How to route audio through a Mixer and record on the MPC

Hi,

I've got a bunch of synths and an MPC Live. I like to set drums up on midi tracks and record my synths on the audio tracks but it's dull only being able to connect one.

I want to get a mixer so that I can have three of four synths all plugged in at the same time. I also want to be able to keep recording the audio on the MPC.

Can I do this with a mixer like the Tascam, and what is the way to set this up? Would appreciate any help here, thanks!

Hey Lampdog, thanks for your reply.

I was thinking I would use the mixer as the audio device, like the Akai video where he's got two mini synths hooked up.

Are you saying keep the MPC using its own audio hub and just run the mixer output to the MPC L/R jack input?

Do you use the the sub mix out from the mixer? Ultimately I want to output all audio to my amp/speakers from the mixer main.

You need a mixer with either aux outputs, or a submix. If you try to use the main mixer out to feed the MPC, you won't be able to use that to hear your mix.

Exactly. When using an USB interface, there is NO WAY you can use your MPCs internal I/O.

Alright, thanks for the help. I'm not very experienced with mixers so I'm just trying to work out which is the best plan. I always thought I was getting a little noise when using the Live's 1/4" jack inputs, so when I heard you could use a compliant mixer as the in/outs I thought maybe that was a better idea. I'd like to explore the possibility a bit, but I don't get it.

I'll just go with outputting to the MPC instead

It reads to me like the op just wants an external mixer-interface to route his synths into his mpc? In which case: yes, a tascam would work or could go with a nice rack mount sound interface. As long as the interface is capable of the audio rate of 48000 it will work.

I second the trs statement. Ballanced errythang.

Forgot to mention, common brands of interfaces ppl use.. behringer xynex (eh) behringer umc (very nais) focusrite (oo la la) tascam (i drank the koolaid)

Thanks guys, really appreciate all the advice. Yes, essentially what I like to do is set my drums and samples going from the MPC and be able to jam along with my synths till I get what I like, then record bars of different lengths and layer up. Something I'm craving is the ability to have faders right there instead of going in to the channel mixer.

Hopefully i'm borrowing a Tascam for the weekend so I'll let you know how I get on!