Sampling Synths/Drum machines via MPC 4000's phono input

Just wondering if anyone besides me uses the phono inputs, which is actually supposed to be for a turntable, for sampling synths or drum machines or anything else. i seem to get better sounding samples this way. it's a little trial and error for each sound i sample as far as levels are concerned, but ultimately i think i get better results using the phono inputs. i use a 1/4" trs cable from my keyboard that connects to a 1/4" female to rca.

....your thoughts? and does anyone else do it like this? the other 1/4" inputs aren't that great if you ask me and i seem to get a little feeback noise using those inputs.

You just didn't admit that you haven't got the right cables to use the LINE-IN connections

TSR

TSR wrote:You just didn't admit that you haven't got the right cables to use the LINE-IN connections

TSR

yeah, only i already said: i use a 1/4" trs cable from my keyboard that connects to a 1/4" female to rca.

^^so i could use the 1/4" cable right into the line in if i wanted. not sure if you're trying to make a joke or what. on the contrary, i have more cables than i know what to do with.

....does anyone else use the phono inputs besides for a turntable?

If what you were recording had rca jacks I would say you're better off using the phono inputs because the impedance on rca jacks is high (or low...i forget)...rca's put out a lower signal compared to 1/4".

You might be getting a 'better' sound because the phono inputs are more sensitive. All of it's subjective though.

mQueue wrote:If what you were recording had rca jacks I would say you're better off using the phono inputs because the impedance on rca jacks is high (or low...i forget)...rca's put out a lower signal compared to 1/4".

You might be getting a 'better' sound because the phono inputs are more sensitive. All of it's subjective though.

both line level rca and 1/4" cables are still line level, phono is phono level which is being amplified by a phono preamp. Running line level signals through the phono preamp may not be the best idea. just turn up the rec gain when recording into the line inputs... or turn up the output of the device you are sampling from to help your signal to noise ratio.

Runnin line signal into a phono input not only raise the amplitude but will also filter the signal with the RIAA equalizer curve that is included into the phono preamp stage of the 4000.

The RIAA filtercurve looks like this

[img]http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1235/iieqvsstdriaako1.jpg
[/img]


As you can see the low frequencies are boosted while the high frquencies are cut off. Thats why you think the sound is "better". Although this is not how the devices should be connected, the results can be very interesting IMO. Runnin a line signal kickdrum and Basslines thru the phono IN for more booom. Or running phono signal direct to line inputs (only useful when the input can be adjusted to a high gain) to sample HiHats and snares.

peace

Word. Yeah, I was using the line ins before, like I said-kinda fuzzy and the more you turn up the gain, the fuzzier. I guess I'll continue to roll w/ the phono ins then. Interested feedback. Peace.

Ill try this tonight and report back.

Sounded all muffled on the highs and generally not very pleasant!!!! : ]

Yeah, this is not a good idea. I actually did this when I first got my 4k because dumb as I am I did not realize the mic inputs were also 1/4 inch inputs. Just use the right inputs and you'll be good!