mpc 60 outputs gain

Hey!

been reading this forum for a long time and recently bought a mpc 60 w/ xhc option from a guy who posts here!
I'm really amazed how it sounds It' so simple to record/sequence/edit it's ridiculous! but I have a couple of questions for you guys , especially regarding the outputs gain

the button on the back panel is on the mid.
I record some sample very hot (clap/kick/snare) and some not (hi hats, shakerz etc...).
After sampling I have to lower the volume ok my kick/snare/clap so the drums balance is good. For that reason my output gain is quite low. (I have to lower, cause hihats/shakerz are at the max volume, ie 200).

Question : can I re-sample my hihats so I can reach a high volume? let's say I record a hi hat, I put the volume to the max. but it still doesn't sound as loud as I want. Can the mpc 60 can resample it so I can once again, put the volume to the max? you see what I mean?

Why even if I sample a kick very high (just before I see the "!")...it doesn't that loud?
I took an example : I sampled a kick. (just before I see the "!") ie -12 db on my daw. And go back to my daw. My mpc 60 is connected to my lynx converters. No mixer. No preamp. Nothing. The level is about -22.5 db

I don't understand why I lost -10db...I must missed something.


Thanks for reading,

Best,

J.

jaypeee wrote:I don't understand why I lost -10db...I must missed something.

They are operating at different levels, a full level signal coming out of the MPC60 is lower than a full level signal that the Lynx is expecting.


For example (not sure if my calculations are correct, but might give you an idea)...

MPC60 Stereo Outs = -3 dBv standard output level = 1.551031502 V p-p
MPC60 Assignable Mix Outs = 0 dBv standard output level = 2.19089023 V p-p

Lynx Aurora (set to +4) = +4 dBu nominal level = 3.47232701 V p-p
Lynx Aurora (set to +4) = +20 dBu maximum level = 21.908902295 V p-p
or
Lynx Aurora (set to -10) = -10 dBV nominal level = 0.894427191 V p-p
Lynx Aurora (set to -10) = +6 dBV maximum level = 5.643454053 V p-p


To optimise the gain structure, you probably need something between the MPC and your converters, maybe a mixer or DI with +4 dBu outputs?

If your converters are set to +4 (pro line level), maybe trying setting them to -10 (consumer line level) instead to see if the levels are better. Although the MPC might then be too loud for the converters, and might overload them and distort.

jaypeee wrote:the button on the back panel is on the mid.
I record some sample very hot (clap/kick/snare) and some not (hi hats, shakerz etc...).
After sampling I have to lower the volume ok my kick/snare/clap so the drums balance is good. For that reason my output gain is quite low. (I have to lower, cause hihats/shakerz are at the max volume, ie 200).

Why not record the hi hats and shakers louder, so you don't have to turn the kick/snare/clap down?

Have you tried changing the rear panel record gain switch to a different setting, to get louder hi hats and shakers recorded, so they are up closer to (or over) the ! point?

SimonInAustralia wrote:
To optimise the gain structure, you probably need something between the MPC and your converters, maybe a mixer or DI with +4 dBu outputs?

+1

Alternatively pay Bruce Forat for the +4 dB output boost mod, or attempt the mod yourself which involves changing some resistors, but may compromise the frequency response of the MPC60 IIRC. Schematics were floating around many moons ago, but not now that I'm aware of. I'd go with a mixer to boost the output myself.

http://www.forat.com/service/##MPC60

your lynx converters are high end, pro quality. I use the apogee symphony I/O system, it has software on for the mac called maestro, which allows me to adjust the input levels of incoming signals.

I believe the lynx has software like this also, the studio down the hall has the Aurora and I've seen their software equivalent.

the 60 outputs are closer to -10 than +4

What i do is set the inputs of the Symphony to -10, or Variable. usually -10 is good enough to where i can adjust the input trim in maestro + or - 2 db for fine tuning.

I have a few outboard mic pre amps/comps as well, which i like to run kicks and snares through when sampling and tracking out. for this I use a Radial JDI to take the output level of the 60 signal and convert it to a mic level signal so i can hit the input transformer of the mic pre properly. the mic pre outputs a +4 signal so I set the corresponding apogee input accordingly.

Hope this helps.

^that sounds like it would sound badass.

I did some other tests that afternoon.

If I sample too hot, my hihats and shakers sound very dirty. I like to sample it very clean (well, 'clean' is not the right word for a mpc60 ) It happens with sounds with high frequencies.

I work at +4dbu...yeah I guess I need a preamp/DI
The level is way too low compared to my other synths!

thanks SimonInAustralia and clint246clint !

Best,

J.

viacom wrote:your lynx converters are high end, pro quality. I use the apogee symphony I/O system, it has software on for the mac called maestro, which allows me to adjust the input levels of incoming signals.

I believe the lynx has software like this also, the studio down the hall has the Aurora and I've seen their software equivalent.

the 60 outputs are closer to -10 than +4

What i do is set the inputs of the Symphony to -10, or Variable. usually -10 is good enough to where i can adjust the input trim in maestro + or - 2 db for fine tuning.

I have a few outboard mic pre amps/comps as well, which i like to run kicks and snares through when sampling and tracking out. for this I use a Radial JDI to take the output level of the 60 signal and convert it to a mic level signal so i can hit the input transformer of the mic pre properly. the mic pre outputs a +4 signal so I set the corresponding apogee input accordingly.

Hope this helps.

Radial JDI seems a common way to do the trick

will check my lynx today, thanks!

As an alternative to the JDI, an Avedis instrument DI is a good bet. Avedis makes these boxes specifically for this purpose.. And you get 2 channels for the price of one Radial JDI.

http://www.avedisaudio.com/

They also make a thing called Line pad z, which converts line level to mic level impedance without the transformer. They are only $30 each. They are also made specifically for running sounds through mic preamps.

yeah

I did a track today. I had to bounce to + 30db wih utily ableton plug in to have the desired level.
!

thanks will buy one DI for sure!

Best,

J.

Did you try it with the Lynx set to -10 instead of +4?