Recording into the MPC - stereo or mono?

I know this is going to sound dumb, but I'd always been wrapped up in recording a beat that I didn't really consider the hookups or stuff like that - as long as I got the sound, I didn't care. However, knowing that my remaining sample time doubles when I switch from stereo to mono, I figure it's worth asking. If I'm sampling from my Triton and whatever patch I'm using doesn't seem to pan/etc., should I even bother sampling it in stereo? What's the proper hookup if I'm to sample it in mono - I've read that L by default is mono, so do I only need to hook up one plug from the Triton to the MPC, then? How about when sampling from a record?

I'm just sitting here thinking I've been wasting precious sample time all along...

I get what you're saying, but I'm not on your level of knowledge regarding mono vs. stereo and therefore I don't know if there is some generally accepted rule. Keep in mind this is coming from someone who when he first got his MPC, was sampling from his mp3 player into the mic in because he didn't know Y-cables existed. Worked for me, but I get the feeling it wasn't the right way to do it. THIS is why I'm asking this. I could go home and do it like I've always been doing it but it might not be the right way. I've read some people say that you record a piano in stereo, and I don't get why, since there are no panned effects on a piano.

You say "simple", but you also say "when you need it", and to someone not on your level, that's not simple to determine.

Though it really isn't something you have to put a lot of emphasis on these days, stereo recording is basically the norm with the exception of mono when it's being called for.

As you continue to educate yourself in recording principles, you'll learn of what sound sources get either mono or stereo.

You can have mono components situated at varying points within the stereo field (along with the stereo recorded sounds) that helps give the mix an identity so to speak.

Thanks, guys.

Lamp, I wasn't insinuating you were putting yourself on a high level, I was just saying you guys know more than I do and I see you on a higher level than me regarding this.

But you're right, I'm probably overthinking. I just need to do what I think works best for me and not worry what others say. Like the mic in thing - it just always worked for me, I just figured "well, sound comes in here, I get my sample through it, so whatever", and whoever heard my stuff never said "Hey, did you record that through a mic in because it sounds like it" - so I never thought twice about it because it worked, you dig what I'm saying? It worked, but it wasn't really the right way. That's where I'm coming from.

there's some discussion of stereo vs mono at http://www.samplecraze.com/tutorial.php ... torials-2/

most of the tutorials on that site are very clearly written and useful

Pastor-of-Muppets wrote:there's some discussion of stereo vs mono at http://www.samplecraze.com/tutorial.php ... torials-2/

most of the tutorials on that site are very clearly written and useful

Good point Paster-of-Muppets,

I was gonna check my references when I get home, but I know they put out some good stuff.
Here's another source you might wanna check out who have some good reads.

http://www.mpc-samples.com/section.php/ ... tutorials/

Basically, read read and read some mo!

As far as the mic thing, i remember hearing somewhere that someone mic'd the feedback or audio from a turntable needle for drums or whatever to get 'that' sound. Whatever they thought was different about it or unique they decided to try it. Like Lamp is saying, you just gotta try ish and is usually how people stumble across or create innovation.

Peace

Thanks for the resources, folks!