Adobe Frequency analyzer + MPC1000 JJOS

okay, so I didn't really know where to post this. Please move it and not delete the post, if so.

I would like to know what is the best way of sending the audio output of my MPC to my Laptop. Will I be able to accurately do this for $300ish? I want to do this so I can check volume levels, frequency levels, and phase. I would not be sending the audio output of my MPC to my laptop for recording purposes.

I'm using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and it does its job like a champ. For $300 you could probably get an interface with more inputs/outputs

atasco wrote:I'm using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and it does its job like a champ. For $300 you could probably get an interface with more inputs/outputs

Would I be able to do what I stated above with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2?

wabox wrote:

atasco wrote:I'm using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and it does its job like a champ. For $300 you could probably get an interface with more inputs/outputs

Would I be able to do what I stated above with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2?

Yep, for sure, I even use mine for recording. You don't need anything expensive for what you mentioned and Focusrite is a well-known brand that makes quality stuff anyways

atasco wrote:

wabox wrote:

atasco wrote:I'm using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and it does its job like a champ. For $300 you could probably get an interface with more inputs/outputs

Would I be able to do what I stated above with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2?

Yep, for sure, I even use mine for recording. You don't need anything expensive for what you mentioned and Focusrite is a well-known brand that makes quality stuff anyways

How would I set up my audio settings? Are these dual mono or stereo inputs?

They're dual mono afaik. For example, the settings look like this in Ableton Live:

So you can choose how you want to record. Other than that, it's as simple as choosing the input device in your software

I've got 1/4 inch cables going from the stereo outs of my MPC into each input and everything works perfectly.

atasco wrote:They're dual mono afaik. For example, the settings look like this in Ableton Live:

So you can choose how you want to record. Other than that, it's as simple as choosing the input device in your software

I've got 1/4 inch cables going from the stereo outs of my MPC into each input and everything works perfectly.

Okay, dope. Do you have both inputs set to LINE? Gonna pick one up off Amazon.

Yep, the INST setting is when you're recording from an acoustic guitar or something like that. For your MPC outs or a synth, for example, you'd use the LINE setting

Don't you have a line in connection on your laptop? This could be as simple as getting a normal Y cable and a couple rca to 1/4" adapters to connect to the left and right main outs on the 1000 and then connect to the line in on your laptop.

Yeah that could also work. Although if you're on a Macbook it's kinda inconvenient because of the 2-in-1 mic/line out jack (i.e. you can only use one at a time).

richie wrote:Don't you have a line in connection on your laptop? This could be as simple as getting a normal Y cable and a couple rca to 1/4" adapters to connect to the left and right main outs on the 1000 and then connect to the line in on your laptop.

this or get a SPDIF to USB adapter for $20-$30. I like this option better for the application you describe because you don't have to mess with output level.

consuming wrote:

richie wrote:Don't you have a line in connection on your laptop? This could be as simple as getting a normal Y cable and a couple rca to 1/4" adapters to connect to the left and right main outs on the 1000 and then connect to the line in on your laptop.

this or get a SPDIF to USB adapter for $20-$30. I like this option better for the application you describe because you don't have to mess with output level.

I already have RCA to 1/4" adapters, but could you guys link me to some of these products?

May I ask what you are trying to accomplish exactly? Some sort of diagnostics?

If you simply want to analyze what is being sent from the MPC into its DAC(s), use the SPDIF output to connect to your laptop. This way you will be able to bypass the internal MPC converters and the signal will remain digital all the way to your laptop (ie. no loss in fidelity or discoloration, accurate representation of output levels). Depending on your laptop, you might need some sort of SPDIF capable interface/converter (IIRC older MBP models have an SPDIF-compatible line input connector)

If you want to analyze what is coming out from the MPC post-DAC, I recommend using an audio interface that accepts balanced TRS connections for the best signal-to-noise ratio. This method depends on setting input gain levels correctly on the recording audio interface. I'm not 100% sure but I think the mentioned focusrite interface has Balanced TRS line inputs.. Remember that the internal level setting (in system menu) sets your output headroom, probably a good idea to not leave that at 0dBFS

If you want to check the diff between the actual digital output signal and post-DAC signal, just record your tests with both methods, align in DAW and invert the phase of one of the signals (does not matter which one). The residual signal will only contain the differences of the output pre/post DAC

tsutek wrote:May I ask what you are trying to accomplish exactly? Some sort of diagnostics?

If you simply want to analyze what is being sent from the MPC into its DAC(s), use the SPDIF output to connect to your laptop. This way you will be able to bypass the internal MPC converters and the signal will remain digital all the way to your laptop (ie. no loss in fidelity or discoloration, accurate representation of output levels). Depending on your laptop, you might need some sort of SPDIF capable interface/converter (IIRC older MBP models have an SPDIF-compatible line input connector)

If you want to analyze what is coming out from the MPC post-DAC, I recommend using an audio interface that accepts balanced TRS connections for the best signal-to-noise ratio. This method depends on setting input gain levels correctly on the recording audio interface. I'm not 100% sure but I think the mentioned focusrite interface has Balanced TRS line inputs.. Remember that the internal level setting (in system menu) sets your output headroom, probably a good idea to not leave that at 0dBFS

If you want to check the diff between the actual digital output signal and post-DAC signal, just record your tests with both methods, align in DAW and invert the phase of one of the signals (does not matter which one). The residual signal will only contain the differences of the output pre/post DAC

Thanks for getting back to me. Your input is extremely insightful. I want a accurate representation of the frequency waves so I can see what happens when I EQ, or add filters.

I want all the audio that outputs from my MPC1000 sent to some kind of DAW wave analyzer. I don't want to EQ with the DAW. For example, I want to be able to see in real time what happens when I drop 5 decibels on a sample around 5000 Hertz with the EQ on my MPC1000.

i would not recommend the focusrite 2i2, because it is very hard to set input levels totally equal of both channels when recording stereo.