Instruments + MPC through one mixer?

I recently bought a mixer (epm12) so I could connect a number of instruments and synths to my MPC 2500jj.

Now I have the mixer, I'm thinking of also connecting my MPC and PC outputs back into it, so the mixer also controls the main outputs to the speakers.

The problem is, If I am recording an instrument while the MPC is also playing, then I will be hearing that instrument twice through the mixer (from its own channel and from the MPCs channel).

One way I thought of doing it is to keep the instrument faders down, and send them to the MPC via pre-fade aux outs - but that means I can't use the faders to control the instruments, I'd always have to use the little aux knobs!

Same if I routed the MPC/PC to the speakers via aux instead- I would have to control the MPC and PC by two stereo paired aux knobs, I'd be twiddling four in total if I want to turn down the MPC and listen to the PC.

My current method is that I have a seperate small mixer just for the MPC and PC, but I'd like to get rid of that and have one central mixer.

Can anyone suggest another way around this? My mixer doesnt have subgroups, and I'm not sure if there is a way to stop monitoring through the MPC? ( I know I can turn monitoring off in the main screen using the input thru button, but when recording from the record screen or direct record, I can't stop the instrument output can I?)

Theres probably a simple method I've missed and any input would be great! Thanks

( I know I can turn monitoring off in the main screen using the input thru button, but when recording from the record screen or direct record, I can't stop the instrument output can I?)

If you meant that you don't want to hear the instrument you're recording just turn Monitor: OFF

YES! I don't have access to my MPC at the moment and I couldn't remember if that was an option as I've never used it before. Thank you!!

But one more question I have - is this the most common or obvious way to have both your instruments and your MPC outputs in one mixer? Or am I planning a strange setup?

Have to reread your setup description with more thought, but generally yes. Running everything through your mixer (inputs and outputs) is the preferred way of working. That way you'll have total control of everything

Thanks for your help! Such a simple answer, and I was worried about upgrading my mixer! Cheers

Be aware: you have two possibilitys to setup input monitoring.
one is the record window as shown above,
one is the mixer setup. mode+mixer(pad8), then F5(input).

There is also the Input Thru. Might be useful if you want to use the MPC effects on an effect send, or if you run out of inputs on the mixer and want a simple way to add something else.

Hey,

I was wondering how you're routing the incoming signals from your instruments through your mixer to the mpc. I have an soundcraft M8 and i now route them out trough the direct outs. (I use two mono inputs for a stereo signal thats coming in to the mixer)

If you are recording to an audio track, you can (on the main screen) put the cursor on the word AUDIO, and press window to get a little configuration window. Here is an additional set of input controls, with Monitor functionality. Also, on the main window, hold Shift and you'll see an InputThru option. These don't have to be the same. It is possible to turn off all Monitoring in the MPC, but some of the settings are hard to find.

In your example, you'll probably want to turn off all the monitoring in the MPC. You might also want the MPC to take the signal from the mixer prefader. By doing this you get a full level signal into the MPC. When it comes to playing back, you can then either reduce the volume of the recorded track/samples in the mpc mixer, or by sending it on a separate out to a mixer channel.

You often don't want to sample the master out of the mixer (as it may have other instruments and the mpc audio, which you are playing along with). To get around this, I have my speakers on the master, and prefader listening (mixer monitor out) going to the mpc. This lets me hit the PFL switch to route the single track to the mpc for sampling, while I still hear the full mix on the master. This also keeps your aux sends free to use for fx.

Another trick is if you have spdif out from some gear, you can wire that direct to the mpcs digital in. You can then select either analog or digital source, or both (you can have InputThru turned on for the analog in, but record to audio track from the digital in with no monitoring).

As you are no doubt starting to realise, you'll probably never get a single setup which does everything exactly right, at least I've never managed it. Occasionally a bit of feedback will suddenly scare the crap out of you as you work. You'll occasionally need to route a few cables differently depending on what kind of recording you are doing. Do not get rid of your small mixer, they are always useful to have!!