Sampling trouble on MPC2000 classic

So i just started producing and using the MPC, and am on to the step of sampling. My problem is that my samples are coming out real low, so only when every volume knob (except the main MPC volume) in the setup is cranked can i get a sample that still sounds barely audible.
Im using a: Vestax VMC-002XLu Mixer, Stanton T.55 Turntable, and MPC 2000
This is how its all plugged: sorry about the backward images, bear with me please





All the RCA's are plugged in phono, as I am pretty sure its suposed to be, and the phono/line option on the turntable is set to phono. my mixer also has an automatic pre amp (no switch to turn it on or off). the needle on the Stanton is also in grate shape as far as i can tell, playback is great.

So any tips? did I clearly do something wrong? anything would help. im too pumped to get this right and leave pre done zip drive programs behind

my mixer also has an automatic pre amp (no switch to turn it on or off)

phono/line option on the turntable is set to phono.

theres your switch

those pictures don't make any sense to me. you show a bunch of cords plugged in, but i dont know what goes to what. also, the 'rec out' of your mixer is what should be going to the mpc if you want to sample from the vinyl->mixer->mpc. user your headphones in that case, don't try to run the mpc back into the mixer or you will get a hellacious feedback loop.

other option, flip the preamp on the turntable on (line), run that into your mpc, then run your mpc into the line in on the mixer. you can only use the turntable when the mpc is in sample mode now, though. but no chance of feedback loop.

aha, and the new guy continues to learn.
the rec out makes sense, thanks.

so to clear up the photos, and the change i just made, now i got phono from pgm1 going to vinyl. still on phono, is this correct? also rec out from the mixer to rec in of the mpc.