MPC 4000 and Preamp or Mixer

What up mp heads. Ordered my 4000 and can't wait for it to get here. Just gotta quick question. I know about preamps and mixers etc. I'm running Pro Tools 9 and I like the mixer options to tweak my drums before PT. I know preamps give you a clearer sound depending on what you use. I'd say my budget is about $400-$700.

I use to have a Saffire Pro 40 and it was clean. Should I get a mixer like a Allen and Heath, Mackie Onyx, etc... I used a Mackie 32X8 for my 2KXL and synths. Got my eye on a few preamps and mixers. Just need about 14-18 inputs for production and I prefer a mixer for the MPC and a preamp for synths

Id say get that mackie Onyx wit the firewre.Heard good things about it from respectable sources.Would also try it too.

dryad-66 wrote:Id say get that mackie Onyx wit the firewre.Heard good things about it from respectable sources.Would also try it too.

Which one? I heard the i series were different from the other. Just hearing too much. I'll prolly get the Onyx. My 32x8 is OLD and I can't keep using that and degrading my sound.

The question on whether you should use a mixer or preamp depends whether you want to color your MPC sounds or not. I like to. You can also do both.

don't try to get an all in one solution. Spend your $$ wisely and you can get something you won't grow out of.

Make sure you have really great analog to digital conversion, this is the most important first step. I suggest an apogee mini me or Rosetta 200. A duet if you don't have as much $$.


Then, buy a standalone preamp or DI. Possibly something with a nice EQ section. I use a chameleon labs 7602, I go into the line in, and the EQ on MPC drums is incredible. Or check out the Phoenix NICE DI.

Then, slowly you can buy other fun things to insert on your way into the box.

I like very analog sound drums. My setup is usually:

MPC4000 --> dbx 160x compressor (sometimes) --> DSI Evolver (analog filter + distortion) --> 7602 line in --> Otari MTR12 tape machine --> Apogee Mini me --> Pro Tools

One thing I have yet to try, which I've heard makes a HUGE difference, is to get a passive radial JDI DI, which will bring your MPC down to mic level, and then you can go into an actual microphone impedance preamp.

Re: mixer - my next purchase is going to be an Allen & Heath GL series or mixwizard (depends how many busses you need). This is mostly for monitoring purposes, but you can then take the group output, or individual output, and go into your preamp before you record.

Dramatix04 wrote:The question on whether you should use a mixer or preamp depends whether you want to color your MPC sounds or not. I like to. You can also do both.

don't try to get an all in one solution. Spend your $$ wisely and you can get something you won't grow out of.

Make sure you have really great analog to digital conversion, this is the most important first step. I suggest an apogee mini me or Rosetta 200. A duet if you don't have as much $$.


Then, buy a standalone preamp or DI. Possibly something with a nice EQ section. I use a chameleon labs 7602, I go into the line in, and the EQ on MPC drums is incredible. Or check out the Phoenix NICE DI.

Then, slowly you can buy other fun things to insert on your way into the box.

I like very analog sound drums. My setup is usually:

MPC4000 --> dbx 160x compressor (sometimes) --> DSI Evolver (analog filter + distortion) --> 7602 line in --> Otari MTR12 tape machine --> Apogee Mini me --> Pro Tools

One thing I have yet to try, which I've heard makes a HUGE difference, is to get a passive radial JDI DI, which will bring your MPC down to mic level, and then you can go into an actual microphone impedance preamp.

Re: mixer - my next purchase is going to be an Allen & Heath GL series or mixwizard (depends how many busses you need). This is mostly for monitoring purposes, but you can then take the group output, or individual output, and go into your preamp before you record.

Honestly, I kinda changed my mind about a mixer man. I was looking at the Allen and Heath Zed R16 but like you said, didn't want the all-in one.

I figured I'd need good AD conversion though and I'm definitely taking care of that first. I may grab a Rosetta 200 next week. If I go that route, how would I get into the DAW? The Firewire is optional I believe. I can get the Rosetta NOW since it's tax time for a CRAZY deal. Buddy of mine wants $800 for his.

Which 7602 do you have and how on earth you EQ the MPC with the 7602? Isn't it only 1 channel? The 4K doesn't have inserts either. . I've looked into the JDI as well. I'm basically rebuilding. Sold a lot of stuff and all I have left is my Fantom G7, MPC 4K, Yamaha HS80M's, Midi Sport, and a OLD Ensoniq Prime 76 key (midi)...No longer using the outdated Mackie 32X8. I'm on a Mac Pro running PT 9

What you think about the Apogee Symphony I/O?