Connect MPC 5000 to mbox mini

[sytrusze]

Whatsup guys,

I've got my KRK monitors hooked up to my mbox mini. All my computer sounds are beeing played thru it. When i'am using my MPC5000 i always unplug my KRK's from the mbox and plug em into my MPC.

Can't i just connect the MPC to the Mbox mini so i don't have to keep unplugging en pluggin in my monitors? (So i can play my computer sounds AND the MPC sounds at the same time)

Thanks!

[spkguitar]

Originally Posted by sytrusze

Can't i just connect the MPC to the Mbox mini so i don't have to keep unplugging en pluggin in my monitors?

Yes. Keep the mix knob at the 12 o'clock position.

[sytrusze]

Great thanks, do you know which cables should i connect where?
(my monitors are now plugged into Mon out L & R on my Mbox mini)

[spkguitar]

Originally Posted by sytrusze

do you know which cables should i connect where?

Wow, ok...
You would connect balanced cables from the same outputs on the MPC where you would plug the speakers into, and connect them to the inputs of the MBox 2 Mini; one to the Input 1 Line/DI input, and one to Input 2 Line/DI input.

Originally Posted by sytrusze

(my monitors are now plugged into Mon out L & R on my Mbox mini)

That would stay that way.

[sytrusze]

Okay great thnx man

ps. excuse my noobism

[spkguitar]

Originally Posted by sytrusze

Okay great thnx man

ps. excuse my noobism

It's no problem at all; I'm happy to help.

And I hope my surprise did not offend you in any way. It's just connecting devices would be something I would consider learning before a major purchase like the MPC or even Pro Tools. But maybe it's just me?

I hope that works out the way you want it to. You'll have to do some switching around if you ever want to record anything else (vocals, etc).

[sytrusze]

No problem man you helped me out so much already, appreciate that.
You're right, i actually should have some more pre-knowledge but i gues you can blame my insecurity that i always like to be sure of my case, always need someone elses approval. Same thing in this case. I assumed that it had to be done like you've explained, but i wanted it to be confirmed and you did

I know it can be a pain in the ass sometimes for the helpers to explain every step so detailed, but it saved me alot of money actually. Instead of buying all sorts of cables and than find out i bought wrong ones, now i know exactly which one i should get.

Hope you'll understand and thanks again for your help m8!

[sytrusze]

I also had to switch the mic/DI on though, for the ppl who face the same problem as me.

I'm facing another issue right now, when i turn the volume up on the MPC5000 or the input 1 on my mbox the sound gets REALLY distorted. The strange thing is, i can boost the normal volume on my mbox up to max and it doesn't get distorted.

If i plug my monitors directly into my mbox, i can also boost the volume up to max without any signs of distortion.
So it has to be an issue with the DI inputs on my mbox or the cabling (at least, i think)

How come?

[spkguitar]

To answer this question, you really need to understand a little bit about gain staging and volume.

When you crank up the volume on the MPC to the "max", you are overdriving the input on the MBox, causing distortion. When you crank up the input on the MBox, same thing.

"Max" volume on everything really isn't "best" volume. You need to keep the volume on the MPC and the inputs of the MBox to a moderate level to avoid distortion. Then use the mix knob, the output level knob, and any volume control on your speakers to maximize your listening volume.

[sytrusze]

Answer couldn't be more clear it makes sense, thanks again