Help!! Can't connect MPC live 2 via USB/ Controller mode

Hi All,
I'm a bit of an MPC newbie (although I owned a MPC 60 back in the day.
My big issue is I can't connect to my Mac via USB / Controller mode no matter what I do. I sent the unit out to replace the usb connector thinking that was the issue. I've tried at least 4 different usb cables, installed drivers and software and reinstalled multiple times.
My audio / midi setup doesn't see it and it just stays on the red screen trying to connect. Occasionally the extra drive will mount on the mac but that's it.
I've literally tried everything... anyone have any ideas??

Which version of the MPC Software are you running on your Mac? Is it fully launched before you try connecting to it via controller mode?

Which MacOS version? Which firmware is running on your MPC hardware? What type of USB connection is it on your Mac (USB C etc)? Is it a native USB port or via a hub or adapter?

Did you contact Akai support about this? If so, what did they say?

Running the version 3 beta (although I've tried with version 2 software as well) software launched prior to going into controller mode on MPC.
Running Mac OS 15 (Sequoia) MPC firmware is 3.5
I'm running a usb c cable I bought from MPC stuff but I've also tried the USB original cable (I think it's a B)
There is no hub , directly into one of the computers ports (MacBook Pro M3)
I've contacted MPC support they were very slow and recommended I replace the USB port on the unit.
The guy at MPC stuff that repaired the unit suggested I post on this forum.
Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

Often controller mode problems might just be a driver issue, e.g. incompatibility with something on your system perhaps, or a security setting in macos (I believe sequoia is more strict than previous OS). Are you able to test on a friend's computer? If it works then this would at least rule out an issue with the MPC itself. Your friend doesn't need to activate the MPC Software, he can just run it in trial mode, controller mode should still work fine (with white noise every 30 seconds).

If your MPC itself is running firmware 3.5 then it should be able to control MPC Software 2.15.1 and 3.5 on your computer.

When it comes to mounting your MPC disk no drivers are necessary, so if it's only mounting it infrequently then perhaps it's related to the controller mode issue, in which case this could instead indicate a hardware issue, either with the MPC, computer or cable. I used to have issues mounting MPC disks and that turned out to be down to the USB cable itself. But if you've tried 4 cables, its unlikely to be that, so I would try a different computer first, see what happens.

appreciate the suggestion, I've tried it on a different Mac (Macbook Air) no dice. Also, midi isn't working in standalone mode. Repair guy who fixed the port suggested it might be the carrier board. Was hoping someone might have a software answer

If it's doing it with other computers and you have other issues in standalone mode then it does sound like a hardware issue in the MPC. I take it this is a used unit or out of warranty? Carrier boards are not cheap, nor easy to come by.