About to get an X, couple quick questions

I was a logic user for 10 years, then ableton for the last 5, and the X seems really appealing to me.

I run a few synths and a guitar setup and would like to use the X as the drummer and MIDI master for my prophet 6 and subsequent 37.

I would also like to just use it to record onto as well but I am a first time mpc user.

I run an RME Fireface UFX ii for my audio interface.. is my fireface going to be unusable if I’m using the mpc x as a standalone?

If it is, then if I hook up the mpc x to ableton, would I go mpc x>fireface>ableton? Or fireface>mpc x>ableton? Usually you want to plug in which ever device has the best preamp (fireface) from the analog signals first, but as I’ve never used mpc before I’m not sure.

Sorry for the wall of text guys but I’d be really appreciative if someone else has had a similar experience and can offer some suggestions.

Also side note, 16gb is definitely not enough, any external hdd/sdd recommendations?

You can use the rme as your sound card when you have the software mode running. Track into the it, however you want to rock it.

It’s hard to say how you should have it set up, as that would be a personal preference. Me I rock standalone with other synths+effects and track into the live. Then I export everything to my comp and use the sound card to mix. I also use my soundcard for making keygroups as I prefer the preamps and don’t bog down the internal memory when making a bunch of programs.

You may like to rock the Mpc standalone and track everything into your card. All depends on preferences and how much you need to be tied to the computer.

You have a couple/few options that will honestly come down to personal preference and how you plan on implementing the MPC X. The easiest solution is to treat the Fireface as a mixer, bringing the audio signal of all your gear in, and then using the outputs to feed into the MPC X (I'm assuming the outputs are easily assignable, so you could even split them up as you choose to feed the X). I am currently doing that, I have the Focusrite 18i20, and am using my outputs to feed my MPC Live & Force (though they are more for fun/workflow variations at this point, as Ableton is still my workhorse in the studio). You'd have to review the latency, I haven't had any issues - personally, and toy with I/Os (I'd assume Master Outs would be driven specifically by the MPC X, with the MPC receiving all other outs, including Software, this would allow you to use any VSTs you've grown accustom to - with the MPC X)- but that is square one.

Next option would be for the X to not function as the brains of your setup, so you would run through either the MPC software with the MPC as a controller/interface or run it through Ableton. If latency was an issue, this would be the best option. With that said I "personally" don't understand why you would want the MPC at this point - 2k+ is a lot of money to function as a 16-pad controller.
- Unreall

1. How many external audio sources do you have?

2. How many external MIDI sources do you have?

3. Do you have a 8-channel AD/DA Converter? If no, I would recommend you buy 2 and fully expand your Fireface UFX II to 28 direct inputs. This is one reason the MPC X, should've had ADAT out, then you wouldn't have to do that.

If you plan to use the MPC for drums, the 8 analog out will use up 8 of your inputs on the RME. Leaving you with only 4 inputs for other sound source. (Unless you plan on re-patching.)

Out of MPC X into the RME (Standard Drum Kit with Separate Outputs.)

Out 1: Kick
Out 2: Snare
Out 3: Crash Cymbal
Out 4: Hi Hat
Out 5: Small Tom
Out 6: Floor Tom
Out 7: Medium Tom
Out 8: Ride Cymbal


4. The RME should be your front end for all audio. While the MPC X will be your MIDI HUB for External Gear with MIDI. (Depending on how much you're pushing)

Myself I’d connect all my gear to the x. You have inputs for your two synths and guitar. From there you can either save your programs and track out to computer or track out to the x and just import your project into ableton.

The rme does have a better sound when tracking into it but the x works just fine. I use the logic that It’s not much different than sampling into it and making music with the samples... if given enough space I might integrate everything into one system for my writing and mixing but for now I really like to just focus on one aspect and the live does that well for me

Ultimately, Charles has the ideal setup but you can get just as much done if you don’t want to buy a bunch more gear. I also suggest a patch bay might be a cheap alternative.

Depending on which 8 AD/DA Converters he gets. On the low side, he could get another 16 direct inputs for under $500. The issues I see with using the MPC X as the front in, is that it only has 6 inputs, no digital inputs, no audio over USB, no wordclock, and no way to expand it.

Ultimately it comes down to how much gear the OP has, but the RME Fireface UFX II has 30 in and 30 out vs 6 in and 8 out.

Wow some really great responses in here guys. Really appreciative.

So originally what I wanted to do was use the mpc x as a central hub, have everything controlled by midi using the x as a master midi as well as a it being the drum machine and use my 3 synths as slaves. Getting the computer and ableton out of equation sounded really nice but I think if I’m unable to use the RME as the primary audio interface with this setup I’ll probably just stick with what I know (ableton) and use the X as a midi master drum machine only.

For live shows I’d probably be fine without the RME but for recording I really want to keep that in the setup because the RME sounds unbelievably good.

I’ve never used an 8 or 16 ad da channel converter. I guess I should be doing a little more research on these. Thanks for the help so far guys.

talons wrote:Wow some really great responses in here guys. Really appreciative.

So originally what I wanted to do was use the mpc x as a central hub, have everything controlled by midi using the x as a master midi as well as a it being the drum machine and use my 3 synths as slaves. Getting the computer and ableton out of equation sounded really nice but I think if I’m unable to use the RME as the primary audio interface with this setup I’ll probably just stick with what I know (ableton) and use the X as a midi master drum machine only.

In my opinion that would be the best choice. Using the MPC in standalone with your 3 synth you won't need computer until you are going to track your synths and MPC X. Then all you need to do is, MIDI out of ableton/rme and have it push the MPC X, which in turn will push your synths.

This is where having enough inputs come in handy. You track everything in one pass and no patching.

talons wrote:For live shows I’d probably be fine without the RME but for recording I really want to keep that in the setup because the RME sounds unbelievably good.

The RME is a strong piece, also depending on what you want from the MPC. Look into getting a good used MPC 4000 with an ADAT card. You can try a 5000 but with the timing bugs, I can't recommend it. For this kind of use the MPC X, should've had ADAT. (Makes no sense)

talons wrote:I’ve never used an 8 or 16 ad da channel converter. I guess I should be doing a little more research on these. Thanks for the help so far guys.

Here are a couple of choices.

Behringer ADA8200 Microphone Preamp: 228.99
RME OctaMic II: $1,799.00
Ferrofish A32: 2,399.00

You can get an audient in the sub 1000 range too. Was going to get one when I wanted a bigger setup.

Cockdiesel wrote:You can get an audient in the sub 1000 range too. Was going to get one when I wanted a bigger setup.

Which audient, ASP800 or ASP880?

Not to detract but while were on the subject (and an MPC will be involved hah).. Does anybody even make a converter anymore thats JUST line inputs?? I have the Behringer, its a KILLER bang for the buck, but I dont need mic preamps, and the damn things inputs are on the front so it makes my rack look funky hehe. The old Alesis AI-3 or the Tango Frontier were awesome way back when, but its like all the budget ones even are like 'Heres 8 cheap ass preamps that were going to run your line inputs through no matter what'. So far my only option is to wait it out until its time to upgrade my old MOTU to a new one and skip the 828 and step up to the 16A. Even the low end Behringer and Tascam USB interfaces Ive seen that have the same IO as mine are all mic preamps.

Monotremata wrote:Not to detract but while were on the subject (and an MPC will be involved hah).. Does anybody even make a converter anymore thats JUST line inputs?? I have the Behringer, its a KILLER bang for the buck, but I dont need mic preamps, and the damn things inputs are on the front so it makes my rack look funky hehe.

The old Alesis AI-3 or the Tango Frontier were awesome way back when, but its like all the budget ones even are like 'Heres 8 cheap ass preamps that were going to run your line inputs through no matter what'. So far my only option is to wait it out until its time to upgrade my old MOTU to a new one and skip the 828 and step up to the 16A. Even the low end Behringer and Tascam USB interfaces Ive seen that have the same IO as mine are all mic preamps.

Look for an old ProFire 2626. There's the Mackie Onyx800R which you bypass the pres with a eight 1/4 to DB-25 cable. Also look into the Cranborne Audio 500ADAT which works well. The Behringer is good, as long as set the pres at their optimal level and make the shortest cables possible.

I use a 0 db sine wave and unity gain all my inputs.

Both of those Charles would work for him. I don’t recall which of the two I wanted it was some time ago when I had the sp.

Speaking of that, I recall I was thinking about getting an Alessi hd24 at the same time and running a Vegas board into it.

Alesis hd24 might be the best bang for the buck, was reading about people not even using them to record anymore but to extent their front end.

At the time they were a few hundred a piece. Did a brief search and I see 400-900 is the current asking price. It will take up both your optical slots I believe and why I was hesitant. I could be confused with other gear it’s been some time since I had those plans.

Might need to revisit some when I can upgrade my space and have more time.

The Alesis hd24 would be a good options, if you can find one in a good condition.

Cockdiesel wrote:Both of those Charles would work for him. I don’t recall which of the two I wanted it was some time ago when I had the sp.

Speaking of that, I recall I was thinking about getting an Alessi hd24 at the same time and running a Vegas board into it.

Alesis hd24 might be the best bang for the buck, was reading about people not even using them to record anymore but to extent their front end.

At the time they were a few hundred a piece. Did a brief search and I see 400-900 is the current asking price. It will take up both your optical slots I believe and why I was hesitant. I could be confused with other gear it’s been some time since I had those plans.

Might need to revisit some when I can upgrade my space and have more time.