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Subject: Re: [motm] MPC4000 sound quality for MOTM?

From: simon@...
Date: 2004-02-08

> I think the suggestion to use a front-end A/D for the
> MPC is dead-on. I, personally, do not run the MOTM
> direct into the A/D, but that is me. It is easier to
> run it thru the desk (a mixer or if you don't have
> one, a preamp).

Why not just run it straight into the MPC?

The MPC has a level control to set the gain right, so it has an inbuilt preamp stage.


> Some folks I've worked with insist on a tube front-end
> (Manley) as they insist an analog synth direct to disk
> or direct-in is as stupid as running any line-level
> instrument direct.

Why is it stupid? Doesn't it depend on how the recording device handles gain, or doesn't in some cases?


> Whoa! This is a surprise for me.
> Are you saying that my mixer isn't enough to prep an anlog
> instrument for recording on digital media?

You are worried about sound quality and needing 96KHz/24bit, but you are going to run the signal through a mixer anyway?


> Or suppose I would get that front end AD, would it be unwise
> according to your sources to connect the MOTM (or other
> analog synth's) output directly to the AD?

If the AD only has balanced +4 line inputs, but it depends on what you are plugging into and how it handles different level signals.


> I normally work with a mixer, and redirect the signal I want
> to sample to one of the mixer's output busses, which are
> connected to my samplers. Will that do?

Yes, but why not avoid the mixer, buses, etc., and just plug straight into the MPC?


> Back in the day, I used to do what you describe...
> everything analog pumped thru an Akai Sampler before
> being sent to tape. Definitely speeds up the process!

Why?


> This is what works best for me. I get to play with phrases
> of recorded instruments and trigger them like you would
> trigger drums. And I don't have to use a computer for
> that. :)


Simon
Canberra
AUSTRALIA