MPC500 - monitoring external synths...

Hi guys, i'm thinking of buying either an mpc500 or 1000. I want to fit it into my set up like this... stop using my laptop, use the MPC for all audio and have it connected up to my microkorg and my blofeld (obviously not both at one as each only have 1 stereo input!).

So basically i'd make all the beats on the mpc, then have them playing and work out and record a bassline in midi... then sample that basline... have all that playing and work out a synth part... sample that... etc etc and so on, until i'd worked out a full track... so i'd have my beats and all my samples phrases in the mpc and trigger them all from there to make a whole track....

....BUT what i want to know is this, can I monitor my synths through the MPC whilst it's playing (and not just when it's sampling) to make this workflow possible??? Is this called audio-thu? i don't know?

I've read that mpc500 has no audio-thru... is this what it means, that i can't monitor anything unless i'm sampling it (as i don't really want to mess around with mixing desks)... so i'd only be able to monitor when i'm recording, and not the rest of the time? Is this the same on the mpc1000... or is it possible on that machine... i hope you can do it on one of them???

Hope this makes sense!

All the best, Henry

What do you mean by monitoring?

I mean, so you can plug an external synth into the MPC and monitor that synths output from within the MPC... so say you're recording a midi part on an external synth to play alongside your samples, can you plug the synth's outs into the MPC's inputs and hear what it is playing, just in normal play mode before you actually sample it? thanks

How about monitoring from synths own outputs?

yeah but then i wouldn't be able to hear the mpc too... Want to be able to hear them both at same time, but pref without mixer and i know you can do this with 1k, but is there audio thru on the 500?

henryoakley wrote:yeah but then i wouldn't be able to hear the mpc too... Want to be able to hear them both at same time, but pref without mixer and i know you can do this with 1k, but is there audio thru on the 500?

nO AUDIO THRU,HOPEFULLY ON THE NEXT UPDATE

thanks postal!... really wanted the 500 as perfect in features and size for my needs - except the audio thru... But who knows how long the next update will be, or if it'll even include audio thru... Guess i'll have to go for the 1k to be on the safe side

henryoakley wrote:thanks postal!... really wanted the 500 as perfect in features and size for my needs - except the audio thru... But who knows how long the next update will be, or if it'll even include audio thru... Guess i'll have to go for the 1k to be on the safe side

yeah get the 1k, but akai been really trailblazing with the 500, so we shall see! Stay tuned!

if you like the 500 more, the go for the 500. just grab a small mixer from behringer for like $50 and then run your mpc and both synths into the mixer, then main outs go to headphones/speakers and control room/alternative output goes into the audio in's of your mpc. then you can hear all 3 at the same time, and you dont have to unplug and replug both your synths all the time.

yeah had thought of that but my space is REALLY limited and the 1k is smaller than getting 500 plus small mixer!

You can actually monitor external devices on the mpc500 while listening to your sequence. Here is how:-

1. Press mode + Record
2. Press play

You sequence will now play and signal sent to the input on the mpc500 will also be heard.

It's not as easy to use as the 1000 but it works. I use it all the time.

@phaison: that sounds like a wicked work around! When you do it like that, does it actually record while you're listening? Or does it just play everything and then you hit another button when you actually drop into record?

and can you still record midi and use the machine as normal when in this mode? Thanks

You dont have to actually record what you are monitoring, but you cant do anything else except play your beat. That includes track mutes/solos, playing pads, changing sequence etc.
The mode is occasionally useful for checking a sound you are triggering or something but its not for general use. Some synths (such as my Yamaha CS1x) have an audio input which is echoed to the output.
If you already have two synths and are getting an MPC you really would be better off getting a mixer. Some of them are very small such as the behringer ones (though I would probably avoid them in favour of a Spirit Notepad or similar. Don't forget that the mic preamp on the MPC is god-awful and one on even a cheap mixer would be vastly superior!! It also doesnt have phono preamps so if you are ever thinking of getting a turntable for sampling then maybe a 3 channel DJ mixer would be a good option?

You are in record mode but you dont have to record. You can monitor a synth or play along with an acoustic instrument. Its very limited but it works. If you need more functionality while monitoring then perhaps a small mixer would be appropriate. I have a mixer, but I just like the idea of not being tied down to so many cables and gadgets. I sometimes work on the mpc500 on my couch, running it on batteries. I only use my mixer for more complex productions.

I hope this helps