Analog n00b...please help!

Eddaye · **Posted:** Sat Jan 10, 2015 7:03 am

Yo, what up sp-forum?

I'm having issues setting up my 404, I mean as far as sampling goes.
I tried to sample via turntable and the sound is really, really low.

I noticed that the turntable has a switch on the back of it : phono or line

So can anyone help me set this up, I have been listen to my records and found some loops I want to use already. I mean, can I directly sample into my SP OR do I need to use a mixer or pre-amp???

Here is what I'm using:

Turntable: Audio-technica AT-LP60
Mixer: Monoprice 2-Channel

Eddaye · **Posted:** Sat Jan 10, 2015 7:05 am

Apparently the turntable has..."Switchable built-in pre-amplifier with line-level RCA output cables" ... So does this mean I dont need a mixer ?
Could I just sample directly into the SP?

TheDingo · **Posted:** Sat Jan 10, 2015 7:11 am

you should be able to just change the switch to phono and plug the line outs to the line in on your 404. That's how I do it, just make sure your ext. source volume is up too. Hopefully that works for you,

Eddaye · **Posted:** Sat Jan 10, 2015 7:20 am

I did try sampling with the phono switch on, but I have to compress the sample to bring up the volume. Is there anything else? I mean, is the comp (effect 12) gonna damage the sample as far as quality? I guess my question is why is the volume so low?

TheDingo · **Posted:** Sat Jan 10, 2015 7:25 am

does your turntable have a gain knob as well? on mine its like a little volume knob right next to the phono switch

Eddaye · **Posted:** Sat Jan 10, 2015 7:34 am

Nah man, it just has the phono switch. I tried connecting it to the mixer and I just couldn't hear a thing? Could you help me set up with a mixer? I really appreciate it man, THANK YOU!!
I'm chopping right now

l i f · **Posted:** Sat Jan 10, 2015 11:00 am

Hey Eddaye!

Eddaye wrote:

I did try sampling with the phono switch on,,,,, I guess my question is why is the volume so low?

You have tried sampling after setting the turntable to Line?

Nice looking turntable, cool that it has a line out, which means you won't need to hook it via an amp/mixer. Maybe try plugging in and sampling from another unit (cd player for example) to troubleshoot your SP, if that works but the line-setting on the turntable doesn't the fault lies there I would think.

Good luck!

spwarlock · **Joined:** Sat Jul 20, 2013 5:44 pm **Posts:** 478

Some times even the line out setting on a turn table isn't very loud.If it turns out that there is not an issue w/ your SP and it is indeed just a quiet line out on your turntable I would maybe get a preamp and set it to the phono setting instead of line level.I noticed the same thing with my record player and once I got a preamp(which has a gain knob)everything turned out okay and was nice and loud.

Heres the one I got(its relatively inexpensive but does the trick)
http://www.amazon.com/ART-II-Preamplifier-Output-Switchable/dp/B000AJR482/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1420901090&sr=8-3&keywords=dj+phono+preamp

spwarlock · **Joined:** Sat Jul 20, 2013 5:44 pm **Posts:** 478

Also I forgot to ask you did try switching it to line level first?In my last post I thought you had tried that but needed it louder.At any rate the phono setting w/ a pre-amp sounds better to my ears at least...hope this helps:)

medearis · **Joined:** Sat Jun 21, 2014 1:17 am **Posts:** 361

Did you check your input level? On the SX you can use a FUNC+PAD press to get to the input menu. Make sure it isn't set to -10. :lol:

Sucks having to use the 404's crazy compressor just to boost levels. I sample straight from one of the worst turntables ever made and I have zero gain issues... me thinks you should be in a better position than you describe!

Eddaye · **Posted:** Sun Jan 11, 2015 7:22 am

@l i f , dude you are correct about the "line" , I'm using it to sample now
Thank you!

@SpWarlock, dude I even bought a pre-amp (one in which didn't have a vol. knob) but not that im sampling from the "line" output, it seems to be working great! thanks man

@medearis, I did that trick, now the volume sounds better! thank you

BTW, anyone using any synths? If so, which one do y'all recommend?

medearis · **Joined:** Sat Jun 21, 2014 1:17 am **Posts:** 361

Volca Keys, Mini/Microbrute, OP-1, MonoMachine, Analog 4, Proteus... the list goes on! I adore the listed all for different reasons but, if you're interested in potentially investing in a synthesizer then knowing your budget would make suggestions easier.

But all those are awesome sampler food, especially the little Korg boxes. If you are looking for a synth to learn with... I feel either of Arturia's Brutes are a perfect choice!

<3 synthesis

Leptic P · **Posted:** Sun Jan 11, 2015 5:01 pm

bass station 2 looks great too

Headphones · **Posted:** Mon Jan 12, 2015 4:55 pm

If you're on a budget, you can always scope what's around your local pawn stores. Try to avoid any Casio keyboards you see, because you really can't edit the sounds, you have no filters, A/S/D/R control, or much you can do to make original sounds.

You can always also check out guitarcenter.com or roguemusic.com and they will have something in your budget. If you have the money to go for something new, go ahead, but if you're unsure what to get, think of the sounds you're after. Are they analogue with fat bass, warm pads, or 8bit chip sounds? Get a analogue or virtual analogue synth. If you need a plethora of sounds, that sound like acoustic instruments(piano, guitar, violin, fret less bass, etc), you would want a digital synth.

Do some homework at www.vintagesynth.com or sonicstate.com, and try to see the pros and cons of what's out there. You could even just get a USB keyboard controller, some software, and a decent audio interface and get sounds this way before you spend serious money down the road. Kind of depends on what you see yourself doing. It's up to you.

medearis · **Joined:** Sat Jun 21, 2014 1:17 am **Posts:** 361

Been thinking about the Bass Station lately. Looks bonkers for the price.

Analog n00b...please help!

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