPC 2.8 Firmware Updater (USB)” which will give you a file named “MPC-2.8.0-Update.img”. Take that .img file (don’t try to extract it or anything if your Mac tries to do so), copy it to the root of your SD Card, then put the SD Card in your MPC and the Update option should appear when holding Shift.

I made a copy of the update on SD card. I see the update inside mpc. while in preferences I hold shift down and nothing happens at all

don’t overcomplicate this with the mpc software. just go on the akai homepage, download the update for usb, copy it on the usb or flash card and update^^

he has to have the Right USB Image File in the Root Directory of SD Card....in order to see it

im following youtube videos exactly the way it shows in the video but nothing happens when I hit the shift key

the firmware on my Mpc right now is 2.0.7.25(v0.50)

..and just to doublecheck, you have downloaded the file for the usb update from the website and you did not use the copy of the file that you downloaded with the mpc software?

ah, wait, is it already possible with such a early firmware to update via usb..?anyone?

edit: it is not possible with your firmware to update via usb (minimum fw 2.2), you have to do it with the software/ update program^^

I was just about to say that. I bought mine last April 2019 when firmware 2.3/2.4 was out so you could update directly via USB. When I got my replacement MPC X this March due to stability issues it came with an old version (2.0.7), so I had to update via software to the latest version at the time (2.7.2). Then when 2.8 came out a month later I was able to update directly via USB .img file.

Sorry for the confusion Terrico. I guess I assumed you had a slightly newer version of the firmware that allowed direct USB/SD Card upgrading.

Yea you have to upgrade to at least 2.2 ....through the Software 1st. Or just Uprade straight to 2.8 thru the Software. Then you can update thru the SD Card in the Future

Just to add more support for the USB method... After you're done flashing it with the software, even if you go all the way straight to 2.8, flash it again with 2.8 on a USB stick just to be safe heh.
The couple times I used the Mac updater for mine I had some weird shit going on, so its USB all the way for me. Too much going on in the Mac and Akai suck as programmers to begin with, so I dont trust the Mac component.. I dont mind bricking a game controller but my MPC no way in hell.