Sample Input? Phono Preamp?

My girls little brother was generous enough to let me borrow his 2k classic until I stack the chips for my own mpc and I have a couple questions about sampling into the MPC. First off do yall have any recommendations for a good phono preamp? I checked all local dealers with no avail, I have seen a few online but I am wondering if the quality of preamps output differs from mfgr to mfgr? Also, I wanted know if it is entirely necessary or if it affects the signal from the turntable to use RCA to 1/4" unbalanced cables. Basically is a phono RCA plug to 1/4" balanced cable necessary or will any RCA to unbalanced 1/4" cable work for sampling?

Basically is a phono RCA plug to 1/4" balanced cable necessary or will any RCA to unbalanced 1/4" cable work for sampling?

good question...any answers ?
i'm interested too

No real recomendations... I would guess most people here have a DJ mixer they use as a phono preamp. Some turntables even have line out signals now. In most cases, the needle and cartridge is probably more important for the signal. Unless you are getting a top quality "audiophile" preamp, probably any will do. I believe you can pick one up at radio shack if needed.

All RCA signals are unbalanced, so there isn't much point in getting RCA to balanced cables. Any RCA -> 1/4 should work. I usually use the stereo ones (instead of 2 seperate cords) to make things easier.

Thanks for the response. The thing is I have an old sony turntable with a cart/needle that look like their in good shape. I have no reciever, or dj mixer just the mpc 2k classic. I would like to buy a mixer but I dont feel buying a mixer is justified because the turntable is belt driven, etc. Eventually I would like to get a 1200 and vestax or rane mixer but that is in the future, not now because my tax return is going to be less than I expected. I have found a behringer, and a bbe preamp. The behringer preamp is $20, while the BBE preamp is $50. Radio shack said they dont carry a preamp in store, although the cust. service rep might have been undereducated. I will stop by the 'shack today after work.

Im thinking it might be a worthwhile investment to get something like the numark pt-01 portable turntable because it has a line out already, and is only about $100 or so bucks if memory serves me correctly. I have heard alright things about the pt-01? Anyone have any experience with it for sampling? Sound quality wise?


Thanks again, all input/responses are appreciated.

I would say go with the DJ Mixer. In fact I have found that the vol on samples is very low with out a pre amp. As well most mixers have better controls the sound you send to the mix. Or do it like I love doing it. Go Digital Baby!

Well, I have been considering these preamps:

http://www.behringer.com/PP400/index.cfm?lang=ENG
and http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... c=3SOSWXXA

I think im going to get the behringer one..
Im not ready to invest into a nice mixer and real turntable. my turntable is from the 80s, but is well maintained. Im just gonna sample with it for now, if possible.A technics 1200 and real mixer will hopefully come later, after I buy a mp 3000 in february. *crosses fingers*

do you feel inferior by asking these questions to your girls little brother? just asking...

he never sampled into it he didn't know how, he was undereducated/uninformed. he didnt have the manual etc, he bought it and used a couple of kits from the PC and thats it, then it just collected dust for 6 months.

http://www.smproaudio.com/XP200.htm
i don't have one, but it looks good. i just use my amp. the TT go in the phono and my mpc is connected to the 'tape2rec'.

check the JAN sales, I got my VESTAX for £30

I ended up buying the Behringer Micro PP400 Phono Preamp and a dual 1/4" to rca cable for hooking it up to the mpc. Guitar center only had the $50 BBE one in store so I bought it online. It should suffice for now, wish me luck, PEACE.

Ill let yall know what type of experience I have with the behringer unit when it arrives.

cant go wrong with that make, ive got a mixer by them, never had any probs with it.

how did that behringer work out?? im thinking about doing the same thing..

hey guys, let me also suggest the korg kaoss pad 2. It has a phono preamp built in it... plus it has loads of filters, reverbs, delays, a vocoder, plus it has about 10-12 seconds of sample time in this built in dj style sampler.... plus some modes that let you warm the samples, play them backwards... pitch them around etc.

They go for max 150 bucks used... but te effects are very nice plus you can bpm synch some of the effects like delays and mods etc... also you can use it as a controller via midi.


not trying to sound like a salesman or nothing, but maybe down the road you may want some effect units and why not save yourself some cash by not making a double purchase on the preamp. Oh, also it has ground for the turntable.

Alot of black, consumer turntables from the 80's do not need a preamp.

Good preamps can be found sometimes at thrift stores and garage sales.