Technical questions for the MPC2000xl and the MPC2000
By Wes4President Wed Aug 25, 2010 2:15 am
Ok, so I know this is an ultra newb question. But I just received my MPC 200XL today and am trying to figure out all the cable I will need to get up and running. I want to be able to install packs directly on it without the floppy so I need a midi to USB? Also, to hear the audio coming out, what cable do I need exactly? I have a nice set of speakers but the jack is the headphone jack size and the one on the MPC is obviously too big for it, what do I need and where I can I get it? Other than that, all is well! Thanks in advance
Bymember_5949kfk50e0d3 Wed Aug 25, 2010 4:25 am
midi to usb will not get the samples on the mpc, just sample them with the inputs.

for speakers:

Image and plug into headphone output
By Wes4President Wed Aug 25, 2010 11:53 am
Thanks so much, Ill pick one of those up asap. As for sample with the inputs, what exactly do I need and what port does it go in? It has a floppy disk but I have no PC with that anymore with makes it irrelevant. Also, how would I get the beats from mpc to my PC if usb to midi wont do it? Thanks a ton
User avatar
By nogginj Wed Aug 25, 2010 4:14 pm
Your MPC2000xl right now has absolutely zero USB connectivity. Forget that. You can get halfway there if you install a card reader in it, and then use a usb card reader to write samples to the card.

The simplest scenario for you, right now, out of the box, goes like this:
A sound source (be it a turntable, a synth, an ipod, a cd player...anything that makes sound) goes into your audio inputs.
You sample this to create programs on the mpc.
The mpc then produces sound that comes out of its audio outputs.
You can then record this audio output into your computer, via an audio input on your computer (or soundcard, whatever).
If you want to save your work on the MPC, right now you will need floppies, or an external SCSI drive, or wait a bit and get an internal CF reader to bring it up to modern standards.

For more details, read the manual.
By MPCHunter Wed Aug 25, 2010 4:29 pm
You can always buy an external USB floppy drive for your computer. You should be able to find one on ebay for around $10 -$15 shipped.

If you are going from a stereo 1/8" jack on a soundcard, to input into the mono inputs you will need something like this

Image

If you are going from an RCA cord from something like a stereo, you will need a pair of these adapters to go into the audio input.

Image

Remember the inputs are two mono channels (right and left), so make sure you get the correct adapters/cables.
By Wes4President Wed Aug 25, 2010 7:01 pm
Thank you all for the help! Ok, I think I have it down.

1. Audio Out (To Speakers): Adapter from 1/8 jack to 1/4 from "phones audio out"
2. Audio In (From CD Player): I need two mono 1/4 adapter for 1/8 mono to stereo adapter. (can I use PC instead of CD Player for input?)
3. Audio Out (To PC to sync w/ software(cubase)): I need two mono 1/4 adapters for 1/8 mono to stereo y adapter into Laptop microphone in.

I am reading the manual via PDF but it doesnt really describe the versatility. Again, I do understand these are newb questions but I am just trying to grasp the understanding and get up and running asap. thank you all for your time and patience. It's MUCH appreciated.
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By Al'Hisam Wed Aug 25, 2010 7:53 pm
Forget all these USB to MIDI converters and anything that has the word USB in it, MPC won't understand it. MIDI in your MPC is used only to transfer MIDI data, you should learn about what is MIDI, it's straight data with no audio information! So you can't transfer any samples by MIDI. The only way is to use your Floppy, but as it's pretty useless, install a CF card reader or Zip drive (CF much better) instead of Floppy, OR manually record samples through MPC audio INs, guys above stated how to do it. Think logically, everything's simple!
You should understand that if you have any basic knowledge about audio.
By Wes4President Wed Aug 25, 2010 10:16 pm
Ah! Ok, so I completely understand now. So with these rca's I have. I cant even plug them to my laptop and have the product from the mpc in my DAW? I'd have to use the CF reader? Just because I see videos on ppl using the FPC directly with the MPC. Thanks a ton
By MPCHunter Fri Aug 27, 2010 4:57 pm
Wes4President wrote:Ah! Ok, so I completely understand now. So with these rca's I have. I cant even plug them to my laptop and have the product from the mpc in my DAW? I'd have to use the CF reader? Just because I see videos on ppl using the FPC directly with the MPC. Thanks a ton


No, the CF card is for transferring data.

If you want to transfer audio from your MPC into your laptop, you need the right audio cables/adapters. The outputs on the MPC are mono 1/4" and unless you have a high end soundcard for your laptop, the input is likely a stereo 1/8".

Also, some people use a mixer in their setup to input multiple instruments/gear into their DAW.
By Wes4President Fri Aug 27, 2010 10:39 pm
So the person above was incorrect? Im confused, people are telling me different things. Do I need the midi to usb converter or these audio cables I have with the y adapter? I hate to spend money on the wrong stuff. Thanks you all
By MPCHunter Sat Aug 28, 2010 2:15 pm
Wes4President wrote:So the person above was incorrect? Im confused, people are telling me different things. Do I need the midi to usb converter or these audio cables I have with the y adapter? I hate to spend money on the wrong stuff. Thanks you all


No they are correct. You think you are hearing different things because you don't seem to grasp the difference between data and audio.

To be honest with you, before you spend any money, your best bet is to invest in the MPC 2000XL tutorial that is advertised in the link on the right. It is a very clear and organized guide that will answer many of your questions and help you choose the right stuff for your setup.