Help me with MPC set up and my rig

Hi,

I'm new to the forum but have been using mostly software to make music (FL studio) for 5 years. Now I can finally afford some hardware!

I'm not a complete noob but want to get a better idea

Here's what I'm thinking of getting to make hip hop beats!

Yamaha MOTIF XS8 (using as MIDI controller and as digital audio DAC)
MPC 2500
Mackie HR824mkII

I want to include my computer in the set up (to transfer sounds to the MPC or from and to create a burnable file on my comp to make CDs), (PC), do I need an audio interface (with many i/o, and MIDI support [do I need it?])?

Also, if later I want to get a turntable, mixer, MIC...basically expand my studio. What can you suggest for me to invest in, in order to maximize my potential?

How would the connections look like for me?

I know it's a lot to process and something might not be clear. Feel free to ask me to clarify if needed.

Dimz

for now the stuff U mentioned is fine. the mpc has enough midi for you to connect a few Keyboards so your cool with midi for now. You can use the mpc as a master to sequence samples you get and also sounds from the XS8.
Or u could even do it the other way around using the XS8 as the master and the mpc as the slave. Thats the flexibility of having a workstation keyboard.
its nice having both options, but personally I would use the mpc as the master.
The speakers you choose are nice, even tho Im not as big a fan of the MKII's as I am the original HR824's tho. but they are still nice monitors none the less.

As far as a mixer, you dont even need to really worry about that now. But If you wanna record into your computer and use a DAW, then yes You will need a soundcard to get audio in there. Some cats try and get away with using the on board sound card built into the pc, but the sound quality is not nearly as good not to mention the complete lack of inputs and outputs.

but for now, you could basically run the XS8 outputs into the MPC's sample Inputs, and just set to MOnitor to ON in record mode, or Direct input mode, and that way you can connect the OUTS of the mpc directly to the Mackies and be able to hear BOTH the XS8 and the MPC without a mixer.

HOWEVER.. if you have some money and can afford it, I would HIGHLY recommend getting a little mixer. Like a small Mackie VLZ3 1202 or 1402. It will give you MUCH MUCH more flexibility in routing signal.

You could plug the stereo outs of the MPC and the XS8 to the mackies 1,2,3,4 inputs, and still have available inputs for stuff like a mic, Cd player, Sound Card outputs, etc.

Plus the Mackie mixer will have a ALT 3/4 buss that you can use to send a signal to the Sample IN of the MPC or to the Soundcard IN to record into the pc.

Plus it has Aux sends and returns , and plenty of Insert per channel for later down the road if you wanna add any outboard effects processors, or Dynamic effects processors like a compressor or aural exciter.
Also the Mackie has pretty nice Solid State Mic Pre's built in. SO once you get a mic, you can hook it right up to the mixer without having to shell out additional money for a separate mic preamp.

anyway.. Im SURE you'll have questions, so fire away, and me or someone else can help u.
But that should get you going for now.

Peace

oh yea I almost forgot.

Honestly, the MPC is powerful enough that it kinda replaces the need for alot of the major features of the XS8. If you plan on using the MPC to handle your sequencing and all that, then having that feature on the XS8 when your not gonna use it is kinda pointless. I mean thats what the MPC does. Sequencing and Sampling.
THe XS8 is a workstation, so it samples, sequences AND has a boat load of sounds in it.

But one thing I was gonna say at first was you really dont need the XS8 unless you have to have 88 full weighted keys.
Not to mention are you really going to use anything more than just the sounds in the XS8?
are you going to Sample and Sequence on it?

If not I would say scrap getting the XS8 and get the Motif XS Rack instead. ANd a NICE controller.
If you really want 88 fully weighted keys you can still do that. or just get a 61 or 76 key controller.
There are PLENTY out there to choose from and you can pick one that feels best to you. ya know?

I mean the stuff you picked out is pretty run of the mill studio standard gear, but with the money you could save by buying the rack and a controller, instead of the flagship workstation, you could afford a Mic, a mixer, a soundcard, etc.

Thanks for the fast reply.

I was thinking of definitely using the XS8 for the SOUNDS the sampler/sequencer not as much but I like having the flexibility. Another thing is I'm learning a bit of piano and could use the 88 key MOTIF as well as my brother who is a classical/jazz piano player that can use iton the road (if I let him hahaha).

The MPC is a must cuz everytime I see that 2500 JJ OS, I get hard (lol)

the mackie's I refer also the originals, but I really want to have new gear (I know it's not always the best).

The mixer I want to get a miny mixer and prob audio interface (or maybe I don't need one if I get a mixer, explain plz)

For the mixer I don't want to spend more than $1000.

Thx again for your intuitive posts

k man, skip the motif nd get an mm6, save you about 600 dollars. Still syncable thru midi.

with that extra money, invest in a mackie onyx series firewire mixer/multi channel interface. There you go, presto!

and as far as turntables, everyone wants a technics 1200, but we all cant afford one. so save yourself some money and get a gemini or numark with a decent mixer w/ onboard preamp. Later on, if you want to learn scratching and cue-ing techniques, use your gemini/numark as a source and invest in a technics 1200. as far as mics go, never underestimate the power of dynamic. Or spend a bit and I recommend an m-audio luna, very versatile and picks up a flea farting.

My two cents (pence actually!)

I agree with the others that getting the Motif XS8 is overkill at this stage, if you must have 88 keys consider a good quality midi controller such as the M-Audio Keystation Pro 88.

With the money you save treat yourself to a couple of sound modules, preferably ones that can be expanded with extra sounds to suit your requirements.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/Oct04/a ... tation.htm

I don't recall any mention of how you should get the MIDI from your MPC and other hardware into your PC?

You will need some type of MIDI interface for this task. These normally connect to a PC via a USB lead but older models may use a serial port (and should generally be avoided unless you already have one).

The most popular MIDI interfaces are produced by M-Audio, MOTU and Steinberg but there are many others to choose from. Look for at least a 4X4 ( 4 MIDI in x 4 MIDI out) MIDI interface, but more will be better if you plan to expand your hardware collection. A well stocked home studio can manage with an 8X8 interface no problem.

There are many USB/ Firewire AUDIO INTERFACES which have a built-in MIDI interface, the software included with these will normally allow you to work without having to buy a seperate mixer, again this could save you a lot of cash.

http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=pro ... =recording

Mackie HR824's are decent monitors. IDK how large your studio is but again this choice may be overkill for a smaller set-up, even the smaller HR624's may be something to consider and will save you some cash.

Unless you really must have these things brand new for the comfort of a warranty, eBay is a good place to pick up studio gear at reasonable prices. Good quality gear tends to hold value quite well so unlike other investments a studio is something you can use and enjoy without the worry of losing out much upon resale.

Do your research, consider buying gear that has a proven track record for quality, reliability and manufacturer support/ dedicated forums.

Many have purchased inferior products because of the low price and ultimately this has ended up costing much more in the long run.

Let us know what you decide to get and good luck!