sampling quality questions

Might be very silly questions but I'm still learning... so bare with me...

I'm fully aware I need a pre-amp between my turntables & MPC in order to sample, could my SP303 do the trick instead of a dj mixer?

I'm currently using a portable NUMARK as a turntable, does the quality of my final sample really depends on the quality of the turntable/stylus? Coz when I'm listening to the source sound with headphones it sounds wicked but after going through sampler then MPC it seems I loose quality...

Thanks fellas in advance!

MIRA wrote:Might be very silly questions but I'm still learning... so bare with me...

I'm fully aware I need a pre-amp between my turntables & MPC in order to sample, could my SP303 do the trick instead of a dj mixer?

I'm currently using a portable NUMARK as a turntable, does the quality of my final sample really depends on the quality of the turntable/stylus? Coz when I'm listening to the source sound with headphones it sounds wicked but after going through sampler then MPC it seems I loose quality...

Thanks fellas in advance!

Pretty sure you can record without the pre-amp homie. Just crank up the record knob on your mpc. If it still sucks then think about a pre-amp.

A pre-amp in regards to a record player does more than just amp the volume...it also provides an eq curve called the 'riaa curve', which is necessary to playback a record properly.

This could explain the 'quality loss' you are hearing. You are effectively sampling with all the bass turned down.
However, I don't know if that is the issue here because I think those portable numarks have pre-amps built-in (they have line outs). If that's the case, then it sounds like whatever is between your turntable and mpc is garbling the sound.
EDIT: Just checked, if you are talking about the numark pt01 then it DOES have line level output and so you don't need a pre-amp (it is built in).

In general, you need a turntable/phono preamp to sample from a record correctly.
Some turntables have these built in (the Numark pt01 has one).
DJ mixers have them built in.
The MPC4000 has one built in.

The thing to remember is that amping a turntable involves both gain adjustment and serious eq.
Here's a picture of the eq curve a turntable preamp applies:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIAA_equalization

thanks for the clarification.

the idea of the PT01 having its own pre-amp did crossed my mind but I wasn't sure.

is there any chance to improve the quality of this set up other than just mastering the EQ?

Also, I find using the sp303 between the PT01 & MPC allows me to tweak the EQ even more....

you dont need a pre-amp between ur record player and the mpc

Yes, you can use the SP303 to send an amplified signal to sample into your MPC. I do it all the time, it really beefs up the sound.

Ill-Green wrote:Yes, you can use the SP303 to send an amplified signal to sample into your MPC. I do it all the time, it really beefs up the sound.

thanks dude

The issue is the PT-01 and its horrible needle. I only use my PT-01 for digging. Its not a quality TT at all. On top of that, since the record essentially rides on those felt pads, the speed of the record will vary slightly with each rotation.

poundaproblem wrote:The issue is the PT-01 and its horrible needle. I only use my PT-01 for digging. Its not a quality TT at all. On top of that, since the record essentially rides on those felt pads, the speed of the record will vary slightly with each rotation.

thats what I thought too, but the idea is to use that set up purely for the music & creative aspect rather than the quality. My idea is to record a few rough beats then re-record the best ones with a better equipment later on...

To be honest I dont understand that method of thinking. Why do the same thing twice. Especially in regards to quality. If you collect quality samples up front then all you will have to do later is creative work. Just my 2 pennies. But yea. The pt01 is pretty trashy. If you can get a buddy with a good TT do a side by side comparison and you'll see.

yeah you've got a fair point man, but I just want to give it a go with a DIY spirit before going all pro and all that... but yeah I got ya.

Like Poundaproblem said the pt101 has a very shitty needle. The cartridge/ needle is the heart of your turntable. I understand what you wanna do but if you're asking about quality, then you need a better turntable/needle. You don't need an expensive turntable as long as the cartridge is replaceable then you're good.