Recoding two synths into MPC Live?

Hi, I'm having some trouble with getting audio from my synths into the MPC. The first synth is a Korg Monologue (mono output) going through a Korg NTS-1 (stereo output) and the second one is a Roland JU-06a (stereo output).

The only way that I can get audio from the synths into the MPC reliably is by using a stereo to mono splitter cable and connecting the stereo end to the synth and one of the mono ends to the MPC Live input.
Is this the way things are expected to work or am I doing something wrong?

I tried for example to use a 3.5mm TRS <-> 6.3mm TRS to at least avoid having one of the splitter cable's ends dangling at the back of the MPC, but the Monologue and NTS-1 don't make any sound and the JU-06A works for some presets, but not for others (complete silence). This I don't quite understand... are they sending output on the opposite L/R channel compared to what the MPC 1/2 input expects? Would using a TS <-> TS cable work? For the record I don't have space for an interface or mixer.

I see two options:
- using external gear (ex: class compliant usb interface) with two inputs hooked into MPC
- having each synth as mono: using either a single channel RCA cables or using stereo > mono ones/adapters

no other way around with Live, with X you can hook up two stereo inputs at the same time

I suspect the Ju06 chorus is the only thing stereo about it. It may do some kind of stereo phasing shit where they cancel each other out if not routed properly. I'd suggest just running both synths mono, and adding a chorus in the MPC.

rgp wrote:The only way that I can get audio from the synths into the MPC reliably is by using a stereo to mono splitter cable and connecting the stereo end to the synth and one of the mono ends to the MPC Live input.
Is this the way things are expected to work or am I doing something wrong?
.

nothing wrong

rgp wrote:I tried for example to use a 3.5mm TRS <-> 6.3mm TRS to at least avoid having one of the splitter cable's ends dangling at the back of the MPC, but the Monologue and NTS-1 don't make any sound and the JU-06A works for some presets, but not for others (complete silence). This I don't quite understand... are they sending output on the opposite L/R channel compared to what the MPC 1/2 input expects?

The 1/4" inputs are balanced TRS
this means that it's not stereo-in per single port . The signal from T is in opposite phase on R , it's meant for plugging from a balanced output (mixer, some hardware fx/synths , DI etc)
In your case , when you plugged the JU-06A the signal from left channel canceled the signal from right channel = silence
You can still plug gear using a single stereo cable but only if there is a global PAN for hard left or right on your synth

Thanks for the replies everyone. I will buy a stereo to mono adapter for now…

Lampdog wrote:Use a mixer.

There are some really small ones, everywhere.

I learned a long time ago to keep a cheap mixer around at all times, now I have 3-4 mixers [1 of which is not so cheap ;-]

A mixer is indispensable for
1] getting a good recording
2] quick EQ/compression – way faster than opening a plug-in & going thru the settings
3] analog warmth
4] running multiple instruments thru your sampler