HeavyHeavyHeavy wrote:does this imply that the audio from the ren does not come from the laptop but rather the MPC itself?
Yes, the Ren contains a computer audio interface - you connect the Ren to your computer via USB and at that point the Ren's audio interface is recognised by your computer as a viable system audio device. You then configure the MPC Software to use this audio interface for both incoming and outgoing audio.
The audio itself will now be outputted via the Ren's audio outputs.
is a mixer necessary like the picture shows or can the REN plug directly into speakers?
It's not necessary, you can connect the audio outputs from the Ren directly into your amp/speakers. However if you have multiple hardware devices (other samplers, synths, turntables etc) a mixer will act as a central control hub where each device is connected to its own dedicated input channels with independent control over level, pan, EQ etc.
You can use a DJ mixer instead, if it has enough inputs, for example your decks do into the usual phono inputs and your MPC Ren output goes into a dedicated line input channel. The amount of control you would have over the Ren audio will be limited to the features available for that line channel. This cheap Behringer looks like it's effectively a 3 stereo channel mixer
http://www.dv247.com/dj-equipment/behri ... ixer--5735It's limited compared to a proper mixer, but it gives you basic EQ and level control over your Ren main stereo output (which goes into channel 1 on the mixer).
