Problems recording in from turntable preamp

Sup everyone.

Now that I'm writing this thread I realized this isn't direcly an MPC 1000 issue, although it's what I'm using and I'm sure someone can probably still help.

Basically the issue I'm having is that when I try to record into the MPC via my turntable's preamp, I get extremely quiet recordings. But if I record from say, my phone for example it sounds perfect.

Here are some examples.

Here's the record I was trying to sample
From my preamp
Here's a bit of the funny interlude from the new Madlib x Freddie Gibbs collab
From my phone

Anyone think they could help me out here?

They sound EXACTLY the same to me.
I think you posted the same file twice.







How far do the meter levels go up when you record the TT into the mpc?

Ahhh I sure did! I just fixed it. Sorry about that!

But as you heard, I upped the crappy sounding one twice. Can you hear how it just sounds blown out and it's all treble and no bass?

The levels go up to normal heights when it's plugged in, I adjusted for peaking a bit before I recorded so like, I don't get it.

Here's a simple comparison of the waveforms. The Bad Test (from turntable) isn't nearly as full as the good test (from phone).


I imagine if it was possible for me to turnup the gain on the output on the preamp (which it is not) maybe I wouldn't be having this issue?

The preamp is supposed to be designed to put back the bass that they remove when they cut the record so it sounds like the preamp is not doing it's job for some reason.

Don't forget though that the preamp puts out line level whereas the Phone puts out enough signal to power headphones. So it's much more powerful.

So are there any controls at all on the preamp?

Yeah, the preamp has controls.

This is the model I have (this isn't mine though)

Ah I see.
It's a hi fi receiver
Have you definitely got the TT plugged into the PHONO inputs?
Assuming it has them. (can't see any detail).

It doesn't have phono so I've got it plugged into Tape 1. I know it makes a bit of a difference but it shouldn't be that big right?

There is your problem right there.
The tape input is not nearly sensitive enough for a turntable. (plus no RIAA curve).
If it doesn't have an input for a TT then it's no good to you.
Find an amp with a phono input or, get a dedicated phono preamp (they are relatively cheap) or a dj mixer ,
and your problem will be solved.

Oh jeez hah. Well this was given to me for free so that isn't too upsetting. Is there a particular phono preamp that you recommend? I also have a tape deck and I need to replace my CD player as well. So I'll need at least that many inputs.

At some point I think I'll just be getting a regular mixer, so would I still need to get a DJ mixer for this purpose ,or could I just use the regular mixer?

I can't recommend you a dedicated phono pre amp because I have never used one (I use a DJ mixer - this has a preamp built in) but if you can get the search function on this site to work for you, have a look and see what people have recommended in the past. Alternatively wait for someone to pop up here with a suggestion (could take forever).
You don't necessarily need a DJ mixer as well although they are kinda useful in this game.



This is the sorta thing...

http://www.decks.co.uk/products/Deck_Ac ... z9_X1fX5zg

You would fit this between your TT and the mpc inputs.
It's cheap
but as I said I can't actually recommend something I haven't used

I've found a few threads.. but I'm not really sure at all what to be looking for in a phono preamp you know? It's a bit overwhelming!

Could you give me some base knowledge/tips about buying one of these guys?

Also, thanks a ton for helping a newbie out!

Ah okay cool. I figured I was gonna have to get like a whole new box like the one I've got. So for just regular listening is the preamp I have no good since it doesn't have a phono in?

What you have is not a phono preamp, it's a hifi amplifier.
it will be ok for listening to CDs or tapes but not for vinyl.
You could also use it with speakers to play your mpc through.

*Pilchard* wrote:What you have is not a phono preamp, it's a hifi amplifier.
it will be ok for listening to CDs or tapes but not for vinyl.
You could also use it with speakers to play your mpc through.

No, it is a "Surround Sound Tuner/Preamplifier".

It doesn't have an amplifier to connect directly to speakers...

I've got an Adcom GFA 535 amplifier plugged into it, which is where my speakers are getting their power. Currently I don't have a subwoofer so I figured that was why I wasn't getting any bass from my turntable. I've just got 2 bookshelf size speakers.

I found this preamp that matches the amp I have. It has a phono input, will this be what I need? My dad told me I should try to keep the amp and preamp matching. But if there's something better for the same or similar price I don't think that should really matter that much.