MPC X SE Input Question.

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MPC X SE Input Question.

By 99PRBLMS Wed Aug 13, 2025 2:10 pm
Hey Guys,

So I'm still thinking what the best way to connect and integrate the MPC X SE into my studio setup would be. I made a lengthy post regarding this and got some great feedback.

However after some thought, I'm kind of leaning to go a more minimal route and using the MPC X SE standalone and simplifying everything.

As everyone knows, the MPC X SE has inputs 1/2 which are combo XLR / Jack inputs, Inputs 3/4 which are 1/4" jack inputs and the 2 RCA inputs.

My question is which one is better for what? Or does it even matter?

I want to connect:

Moog Sub 37 Mono Synth - So I guess I just connect that to the left channel of Input 1/2 using a single standard 1/4' Instrument cable?

DJM S11 Mixer (Connected to my turntables in phono) to sample vinyl - Being that the Master and AUX outs are already in use, I think I should be fine using the booth out on the DJ Mixer with 2 x TRS 1/4 jack cables, and these would just go into inputs 3/4? L / R? And then I could just use the booth level job to adjust the output volume etc.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong or if there is a better way to plug things in.

Thanks in advance!!!
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Re: MPC X SE Input Question.

By Lampdog Wed Aug 13, 2025 2:27 pm
I have:
Subsequent-37
Kronos2
Key61
S2400
MPC X

All go into a mixer, mixer goes into my audio interface, done.

Mixer has a sub channel that goes into mpc x in order to sample anything/everything.
My mixer has all the in/outs I need + more.

If you want all you gear to go into 1 mixer you need a more capable mixer.



Patchbay is also a good alternative as stated in your other thread.

Re: MPC X SE Input Question.

By 99PRBLMS Wed Aug 13, 2025 2:37 pm
Lampdog wrote:I have:
Subsequent-37
Kronos2
Key61
S2400
MPC X

All go into a mixer, mixer goes into my audio interface, done.

Mixer has a sub channel that goes into mpc x in order to sample anything/everything.
My mixer has all the in/outs I need + more.

If you want all you gear to go into 1 mixer you need a more capable mixer.



Patchbay is also a good alternative as stated in your other thread.


Hey thanks for the reply. But as mentioned above, I have decided to go ANOTHER route from my other thread.

I no longer want to use a studio mixer. And just want to connect things directly to my MPC.

When i mentioned using a mixer in the post above I was referring to my DJ mixer (Pioneer S11). This is a 2 channel DJ mixer.

So basically

Turntable --> DJ Mixer --> Booth Out --> MPC Input 3/4 set to LINE using 1/4" TRS cables

Moog SUB 37 --> MPC Input 1 (Left) Using a 1/4" instrument cable.
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Use the mackie

By Lampdog Wed Aug 13, 2025 3:09 pm
Dj mixer audio
37 audio

to mackie mixer

mackie mixer audio into mpc.

Re: MPC X SE Input Question.

By billionzillion Wed Aug 13, 2025 4:00 pm
What's you're suggesting will work and there's no significant difference between the inputs except that only 1/2 can support mics with phantom power.

This sounds like a lot of headaches though. When you want to just monitor your Moog (not sampling it) you'll need to adjust the ins to monitor the audio.

Re: MPC X SE Input Question.

By 99PRBLMS Thu Aug 14, 2025 7:22 am
billionzillion wrote:What's you're suggesting will work and there's no significant difference between the inputs except that only 1/2 can support mics with phantom power.

This sounds like a lot of headaches though. When you want to just monitor your Moog (not sampling it) you'll need to adjust the ins to monitor the audio.


Hmm yeah good point.

So lets say I want to play the Moog using the MPC as a midi controller, I would basically get no sound output being that the out of the Moog is plugged into the ins of the MPC correct? So I would only be able to monitor / hear it when in the recording / sampling section of the MPC?

How cumbersome is adjusting the MPC ins settings? And how exactly would I do that?

Might need to use the little Mackie mixer I have then and run everything through that.
Last edited by 99PRBLMS on Thu Aug 14, 2025 7:25 am, edited 1 time in total.

Re: Use the mackie

By 99PRBLMS Thu Aug 14, 2025 7:24 am
Lampdog wrote:Dj mixer audio
37 audio

to mackie mixer

mackie mixer audio into mpc.


Thanks! But then I wouldn't be able to hear the Moog's sound output unless I'm sampling into the MPC right? Like let's say I wanted to use the MPC as a midi controller to control and play a bass line on the Moog I wouldn't be able to hear it when not in sampling mode? Or am i mistaken?

Re: Use the mackie

By Elijah Fri Aug 15, 2025 1:09 am
99PRBLMS wrote:
Lampdog wrote:Dj mixer audio
37 audio

to mackie mixer

mackie mixer audio into mpc.


Thanks! But then I wouldn't be able to hear the Moog's sound output unless I'm sampling into the MPC right? Like let's say I wanted to use the MPC as a midi controller to control and play a bass line on the Moog I wouldn't be able to hear it when not in sampling mode? Or am i mistaken?

There are two ways to monitor the MPC’s external input: turn on the sampling monitor or set the audio track monitor to IN.
The sampling monitor will keep working even after you leave the sampling screen.
User avatar

Re: Use the mackie

By Lampdog Fri Aug 15, 2025 2:11 am
Elijah wrote:The sampling monitor will keep working even after you leave the sampling screen.

Exactly.

Knowing gear capabilities is also a huge part of this process. The input is “active”.
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