MPC Live 3 Line Levels

Hello all,

Quick question on the line levels out of the MPC Live 3. I picked one up and have been very happy with it but one thing I am trying to understand. I have mains out 1 and 2 connected to a Focusrite 4i4 with the MPC Live main volume maxed. I am connected via 6ft TRS cables into line in of the Focusrite inputs 1 and 2 and with no gain adjust on the Focusrite I am seeing about -6db drop between the MPC and audio interface. For reference I plugged my RANE ONE MK2 into the Focusrite input 1 and 2 and 0db main out on the RANE does give a input reference of 0db on the Focusrite.

I assume if my main out on the MPC shows 0db with a test tone it should show the same on the Focusrite input but that is not the case, it shows a -6db loss almost like the MPC outputs are unbalanced TS. I am sorry if I am not explaining this proper but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Any chance you accidentally left the pad turned on with the 2i2?

In analog audio, “0 dB” is not a universal absolute value, so maximum output on device 1 does not automatically equal 0 dB on device 2.

If you want that precision, you should do it digitally. With the Live 3, just use USB-C.

JethroJethro wrote:Any chance you accidentally left the pad turned on with the 2i2?

I am unclear by what you mean by pad turned on. This is on a 4i4 btw. I am using the XLR/TRS combo ports on the front of the unit.

fredb wrote:In analog audio, “0 dB” is not a universal absolute value, so maximum output on device 1 does not automatically equal 0 dB on device 2.

If you want that precision, you should do it digitally. With the Live 3, just use USB-C.

I could understand if using a cheaper piece of equipment, but the LIVE 3 is supposed to have an industry standard balanced TRS output so I would expect close to a 0db reference 0db out=0db in if both connected devices are balanced TRS.

The “pad” function is a level reducing feature if you’re plugging in a very hot signal such as some mics. It lowers 8db I think. Should be on any Scarlett mine was a button newer ones are in software inside.

If there’s a pad button, press it and see if your signal gets stronger

https://gearspace.com/board/music-compu ... srite.html

And yes it’s legit TRS balanced outs at least on Force and MPC X. Mine can easily clip 12 o clock gain inputs of my mixer.