MC 6 + Akai MPK Mini

Is there anyone out there that is successfully using the Akai MPK Mini with Music Creator 6?  I am getting back into recording my own music, a bit older than most probably (but younger than many, I presume!), so the whole digital realm is something that I am dipping my toes into, so to speak.  I'd like to learn what capabilities I have with the MPK Mini.  What I HOPE to be able to do is use the pads/keyboard to create custom drum tracks utilizing the sounds from the Cakewalk Sound Center.  To be honest, I'm not exactly sure how to phrase my question... There is another thread on here somewhere where someone is basically asking the same question as I am, but the responses are not very helpful because they are getting caught up on specific technical verbiage and not really answering the question, which is - How do I integrate the MPK Mini and use it to it's fullest potential? 
 
So let's try this:  I took the MPK out of the box.  I plugged it in to my computer and opened Music Creator 6.  I opened a New Project, hit "Insert Synth" and selected the Cakewalk Sound Center (I could also have selected VST plug ins, as I also have EZDrummer software - I'd love to figure out how to get the MPK Mini to use some of the sounds off of the EZdrummer Electronic package I have).  But what now?  How do I tell the MPK to use a certain sound on Pad 1? Or Pad 3? 
 
Anyone that is using the MPK Mini and Music Creator 6 together that can help - even if it's a link to someplace else with some answers -  it would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thank you for the help...!!
 
New member to the community... first post... be gentle...

Scott, welcome....
 
and yes, you can use it with MC6.   It sends midi so it's usable.
 
When you insert the cakewalk sound center (CSC) and load the patch/sample for it to play, you also need to  assign the MPK as the input to that midi track.
 
Path as follows:   Midi out of the MPK, routed to the input of the midi synth CSC you inserted, and that triggers the sounds in the CSC that you will hear.
 
Each midi track has an input selector where you can choose which input source you would like to use. The MPK should show up in that list when you open the input selector in the midi track inspector.
 
There's a bit of stuff to learn but, as you find a need to know things, and can't quite figure them out on your own, post here with as clear an explanation as is possible. 
 
Also please list the gear, sound card, OS, etc in your signature as we do, so we can look and know what you're using rather than always needing to ask for every query.

OK... so sorry but I am completely new at this and I can't even get the MPK to make a squeek.  Let's start from the start.  I have it set up like this:
 
UX2 via USB to my computer (I am using the soundcard in the UX2 as I believe it is superior, and when I first hooked this all up I think I was running both sound cards so I was getting delay between the time I would strum/hum a note and the time it came through the headphones.  Disabling the sound card on the computer eliminated this problem).
MPK via USB to my computer. In any case, headphones are hooked up to the UX2 *NOT* computer.  Stummed guitar/hummed mic heard loud and clear.  "So I've got that going for me" (-Bill Murray, Caddy Shack). 
 
So, now everything is feeding into the computer, so I open MC6 and open a New Project (for the sake of conversation, we'll call the project "Project One").  I select "Normal" as the template and fire away.  Now, I have ProjectOne opened and am staring at eight fresh and shiny tracks. Strum guitar: Check. Sounds great. Push every key on the MPK Mini and nothing.
 
OK, so what now?  I apologize, but like I said I'm new to all of this and writing/recording is my Zen.  So maybe the best bet is to just start at the beginning and baby step through this.
 
How do I get the darned thing to make a sound, and then we can talk about how I go about producing a beat.
 
I have to write or I start to get very negative and gumpy.  My kids and pets thank you all for the help. ;)
 
-Scott

OK, the first step is to ensure MC6 recognizes the Akai.
Ideally, your keyboard should be connected to the computer before you open MC6.
Start MC6, and create a New project, using a blank template with no tracks.
In the tool bar, click Edit>Preferences>MIDI Devices.
In the Inputs box you should see UX2 MIDI IN and the Akai listed.
Depending on its drivers, the Akai may be listed by name, or it may show up as USB Audio Device.
Place a checkmark in the box next to the Akai.
Do Not select any MIDI outputs. You don't need them at the moment.
Click Apply, then OK to close the preferences window.
At the lower right hand corner of your screen, you should see an icon that looks like a tiny keyboard.
Hit some keys, and the red light on the left side of the icon should flash. This tells us that MC6 is receiving MIDI from the keyboard.
So far, so good?
Now, insert Studio Instruments Drums, selecting the options Greg shows above. Also select Synth Properties Page. This will open the synth GUI.
SI Drums opens with a default kit, but for fun, click the PRG(program) box, and select Room Kit.prog from the drop-down menu.
Input echo should be turned on in the MIDI track.
Hit some keys. Do you hear drums?
If not, the keyboard may be in the wrong octave range. This is a very small keyboard, and the drums are in the lower octaves. Shift the octave down if you need to.
At this point, you should be hearing drums.
You would insert EZDrummer the same way, but I chose SI Drums because it is simpler to use.