MPC Live with ROLAND SYSTEM-1

Hello everybody! I am VERY new in this "world" and I would be very grateful for any help with following: I would like to use my AKAI MPC LIVE with ROLAND SYSTEM-1 in CONTROLLER mode, connected to PC and using MPC software as DAW but I have no idea about the connections and setup. So please if anybody knows it will he a lifesaver!

1) What cables do I need?
2) What IN/OUTS do I have to connect on my MPC LIVE and SYSTEM-1?
3) Is this possible without another external Audio Interface or do I have to buy one more unit?
4) What is neccessary to set in MPC software to get it to work?

I would like to buy Roland TR-8S too and I guess this will be very similar way to get it working as with System-1? Am I right?

Thank you SO MUCH in advance!

Use the included usb cord connect your Live to your computer.

(2) 1/4” TRS cables from your audio out in the system-1 stereo out to the Live.

Launch mpc 2.0

Put LIVE in controller mode, but why not use stand alone while you record tracks from your instruments?

Same process for TR8S.

I did exactly what you say but there is no sound from System-1 at all. I used stereo L/R output from System-1 and put it into audio IN to LIVE (the same one I use for sampling from CD because there is no other). I see the signal on the level meter on LIVE and also on computer but no sound.

BTW - if I use TR-8s together with System-1 and LIVE, I will need a sound card because LIVE has not enought free audio inputs, am I right?

I use controller mode because of plug-ins I have installed on computer and the big monitor is much better choice for me as for newbie because I can see everything on the place.

Probably need to activate monitor button from sampling menu.

Wunderpepi wrote:Hello everybody! I am VERY new in this "world" and I would be very grateful for any help with following: I would like to use my AKAI MPC LIVE with ROLAND SYSTEM-1 in CONTROLLER mode, connected to PC and using MPC software as DAW but I have no idea about the connections and setup. So please if anybody knows it will he a lifesaver!

I own both the MPC Live and a Roland System-1 (along with a bunch of other Aria stuff). I'm not sure what you're trying to accomplish - do you want to use the System-1 as a generic MIDI controller keyboard for plugins running in the MPC Software? Or are you trying to sample your System-1 into the MPC Live (while your Live is in controller mode)? Or do you want to use your System-1 as a generic MIDI controller to control the standalone synths in your MPC Live?

Wunderpepi wrote:1) What cables do I need?

The System-1 will send MIDI as well as audio via USB. Or you can use it as a traditional hardware synth with MIDI cables, and run the balanced 1/4" outs into your Live.

Wunderpepi wrote:2) What IN/OUTS do I have to connect on my MPC LIVE and SYSTEM-1?

It depends on what you want to do. See above, and clarify please!

Wunderpepi wrote:3) Is this possible without another external Audio Interface or do I have to buy one more unit?

Your MPC Live literally acts as an external audio interface when connected to your computer in controller mode. There is zero reason to buy another. Also, your System-1 will send audio (and MIDI) via USB direct to your computer if you want. Give this a read:

https://rolandus.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/a ... a-Computer

Wunderpepi wrote:4) What is neccessary to set in MPC software to get it to work?

Are you trying to use your System-1 as a MIDI controller for plugins in the MPC Software? If so, you need to add it as a MIDI controller...

Wunderpepi wrote:I would like to buy Roland TR-8S too and I guess this will be very similar way to get it working as with System-1? Am I right?

Thank you SO MUCH in advance!

Yes - the TR8S (as well as the original TR8) and most other Aria gear will send audio/MIDI via USB, and the MX-1 acts as a multichannel audio interface.

EnochLight, thank you VERY MUCH for detailed help, it explained a lot and I see that I had very different immaginations in many basic things. Now my return:

1. I like to use LIVE as a heart of all studio and I though it is enough to connect everything via MIDI only. Now I see I have to use the AUDIO OUTPUT from my System-1 or TR-8s too and it brings a light into my sea of questions finally.

2. As generic MIDI keyboard I use Akai MPK249, connected to LIVE by USB and it works perfectly. I was thinking that I will connect System-1 in similar way by MIDI only and it will record sounds from System-1 as notes into the pattern as when I record with MIDI. Now I am starting to understand that System-1 and/or TR-8s is working like regular AUDIO SOURCE and I have to RECORD the sound like if I sample from CD or any other source like this directly into the AUDIO TRACK. Am I Right?

Please, I would be very grateful if you will help me to clear following too:

Do I have to connect System-1 and/or TR-8s audio output into the LIVE by only ONE mono connector (and to save one more INPUT) or do I have to use both outputs from System-1 and/or TR-8s? In case I use both connectors, there will be no more inputs in LIVE for second unit and neither for example CD player for sampling and I will need to change the connection every time.

So if I understand it, this is the moment when MX-1 comes on the scene. I have to connect all my units like TR-8s, System-1 or CD player into the MX-1 and then I have to connect MIX OUT from MX-1 into the audio input (both L and R) in my LIVE and to use sound card in the LIVE. What mixer mode of MX-1 do I have to setup in this case?

OR

I have to use MX-1 as main audio sound card. So I have to connect all my units into the MX-1 (including LIVE). And what mix mode I have to setup on MX-1 in this case?

In my opinion the first way is the solution but it would be fantastic if you confirm it or if you tell meit is stupid . Anyway I am really VERY grateful for your patience and I am really sorry for so stupid questions but there is nobody who should give me a help in our region and I spent hours on Youtube and internet before I started to waste your time by questions here but I found no solutions. Thank you so much in advance for the replies!

I missed this, dunno if you still need help.

The AIRA gear is all kind of special (I like Enoch have most of it, only missing the new MC-707, ignored the repackaged SP-404SX, and skipped tht tb303, but I got everythign else includign some boutiques and the FA-06). Part of what makes it special is that it can function as an audio interface. If you are using a Mac, get familiar with Aggregated Devices, and if you are on a PC, get ASIO4ALL. Then you can use any USB2.0 or better cable and plug the System-1 into your computer, set it as another audio device, and then you can control it with *any* MIDI device, and record sound directly into either your computer or MPC. The downside to this?

Roland went stupid early on, it may have been patched, but originally, all the first generation AIRA stuff only worked at 96k, which can be brutal on some machines. The MX-1 was a work around, allowing the same kind of access to each device, but allowing you to change the rate to 41k or 48k respectively. Look up how to create an aggregate device if on Mac, or get ASIO4ALL if on PC, and then try.
- Unreall