MPC build quality

This post is a continuation of https://www.mpc-forums.com/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=218752.

So, I’ve received a new unit, got it all set up with my previously purchased plugins. Bought new input and output cables.

I turn it on and I have noise in my right speaker, so I swap the cable out, still the same buzz.

I swap my main output cables and now the noise has moved to the other speaker.

Ok, maybe it’s an input problem, but no. The noise from the MPC’s main right output is consistent in all configurations.

What are the chances that it’s my particular studio set-up is causing this noise, which let me be clear, is balanced and silent without this replacement MPC in the chain.

I am beyond disappointed, this is their flagship unit and if they can’t even get the basics of a noise free signal chain right.

Do I even bother with trying another unit (third times the charm, right?) or just give up on Akai and just consider the MPC X SE a failed attempt of an instrument?

if you swap the cable and the noise moves to the other channel then your cables are toast.. they are torn or inducting RF interference. Buy ballanced trs cables.

Ultros wrote:if you swap the cable and the noise moves to the other channel then your cables are toast.. they are torn or inducting RF interference. Buy ballanced trs cables.

Sorry, I think you misunderstood. I swapped the outputs L>R and R>L and the noise swapped channels.

That indicates an issue with the unit and not the cables.

I do use balanced cables, usually XLR when I can because they lock in place. However for shorter runs <5m that aren’t parallel to power cables then mono cables will do just fine.

Also running your instruments and monitors from the same wall outlet (via a surge protected extension unit) will further reduce RF interference.

Anyhow, I’m now in the process of returning this damaged unit for a refund. Let’s hope it’s 3rd time lucky and I manage to get a unit that works next time.

I swapped the outputs L>R and R>L and the noise swapped channels.

?? Am I not understanding? If you switched the outputs (cables) and the noise swapped channels its clearly a cable issue

J.O.BEATS wrote:

I swapped the outputs L>R and R>L and the noise swapped channels.

?? Am I not understanding? If you switched the outputs (cables) and the noise swapped channels its clearly a cable issue

That's what I'm thinking.
Can you check the cable on other device, or use a different set of cables?

gr00veh0lmes wrote:Sorry, I think you misunderstood. I swapped the outputs L>R and R>L and the noise swapped channels.

That indicates an issue with the unit and not the cables.

You're wrong, sorry. If you swapped the outputs L>R and R>L and the noise swapped channels, then it is absolutely either your cables or your source. If you had 1 bum channel on your MPC (which is a possibility in any hardware), if you swapped channels then you would still hear the noise in the same bum channel.

So... sounds like you did an RMA for no reason. Unless we are misunderstanding you...

Unwind the caps on your XLR ends, inspect the wiring for breakage or twists. any bridging of the xlr wiring inside that housing will cause the issue you are describing and its super common with XLR. do you own a multimeter? set it to ohms and test the line's impedence on all 3 contacts on both ends. There are systematic tests you can do to isolate your issue. start with cables, then local interference, power jacks, then ultimately plug something into the line in, and test that with a multimeter too if you get whacky readings on one channel that dont match the other while playing a MONO sample, theres an anomily.

So before returning the unit, I took it over to my brothers studio last night and guess what?

There was no noise.

So I stripped down my studio today, and inspected all my cables, cleaning any corrosion on connectors and checking the soldering.

I ran the cables as before and now there is no noise in my studio.

I feel like an idiot, but thanks all for convincing me to check again.

Sometimes admitting you can be wrong can lead to better outcomes.

Namaste

gr00veh0lmes wrote:So before returning the unit, I took it over to my brothers studio last night and guess what?

There was no noise.

So I stripped down my studio today, and inspected all my cables, cleaning any corrosion on connectors and checking the soldering.

I ran the cables as before and now there is no noise in my studio.

I feel like an idiot, but thanks all for convincing me to check again.

Sometimes admitting you can be wrong can lead to better outcomes.

Namaste

No worries; congrats on solving the issue! And best of all, sounds like it was a free fix - the best kind!

Got it goin eh? mint! It happens. it happens to me as well its why I was so sure. i've resoldered my xlrs a couple times. I should open the ends hot glue the crap outta em and close em back up so they cant get all twisted around. All i get outta it is ERRRRRRR from signal being bridged to ground when it happens. lol its very loud too glad the machine can tollerate it heh.

Sometimes all it takes is some bad shielding and something like a USB cable sitting on top of your audio lines.. Had a bad MIDI cable connected to my Nord Modular for years and couldn't figure out why every time MIDI clock went out over my AMT8 I could HEAR it in my monitors. Thought it was the AMT8, then the USB cable, couldn't figure it out for years and it turned out it was the HOSA MIDI cable connected to my Nord heh. It would pick up the clock signal and I could hear the little BZZT BZZT BZZT BZZT every time I hit play and the AMT8 sent the clock signal to all the ports.