Use Scenarios and set up
Recording and compressing a stereo mix: Insert a ¼” patch cord into the
stereo link jack on the back of two MPC-100A’s (or a TLA-100A). Set both
MPC-100A’s to Link mode and to line input. Whichever one is set for more
compression will act as the master (slope and threshold are the only controls
affected). Insert the MPC-100A into the main inserts on the console, with
the send from the console to the line level input, and the return from the
–10 dB output of the MPC-100A.
Getting tube guitar distortion: Plug the output of the guitar into the Hi-Z
input on the front of the MPC-100A. Set the impedance loading high (try
0.5M ohms). Turn the output low. Turn the preamp gain up to +60 or more
and play the guitar. The Tube Drive light should be blinking or steady
yellow. Turn the compressor gain up to 6 or more, and the associated Tube
Drive light should also be yellow. Set the compressor to your favorite
settings (try Threshold –5dB and Slope 5 with a fast attack and release time),
then slowly turn up the output until you reach the desired recording/
monitoring level.
Getting a clean microphone signal: Plug the microphone into the mic input
on the back of the MPC-100A and set the input switch to mic (or 48 for
condensor mics needing 48 volt phantom power). Make sure both the
preamp and compressor gains are turned all the way down. Turn the output
gain up very high, then slowly turn up the preamp gain and compressor gain
to the desired recording/ monitoring level. Set the compressor to your
desired settings (try threshold 0 dB, slope 5.5 with fast attack and medium
release times).
Getting a warm bass tone: Plug the bass directly into the Hi-Z input. Turn
the Output knob very low. Set the Loading to about .1M ohm and turn the
preamp gain up until the Tube Drive light just starts to flash while the bass is
being played (the flashing light indicates soft clipping). Increase the
compressor gain until that Tube Drive just starts to flash occasionally, and
set the compressor to the desired settings (try –10 dB threshold, a slope of 5,
with fast attack and medium release). Turn the output knob until you achieve
the desired recording/ monitoring level. This can also be done if the bass is
plugged into a DI box. Just take the XLR out of the DI into the Mic input on
the MPC-100A, and set the input switch to Mic.
