MPC in a live setting...

I was wondering about using the MPC live...particularly with the multiple outputs. I haven't tried this yet because I don't have the proper equipment but I wanted to see if it was possible...or even makes sense haha. Using the multiple outputs...can I run low end parts like bass drums and basslines through a bass amp and then run everything else through a PA or a keyboard amp? If so, has anyone ever tried anything like this...I'm guessing it would sound much better than running everything through the same amp or through the same PA...not sure though?

Is this a good idea or just a total waste of cables and amps?

Thanks so much for any help!

If you wanted to do this I would actually run it all into an 8 channel mixer and then have the out just go through the venues PA. That way you can control every channel and the EQ on it. Set up all your bass tracks to always run through Output # (whatever number you want) and then EQ it on your board, mark it with masking tape, write down your settings (just in case), etc.

Then you could run a mic and everything though it. All the sound guy would have to do is plug you in from the board. If you perfected the mix and everything at home it would sound dope....

That is my thoughts anyways. Plus be careful with amps because some are made for lower dB coming into them (like a guitar or bass) so a line out from a piece of hardware like an MPC could be straining.

Also an 8 channel mixer is way cheaper than a head, and bass cab....

hahah yesss, very good point...i blew out a keyboard amp once by running drum machines through it :/ so a good PA would be able to handle everything then? also, this may be a stupid question but there is there anyway i can go stereo through the PA?

You can definitely go stereo to the venue's mixing board, but you'll have to ask them how they are setup. Plenty of venues only output a mono signal so you'd need to know beforehand do they only play the left or right channel, do they mix them (which can cause phasing issues) etc. It's usually a good idea to listen to your mix in a few different environments first so you know ahead of time if you'll have any potential issues like missing half of your stereo field.

If you know that the venue is (or is not) going to mixdown your L/R signals to one channel, then you can do it on your end ahead of time if necessary if you've got your own mini mixer. Personally I'd get the mix correct in the MPC though, as your sliders and knobs will have a tendency to get bumped on accident during a gig and levels/pans will likely be different from song to song if you use an outboard mixer. The MPC does have an onboard mixer after all. The benefit of an off board mixer in my mind would be that you could tweak levels on the fly as necessary, but you need to let the venue engineer know ahead of time you'll be doing this as it isn't ever fun to have the the engineer adjusting for your adjustments...

NearTao wrote:You can definitely go stereo to the venue's mixing board, but you'll have to ask them how they are setup. Plenty of venues only output a mono signal so you'd need to know beforehand do they only play the left or right channel, do they mix them (which can cause phasing issues) etc. It's usually a good idea to listen to your mix in a few different environments first so you know ahead of time if you'll have any potential issues like missing half of your stereo field.

If you know that the venue is (or is not) going to mixdown your L/R signals to one channel, then you can do it on your end ahead of time if necessary if you've got your own mini mixer. Personally I'd get the mix correct in the MPC though, as your sliders and knobs will have a tendency to get bumped on accident during a gig and levels/pans will likely be different from song to song if you use an outboard mixer. The MPC does have an onboard mixer after all. The benefit of an off board mixer in my mind would be that you could tweak levels on the fly as necessary, but you need to let the venue engineer know ahead of time you'll be doing this as it isn't ever fun to have the the engineer adjusting for your adjustments...

I would def secure the mix in the MPC. Use the mixer to add other elements. Like I will use a mixer for a couple different samplers live....

I think you shouldn't carry any amps. I haven't seen many hip hop cats do this, and most clubs who book hip hop shows know this. If you play a real different show you might call ahead and ask so you can borrow one.

Also, you will potentially blow amps because when using things like an MPC your frequency range is the entire spectrum and amps are set up for certain frequency ranges and certain decibel signals... like a guitar amp is expecting a low input from a guitar (because guitars are quite like turntables)

Just some food for though
Good luck.