16 Levels & MIDI Keyboard Interaction

I'm using MPC Software version 2.8.1. However I have had this same question since before then.

How do I use the 16 levels feature on a MIDI compatible keyboard?

Each time I enable it to sequence pad velocity or tune, I can't seem to get it to work without the hardware (in my case, an MPC One). I end up plugging the device in to use it.

Is there a way where I can use keys on a MIDI controller or MIDI compatible keyboard to do this?

Thank you

Nope. 16 Levels is an Akai exclusive feature, that internally remaps the pads depending on what feature (decay, filter, velocity, ...) you are using.

Also, MPC pads internally use different notes. Pad A1 usually sends C# while A2 sends C, which is actually lower. There you are, copyright protection from 1989.

If you want to use an external keyboard... you'll want to setup a key group.