Stock vs BLA modified MPCX SE sound samples. 

The production and recording process:

We felt it important to demonstrate the tonal character of both the D/A and A/D conversion on both stock and modded units, so we used a recording process that involved looping back the MPC’s own outputs back to its inputs. 

On both stock and modded units, the tracks were composed in the MPC X SE and routed from Line outputs 3 and 4, and back in to the Line inputs 3 and 4, recorded at 44.1 kHz and normalized. This way, the characteristics of both the D/A and A/D converters are all present in the recordings, and the files are time-aligned for null testing.

Listening tips:

Critical listening is a learned skill. We recommend zeroing in on a particular instrument when comparing files. Evaluate each instrument's tone, texture and transient response. Then, when consuming the tracks as a whole, pay attention to what happens to the space (or lack thereof) in the mix when things get busy. Always listen on the highest quality playback system available to you - not in your car or on your phone. 

Start at the high end and work the way down. Listen to one instrument at a time, starting with cymbals and hats, then focus on the mids and the vocals, followed lastly by the bass elements. Listen for texture.

Enjoy!

Stock MPC X SE vs. Black Lion Audio modded MPC X SE

A pop track produced in a Black Lion Audio modded MPC X Special Edition.

Learn more about our mods here: https://www.blacklionaudio.com/product-category/modifications/

The production and recording process:

We felt it important to demonstrate the tonal character of both the D/A and A/D conversion on both stock and modded units, so we used a recording process that involved looping back the MPC’s own outputs back to its inputs. 

On both stock and modded units, the tracks were composed in the MPC X SE and routed from Line outputs 3 and 4, and back in to the Line inputs 3 and 4, recorded at 44.1 kHz and normalized. This way, the characteristics of both the D/A and A/D converters are all present in the recordings, and the files are time-aligned for null testing.

Listening tips:

Critical listening is a learned skill. We recommend zeroing in on a particular instrument when comparing files. Evaluate each instrument's tone, texture and transient response. Then, when consuming the tracks as a whole, pay attention to what happens to the space (or lack thereof) in the mix when things get busy. Always listen on the highest quality playback system available to you - not in your car or on your phone. 

Start at the high end and work the way down. Listen to one instrument at a time, starting with cymbals and hats, then focus on the mids and the vocals, followed lastly by the bass elements. Listen for texture.

Enjoy!

Pop (Modded MPC X Special Edition)

A pop track produced in a stock MPC X Special Edition.

Learn more about our mods here: https://www.blacklionaudio.com/product-category/modifications/

The production and recording process:

We felt it important to demonstrate the tonal character of both the D/A and A/D conversion on both stock and modded units, so we used a recording process that involved looping back the MPC’s own outputs back to its inputs. 

On both stock and modded units, the tracks were composed in the MPC X SE and routed from Line outputs 3 and 4, and back in to the Line inputs 3 and 4, recorded at 44.1 kHz and normalized. This way, the characteristics of both the D/A and A/D converters are all present in the recordings, and the files are time-aligned for null testing.

Listening tips:

Critical listening is a learned skill. We recommend zeroing in on a particular instrument when comparing files. Evaluate each instrument's tone, texture and transient response. Then, when consuming the tracks as a whole, pay attention to what happens to the space (or lack thereof) in the mix when things get busy. Always listen on the highest quality playback system available to you - not in your car or on your phone. 

Start at the high end and work the way down. Listen to one instrument at a time, starting with cymbals and hats, then focus on the mids and the vocals, followed lastly by the bass elements. Listen for texture.

Enjoy!

Pop (Stock MPC X Special Edition)

A house track produced in a Black Lion Audio modded MPC X Special Edition. 

Learn more about our mods here: https://www.blacklionaudio.com/product-category/modifications/
The production and recording process:

We felt it important to demonstrate the tonal character of both the D/A and A/D conversion on both stock and modded units, so we used a recording process that involved looping back the MPC’s own outputs back to its inputs. 

On both stock and modded units, the tracks were composed in the MPC X SE and routed from Line outputs 3 and 4, and back in to the Line inputs 3 and 4, recorded at 44.1 kHz and normalized. This way, the characteristics of both the D/A and A/D converters are all present in the recordings, and the files are time-aligned for null testing.

Listening tips:

Critical listening is a learned skill. We recommend zeroing in on a particular instrument when comparing files. Evaluate each instrument's tone, texture and transient response. Then, when consuming the tracks as a whole, pay attention to what happens to the space (or lack thereof) in the mix when things get busy. Always listen on the highest quality playback system available to you - not in your car or on your phone. 

Start at the high end and work the way down. Listen to one instrument at a time, starting with cymbals and hats, then focus on the mids and the vocals, followed lastly by the bass elements. Listen for texture.

Enjoy!

House (Modded MPC X Special Edition)

A house track produced in a stock MPC X Special Edition.

Learn more about our mods here: https://www.blacklionaudio.com/product-category/modifications/
The production and recording process:

We felt it important to demonstrate the tonal character of both the D/A and A/D conversion on both stock and modded units, so we used a recording process that involved looping back the MPC’s own outputs back to its inputs. 

On both stock and modded units, the tracks were composed in the MPC X SE and routed from Line outputs 3 and 4, and back in to the Line inputs 3 and 4, recorded at 44.1 kHz and normalized. This way, the characteristics of both the D/A and A/D converters are all present in the recordings, and the files are time-aligned for null testing.

Listening tips:

Critical listening is a learned skill. We recommend zeroing in on a particular instrument when comparing files. Evaluate each instrument's tone, texture and transient response. Then, when consuming the tracks as a whole, pay attention to what happens to the space (or lack thereof) in the mix when things get busy. Always listen on the highest quality playback system available to you - not in your car or on your phone. 

Start at the high end and work the way down. Listen to one instrument at a time, starting with cymbals and hats, then focus on the mids and the vocals, followed lastly by the bass elements. Listen for texture.

Enjoy!

House (Stock MPC X Special Edition)

A trap track produced in a Black Lion Audio modded MPC X Special Edition. 

Learn more about our mods here: https://www.blacklionaudio.com/product-category/modifications/

The production and recording process:

We felt it important to demonstrate the tonal character of both the D/A and A/D conversion on both stock and modded units, so we used a recording process that involved looping back the MPC’s own outputs back to its inputs. 

On both stock and modded units, the tracks were composed in the MPC X SE and routed from Line outputs 3 and 4, and back in to the Line inputs 3 and 4, recorded at 44.1 kHz and normalized. This way, the characteristics of both the D/A and A/D converters are all present in the recordings, and the files are time-aligned for null testing.

Listening tips:

Critical listening is a learned skill. We recommend zeroing in on a particular instrument when comparing files. Evaluate each instrument's tone, texture and transient response. Then, when consuming the tracks as a whole, pay attention to what happens to the space (or lack thereof) in the mix when things get busy. Always listen on the highest quality playback system available to you - not in your car or on your phone. 

Start at the high end and work the way down. Listen to one instrument at a time, starting with cymbals and hats, then focus on the mids and the vocals, followed lastly by the bass elements. Listen for texture.

Enjoy!

Trap (Modded MPC X Special Edition)

A trap track produced in a stock MPC X Special Edition. 

Learn more about our mods here: https://www.blacklionaudio.com/product-category/modifications/

The production and recording process:

We felt it important to demonstrate the tonal character of both the D/A and A/D conversion on both stock and modded units, so we used a recording process that involved looping back the MPC’s own outputs back to its inputs. 

On both stock and modded units, the tracks were composed in the MPC X SE and routed from Line outputs 3 and 4, and back in to the Line inputs 3 and 4, recorded at 44.1 kHz and normalized. This way, the characteristics of both the D/A and A/D converters are all present in the recordings, and the files are time-aligned for null testing.

Listening tips:

Critical listening is a learned skill. We recommend zeroing in on a particular instrument when comparing files. Evaluate each instrument's tone, texture and transient response. Then, when consuming the tracks as a whole, pay attention to what happens to the space (or lack thereof) in the mix when things get busy. Always listen on the highest quality playback system available to you - not in your car or on your phone. 

Start at the high end and work the way down. Listen to one instrument at a time, starting with cymbals and hats, then focus on the mids and the vocals, followed lastly by the bass elements. Listen for texture.

Enjoy!

Trap (Stock MPC X Special Edition)

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