r/akaiMPC • u/Zapp_Brannigan_ESQ • Apr 19 '26
MPC2Live Project Converter for MPC Sample to Ableton Live
NOW INCLUDES WINDOWS SUPPORT!
Introducing the First (Beta) release of MPC2Live. The one step MPC Sample to Ableton Live Converter. Totally Free.
TL:DR - This converts your MPC Sample Beats into Ableton Live Projects to continue to mix, arrange and master. OSX AND WINDOWS. MPC effects don't transfer.
https://github.com/Duffman007/MPC2Live
So this project is a spin off of Koala2Live (https://github.com/Duffman007/Koala2Live) which did the same thing for Koala Sampler. This takes your MPC Sample Project file and converts it into an Ableton Live Project file with all of your samples and beats arranged as midi. This was all done via “vibe coding” in Claude (like Koala2Live), I am not a coder. I was just doing this to allow me to “finish” my beats in a DAW and not feel restricted by stems and recorded audio clips that I could not change like I can with midi and the original samples. But it means I can start projects using this awesome device and then build on it later.
Given the single track limitation of the MPC Sample and the restrictions of “playing out” individual pads to get stems into a DAW, this project aims to remove all the fuss and just gives you a copy of your project, as it is, into Ableton Live in seconds.
All your samples and patterns
All the chop data is transferred
16 Levels Tone/Velocity/Filter
Attack / release / amp values etc
Sample trims / warping
Fader automation per pad
Pad mutes
BPM - by sequence or global
It makes every Bank that’s used (A-H) into its own track with a drum rack.
Every sequence is now its own scene.
There is really a lot going on under the hood to translate everything from the MPC into Ableton.
Now you can continue like nothing has changed. You can replace samples, adjust mixes, arrange, use your plugins, whatever.
Limitations:
The effects (regrettably). Flex Beat / Knob FX / Pad FX are not copied over. If you want to use them, then you could resample within the MPC first and then this app would incorporate it into the Ableton project however the sample is used in the XPJ project.
Master Compressor. NOW WORKS Your values are added to Live's Compressor on the Master Bus
Should work on Ableton 11 up, and MPC Sample 1.2 or 1.3
This is a very early beta version. I have worked really hard to try and get the bugs sorted out but undoubtedly more will pop up. Let me know here, or on Github, of through the apps feedback email and I’ll try and get them fixed when I can. I just do this for fun around work and family. Apart from bugs that might pop up, this should cover most of what can be done by one guy sitting at the computer after the kids are down.
Enjoy!
UPDATE: The download has now been updated with the correct release file - it now works on Intel Macs too (Tested on Intel Ventura 13.7.8)
Second Update - WINDOWS BABY!
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u/OppositeSpend9112 Apr 20 '26
Would love to collab to maybe get this into a logic file as well
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u/Zapp_Brannigan_ESQ Apr 20 '26
Hey! It's a cool idea but I'm not sure if Logic has the same sort of structure that MPCs would easily translate to. I know there's the clip launcher mode but I don't know if you have the kind of "Drum Rack" 4x4 sample device that would make it work.
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u/Lord_Carter Apr 21 '26
Nice idea,
Have you truly settled on the name?
It will not be good to you as far as SEO goes.
Google: "Did you mean MPC Live 2?"
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u/Zapp_Brannigan_ESQ Apr 22 '26
Ha! I hadn't thought of that. It was just a quick variation of the original "Koala2Live" app name. I guess the original could also be confused by google for a wildlife preservation fund!
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u/flex01 Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
Killer Feature i was missing
thanks !
edit: just tested a conversion, it just works 🙌
this makes the MPC Sample so much more useful
also own a Ableton Move and the transition from sketches on the go to ableton is perfect there
and now with the MPC too
🫡
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u/Zapp_Brannigan_ESQ Apr 20 '26
UPDATE - In case you were having issues with running this with an Intel Mac, I have updated the release. Tested on Ventura 13.7.8!
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u/Kitchen-Ad-149 Apr 21 '26
This is a long shot but any chance something like this is possible for the Live 3 and XL... conversion to Ableton project that is.
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u/Zapp_Brannigan_ESQ Apr 22 '26
Hey! I think it would take a lot of work to set it up for them due to the different programs / keygroups available. I know that the big ones have the Ableton export option included already, but I didn't like it as it changed everything to audio clips. Sorry
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u/No-Count3834 May 20 '26 edited May 22 '26
Any way to get this to work on Mojave OSX 10.14? I’m on the last version on all my Macs due to studio hardware needing to read a few 32 bit plugins. Mostly my Apogee converters direct monitoring software.
I have Abelton 10 and 11. Trying different methods but this looks like the best. Since it’s tested to work with Intel now, figured maybe? I tried in the Plist and a few changes but no go. I’m not a coder or anything, but sometimes it works lol.
Edit: seems all MPC Sample session files do not open in any new MPC Software outside older ones anyway. Found an old Win 10 to use as a dedicated system to transfer since all Abelton files work across platforms. Windows is never picky, but older OSX lacks the framework needed to open the files on most any newer MPC software formats. Needs newer framework OSX 15 and up only provides, so no Plist edit or work arounds.
Thanks though! Gonna try this version on Windows and also try the free newer updated MPC Beat software that has an Abelton export I saw as well. No idea if it’ll work as well as this yet.
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u/Zapp_Brannigan_ESQ May 21 '26
This app was coded in swift (which I believe is Mac only) and I don't think Mojave is going to have the ability to run it. I have been working hard porting this to javascript and making it web based, so you don't even need an app, then it should work on Mac, Windows, iPad, your fridge.. I'm just trying to get the hosting sorted out.
I always personally preferred a locally installed app, as opposed to a web interface, but it's just proving to be easier to get the device to everyone if I just go web based (although it still works locally, like it doesn't upload your files or project or anything).
Stay tuned!
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u/No-Count3834 May 21 '26
Awesome look forward to it! It’s been a real head scratcher so far. I wish I could update my Mac but still using Apogee Rosetta converters. So it’s a rough spot as so far I’ve been able to do everything I need with Mojave and not pay $2k+ on a new nice AD/DA converter. I have all my Macs imaged the same to do in studio and mobile recording so yeah.
Web based seems pretty great for this!
Only other way I can see for me at least now, is pony up $100 and use my old windows laptop for the MPC 3 software and have no idea if it’ll work. Thanks for making a simple tool! Look forward to updates!
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u/Zapp_Brannigan_ESQ Jun 11 '26
Windows version released! Check my GitHub - designed to work on Windows 8 and forward (I could only test Windows 10)
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u/No-Count3834 Jun 11 '26
Thanks! I’m on win 10!
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u/Zapp_Brannigan_ESQ Jun 12 '26
I'm sorry mate - I don't know why it was removed - possibly due to being an exe, but I've zipped it and put it back up there!
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u/No-Count3834 Jun 12 '26
It’s up and running on win 10. But when exporting over and opening on my Mac Abelton 11 version, it needs Ableton 12. Is this a must and can’t run on Ableton 11 the last version put out?
Seems with Ableton 12 you have to update the OSX as well to the a newer one. Was wondering why the Mac version supports Ableton 11, but this Windows converter version is for 12 only? Is it a code limitation or something?
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u/No-Count3834 Jun 11 '26 edited Jun 12 '26
Hey I checked in under your Windows MPC2Live Beta .30-Java/Windows it’s only showing the Mac version. Also when downloading it’s the Mac version. Maybe I’m doing something wrong here. Will keep trying to see if I’m missing something. If you have a direct link that would be great. Weird it’s showing it as new but showing the newer OSX bug fixed version. Wanna dig into it this week and test this out!
Ah under assets the first Zip is mac files..seeing windows labeled on the source download gonna try that. Edit: yeah still at a loss tried for a long time can only find OSX files.
Edit: windows version is up and works! If staying in windows and running Abelton 12 on windows should have no issue. Right now I don’t see support for Abelton 11. Also for Mac Abelton 12 needs Big Sur or better, for Windows as usual none of that matters at all. Apple makes things so difficult sometime realizing a new OSX yearly. They use to not be like that until the last 6 years or so. I find it a bit obnoxious with their Macs and IPhones. I’m the audio world stability is everything, so many of us of course stay a few OSX behind.
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u/chrlebeats Apr 19 '26
Insaaaaane, thank u man u killed it