Technical questions for the MPC2000xl and the MPC2000
By MPCVirgin2003 Wed Dec 03, 2003 3:07 pm
So I have my MPC 2000XL, and I have a computer. That's all I have. Eventually, I want to rent out studio time to upcome emcees. What is the next couple of things to buy to actually make beats and record live lyrics over those beats and burn to CD. I need the CHEAPEST route..I am on a budget! What are my next steps?

By RonDu Wed Dec 03, 2003 3:20 pm
I would get a keyboard with good sounds or a sound module
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By Lampdog Wed Dec 03, 2003 5:51 pm
What device are you planning on using for mic in?
Multitrack program, ie. Adobe Audition
Mastering plugins.
Mic stand.
Good headphones or monitors.
A midi keyboard would be great also.

Patience when dealing with emcees and vocal mistakes during performance.

By MPCVirgin2003 Thu Dec 04, 2003 8:34 pm
I have an MPC2000XL, a computer and a midi keyboard. I want to be able to rhyme over my tracks and record to disk. The guy at the music store says all I need is a good mic and a pre amp and I can hook my mic right up to the MPC. What software program is best to get my songs from my MPC to my computer so I can burn to a CD?
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By Lampdog Thu Dec 04, 2003 9:49 pm
MPCVirgin2003 wrote:I have an MPC2000XL, a computer and a midi keyboard. I want to be able to rhyme over my tracks and record to disk. The guy at the music store says all I need is a good mic and a pre amp and I can hook my mic right up to the MPC. What software program is best to get my songs from my MPC to my computer so I can burn to a CD?


That is only if you want to sample your voice, not for live vocals ya dig.
You will need a very decent to excellent sound card. The cheapest kinda good quality I can recommend for peeps on a budget is sound blaster audigy for around $100.

MPC line out to sound card line in. You will need a RCA to stereo 1/8 adatper for that.

You need a mutlitracking progam ie, cool edit pro, vegas video. http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/ You will be able to find some good stuff at this link. Vocals on one track and beats on another. You can add realtime effects on tracks to make everything smoother ie, compression, filters, EQ whatever effects and audio plugins you have available can be added to realtime track FX.

By MPCVirgin2003 Thu Dec 04, 2003 10:31 pm
A multi tracking program? Is that software or an actual multi track machine?
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By Lampdog Thu Dec 04, 2003 10:35 pm
MPCVirgin2003 wrote:A multi tracking program? Is that software or an actual multi track machine?


I said program. Meaning software.
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By Swissmaster Cheese Fri Dec 05, 2003 4:31 pm
MPCVirgin2003 wrote:A multi tracking program? Is that software or an actual multi track machine?


Dont mean to be a dill hole, but if youre at that stage in the game where you have to ask what this is then you should really consider waiting before you invest in some more gear.....seriously....

By MPCVirgin2003 Fri Dec 05, 2003 4:47 pm
this is the purpose for asking the questions before i purchase...you didn't start off knowing everything..did you? and neither will i..so i am asking before i make the investments
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By Swissmaster Cheese Fri Dec 05, 2003 5:17 pm
well then maybe its me, i'd much rahter learn eveything a piece at a time than to buy up a bunch of gear I dont know how to use at once and cant even figure out how to use it all together.....then again its your money, shop wisely and have fun :roll:
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By Swissmaster Cheese Fri Dec 05, 2003 5:19 pm
...and you're from my home town.....hmmmm......ever go to that piss ass Guitar Center on watson rd.?
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By Breaka Sat Dec 06, 2003 2:12 am
I'll have to agree with Swissmaster Cheese.
If you do not know what a Multitraker is you are no where close to start recording.
Good studios take time to build one piece at a time. Most of the time you find out the exact piece of equipment you need when you reach a creative plateau and when you have mastered the current equipment you have.

All you have is a computer and an MPC. I could think of a dozen things missing in that set up.

How good is the PC you have? PC's can be a pain in the ass when it comes to music. They are very unreliable if they are not powerful enough.

Start with a lowcost TASCAM Multitrack Tape recorder.
TASCAM MF-P01 Portastudio - $99.99
(also get a bunch of HIGH Position Tapes)

A lowcost Mixer
Eurorack UB1002 - $59.99

Low cost Powered Monitors
Rland MA-8BK - $99.99

A set of headphones and a good MIC and there you go !
You will master this equipment and outgrow them AND YOU WILL KNOW EXACTLY what you need to upgrade to. Trust me. When its time to upgrade just take the old equipment and trade it in and upgrade.
But in the time being you will get very good at the art of production and put out a lot of Hits for your local MC's. 8)
Good luck.
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By Lampdog Sat Dec 06, 2003 5:45 am
Breaka wrote:Start with a lowcost TASCAM Multitrack Tape recorder.
TASCAM MF-P01 Portastudio - $99.99 (also get a bunch of HIGH Position Tapes).


A software multitracker will get you farther than the TASCAM but that will also require you to buy a good sound card well. The software mutlitracker will be easily upgradeable with plugins though, The TASCAM, you are stuck with whatever functions are onboard. For the lowest money and if you are in a quick hurry, Breaka had it right, get the TASCAM.
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By breakbeat mechanic Sun Dec 07, 2003 2:24 am
I am going to school right now for audio recording, and after I graduate, I will be attending a audio/visual institute.

I know that if you plan on pursuing audio recording as a career, and would like to start you own business, you could be elligable for government grants. These grants are open to anyone who need assistance with starting their business. You couls get enough money to build a fat studio right off the bat. The only catch is, you need the credentials. GO TO SCHOOL!!!!!!

By MPCVirgin2003 Mon Dec 15, 2003 2:05 am
Breakbeat, I have a college degree..will that be credentials enough?
Swisscheese..you from the STL? You need to holla at me so we can hook up..you gotta show a brother some love. Yeah, I been to GuitarCenter on Watson before.