Support and discussion for all of Akai’s modern standalone MPCs including the MPC X / X SE, MPC Live 1, 2 & 3, MPC One / One+, MPC Key 37/61.
By Preset Fri Nov 24, 2023 2:38 pm
Hi !
I have an audio input problem on my mpc live 1 (2.12.2), I am desperately trying to record an analog synth (functional 6.35 mono cable) but I have no input sound (the track is armed and “auto” engaged). On the back "line" is well selected. Is this a known issue?
THANKS !
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By 83dude Fri Nov 24, 2023 3:04 pm
Sorry for stating the obvious, but is your synth‘s output volume set to max and your input level set properly?
By Preset Fri Nov 24, 2023 3:17 pm
Thx for your answers !
Yes synth output is ok and input level back to the mpc too !
I have tried everything, the inputs work when I record the headphone output 2 of my sound card (and therefore the computer, the synths connected to the sound card etc.) but if I try to isolate a specific synth directly in the mpc, nothing more!
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By Lampdog Fri Nov 24, 2023 5:48 pm
Go into SAMPLER and check the input.
You can also do this on an AUDIO TRACK and check the input config.
At the moment I’m unable to walk thru this exactly.
By Preset Fri Nov 24, 2023 8:01 pm
83dude wrote:Does it work with a balanced cable?

Two TRS cables as inputs from the MPC, and 1 TRS as headphone output from my sound card = it works. Without touching the inputs, if I connect the same TRS (the one from my sound card headphone output) to the output of my synth, it doesn't work anymore. Same with a mono TS from the synth to an MPC input, no sound.

Same issue on sampler.
By jamos Sat Nov 25, 2023 4:50 am
Hard to understand how you have things hooked up, but: never use your headphone output for anything except headphones.

If you connect a headphone output to a balanced input, you will not get get good results.
By kazakore Sun Nov 26, 2023 11:32 am
No help but I discovered my Live 2 doesn't work at line level input on the phono (RCA) inputs. Phono level works and the TRS inputs work but I get nothing if I set the phono inputs to line level with the rear switch. It was bought second hand and although it looked basically unused I can't know if it was like that from new. Hasn't affected me too much as I don't do much external sampling though...
By jamos Sun Nov 26, 2023 2:49 pm
That switch selects one of the two input pairs, line or phono. Don't use the phono inputs for anything except a raw turntable input. In 99% of cases you want to use the 1/4" jacks, and set the switch to Line.
By kazakore Wed Nov 29, 2023 2:32 pm
jamos wrote:That switch selects one of the two input pairs, line or phono. Don't use the phono inputs for anything except a raw turntable input. In 99% of cases you want to use the 1/4" jacks, and set the switch to Line.


Then why does it give you the choice to select between recording input 1/2 or 3/4 if you only have one of the pairs accessible at a time, with a physical switch to select? Seems the manual does agree with you and I just assumed it would switch the RCA inputs between phono and line, as they are commonly used for both the world over. Really can't get over some of the dumb decisions Akai have made sometimes!
By kazakore Thu Nov 30, 2023 9:44 am
NearTao wrote:The MPC Live 2 only has inputs 1/2. The 3/4 are available if you use (certain) external USB audio devices, or have an MPC X.


Input 3/4 show up as selectable options on my MPC Live 2 at all times, which does make it feel like they should be separate, because it does imply there's two stereo inputs. I've recorded so rarely from external I can't remember which pair was connected to the jacks so I definitely believe it's all on 1/2 after now knowing how the rear works. Still stand by this being rather strange decisions in both hardware and software!