MPC-100A Mic Preamp Operating Instructions

Recording and compressing a stereo mix: Insert a 1/4" 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 condenser 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 your desired settings (try -10 dB threshold, a slope of 5, with fast attack and medium release). Turn the output knob until you get 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.

De-essing: Plug a TRS insert cable into the side chain jack on the back of the MPC-100A. Plug the send (tip) of the insert cable to the input of an EQ, and the return (ring) of the cable to the EQ output. Boost the frequencies on the EQ that you want to compress (de-ess).

Ducking: Send the output of the "lead" program material into the side chain input after inserting the MPC-100A on the "background" program material. Example: Send the output of the lead guitar mic into the side chain, with the MPC-100A inserted on the rhythm guitar track. As the lead guitar player plays, the rhythm guitar will decrease in amplitude. This is perfect for broadcast use when the DJ needs to speak over music, live use when the lead singer needs to be heard over the lead guitar, or film sound when an actor's voice has to overcome a noisy background tone.