Distortion when recording from MPC sample USB-C?

Cubasis
1

I’ve been trying to record from my MPC sample into cub basis on my iPhone with no luck. When I do get a recording, it is terribly distorted and adjusting. The buffer doesn’t seem to be helping. Is this a known bug or something?

2

Hi @cmdodgens,

Are you using Cubasis on iPhone or Android?
Also, are you able to lower the output level coming from the MPC?

Below you’ll find a link to the recording chapter of our Cubasis tutorial, which explains all the steps required to use external audio gear with Cubasis for iOS. The basic workflow is very similar on Android as well. However, compatibility with external audio devices can depend on the specific hardware being used.

Best regards,
Lars

3

I have this precise issue on iPad air 5th Gen. Cubasis sends clock, I have MPC set to receive clock/transport. When I just press play on the mpc on a monitored track, it’s perfect. But if I press play in cubasis to record mpc, I get distortion. Perhaps it’s an issue when usb c cable (that came with the mpc sample) is carrying audio AND midi?

I tried with different latency options, multicore processing on, 44.1 and 48khz. The mpc is listed as 44.1 in the specifications but I tried both anyway. I’d hate to have to manually record each pass as I track in without even the option of using transport, but that seems to be the only choice. Am I missing something? I watched the video clip but this is a little different. Please advise

4

Hi @ceez

Thanks for your message.

Cubasis fully supports using class compliant audio devices.

Please make sure to check any instructions provided by AKAI to properly setup and connect the MPC to the iPad. If the USB C cable might be an issue, please check using a different USB C cable first.

If the problem persist, please provide us with a short clip which shows all steps leading to the problem, and include shots of your audio setup settings as well.

Plus, please also share the topic with our friends @AKAI.

Best,
Lars

5

Thank you for responding. After trying a few different cords and then finally testing with a DAW on my Mac at home. The issue seems to be the MPC Sample itself, unfortunately. Dashing my hopes of doing everything elegantly with a single cable. I will reach out to Akai to see if there’s something else I can do. Thanks again

6

Hi @ceez,

Thanks for the update.

We recommend reaching out to our friends at @AKAI, and would appreciate if you could keep us posted on the outcome - which may help other users facing similar issues as well.

Thanks in advance!

Stay safe,
Lars

7

Below is a transcript of the AKAI support bot, for any in the future who encounter this issue:

Here’s the full transcript of our chat so far, Cesar:

You: hello, my mpc sample has distorted audio when receiving midi clock from a DAW
Me: Asked which MPC/OS, DAW, and connection type; explained that receiving MIDI Clock can interfere with audio and recommended using MTC instead.

You: im using version 1.3, tried to record using logic on macOS, and Cubasis 3.8 on my ipad
Me: Suggested:

Turn MIDI Sync In = Off to test distortion.
If DAW supports it, use MTC instead of MIDI Clock.
Asked if you used USB or MIDI DIN and if the distortion was on internal sounds or inputs.

You: everything over usb c
Me: Confirmed setup and recommended:

Test with MIDI Sync In = Off (no DAW sync) to confirm clock as cause.
With Logic: use MTC to MPC Sample instead of MIDI Clock.
Alternative: make MPC Sample the clock master.

You: already tested Cubasis with no MIDI clock (pressing play on MPC); no distortion. Cubasis can’t send MTC or be a slave.
Me: Explained this matches MPC behavior when receiving MIDI Clock and that with Cubasis your safe path is no sync in, or use Logic + MTC for tight sync.

You: that is unfortunate. i am trying to use cubasis because i am away from the studio often
Me: Confirmed this is a limitation: with Cubasis you can either record without sync and align later, or build on MPC while mobile and use Logic+MTC back in the studio.