How to Create and Package Akai MPC Expansions – The Ultimate Guide

If you're looking to create and package expansion packs for Akai MPCs like the MPC Live, MPC X, MPC One, and other modern models, you need to follow the correct formatting, structuring, and metadata guidelines. This guide walks you through the entire process—from organizing your sounds to packaging the expansion as a professional .XPN file. Whether you're a producer, sound designer, or business looking to sell MPC expansions, this tutorial will help you create seamless, high-quality expansion packs.

Step 1: Organize Your Expansion Content

Before you package your expansion, ensure your content is properly organized. Create a main folder for your expansion and structure it logically:

Recommended Folder Structure:

• Samples/ – Contains WAV files (16-bit or 24-bit, 44.1 kHz)
• Programs/ – Contains .xpm program files (drum kits, keygroup instruments)
• Sequences/ – Optional .sxq or .mpcpattern files
• Previews/ – Contains short MP3/WAV files for auditioning programs in the browser
• Expansion Metadata – The folder will later contain artwork and the Expansion.xml file

Use clear, descriptive file names (e.g., 808_Kick_01.wav, LoFiKeys.xpm) and avoid special characters. This ensures compatibility across all MPC devices and software.

Step 2: Create Expansion Metadata & Artwork

Each MPC expansion includes metadata and a cover image:

Artwork Requirements:

• File Format: JPEG or PNG
• Size: 1000x1000 pixels (recommended)
• File Name: Matches expansion identifier (e.g., my_expansion.jpg)

Metadata Information:

Create an Expansion.xml file (or use the Expansion Builder tool) with details such as:

• Title – The display name of your expansion
• Manufacturer – Your brand or artist name
• Version – Use a simple version number (e.g., 1.0)
• Identifier – A unique identifier using reverse-domain notation (e.g., com.yourbrand.expansionname)
• Description – A short description of the expansion’s content

Step 3: Package the Expansion with MPC Expansion Builder

The easiest way to create an .XPN installer file is with Akai’s MPC Expansion Builder, included in the MPC Software package. Here’s how:

1. Open MPC Expansion Builder
2. Fill in the metadata fields (title, manufacturer, version, identifier)
3. Attach the artwork file
4. Select the folder containing your expansion’s content
5. Click Build Expansion to generate the .XPN file

This .XPN file serves as an installer for easy expansion importing in MPC Software and MPC hardware.

Step 4: Install & Use the Expansion on MPC Hardware

Once your expansion is built, you can install it on an MPC device or within MPC Software:

For MPC Software (Desktop Use):

1. Open the Expansion Browser
2. Drag and drop the .XPN file into the browser to install
3. Browse and load programs, samples, and sequences

For MPC Standalone Hardware:

1. Transfer the expansion folder to an SD card or USB drive
2. Place the expansion folder inside an Expansions/ directory at the root of the drive
3. Insert the drive into your MPC and browse the Expansion Browser

Step 5: Optimize for Best User Experience

To enhance usability, consider these best practices:

• Include Preview Audio Files: Place short MP3 previews in a [Previews] folder, named exactly like the corresponding .xpm files
• Use Standard File Formats: Stick to WAV for samples and ensure proper sample rates (44.1 kHz, 16/24-bit)
• Provide Demo Sequences: Help users get started with preset sequences that load with kits
• Keep Naming Consistent: Use clear file names to avoid confusion when browsing on MPC hardware

Final Thoughts

By following this structured approach, you can create high-quality MPC expansions that work flawlessly across MPC Live, MPC X, MPC One, MPC Key 61, and other models. Whether you’re distributing free kits or selling expansions online, this guide ensures your expansions are formatted correctly and optimized for user experience.

Now it’s time to build your first expansion—happy beat-making!