Audio input on Maschine MK3

magicranch

Does anyone know if there is a loss in audio quality from an audio source, such as a synth, into the audio inputs on the MK3 as it travels directly out the main outputs? I sample chords and other sounds from my Juno X into the MK3 all the time, and would love to be able to just keep it plugged in all the time and record any live Juno performances through the MK3 and into my outboard preamps, then into my Apollo. basically just so I don't have to unplug and replug my Juno. I haven't noticed a loss in quality in my tests, but I'd like to know if anyone has anymore insight into how the MK3 handles the internal routing of the ins/outs.

Uwe303

Hello,

today's a/d - d/a converters are pretty good, even the cheap ones, in my opinion. If you have a healthy signal and not overdriving the inputs you should be fine, maybe use 24 bits can help if you have very dynamic sounds but if it sounds good to your ears it is good.

Why not connect the juno directly to the preamp then to the apollo all the time and set it as interface in maschine, if I would own a preamp + apollo interface I would use it as most as possible, you'll have better latency and the sound from the preamp.

magicranch

thanks for your reply! so the MK3 does digitally processes the audio input signal before sending it directly back out the main audio outputs? or for monitoring purposes, does it send the stereo input signal directly out the main outputs without hitting any a/d - d/a conversion? i’m not using the MK3 as an interface, i even have it plugged into its own laptop treating it like a stand alone synth/drum pad. i do this so it hits my ssl pre’s and 500 series moog ladder filter on the way into my apollo and DAW, and so i don’t have to use any midi in my DAW. midi is too glitchy, i’ve found that my sessions have near zero glitches since making the switch to this method.

Uwe303

Maschine has to convert audio from analog to digital and back, even if you don't apply any fx, cause it has no direct monitoring build in. But if the sound is right for you and latency is not an issue, as I said, then you should be fine. I always say - right is, what works for you best. And as you described your setup a bit more in detail, it can make sense that way.