Can anybody recommend how to use a cheaper looper pedal with the Akai MPK Mini Play? I see lots of videos using Loopers like the Boss RC-30 with this keyboard, but, no details regarding whether it's possible to use a simpler/cheaper looper pedal instead. The looper pedals typically have 1/4" in/out jacks, and the Akai keyboard only has a 1/8" headphone jack and USB connection. Can either of these somehow adapt to connect to the looper pedal, or would there be other equipment (laptop) involved? I'm a newbie at all this, so, basically trying to understand the cheapest/simplest way I could create loops with the keyboard, without connecting to a laptop. I have searched a lot and watched numerous videos but nobody discusses how to physically connect the components together. Thanks for any feedback.
Looper for Akai MPK Mini Play
- Thread starter jeffepro
- Start date
happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
The MPK Mini is a voiceless controller. The TS jack you see on it is for the sustain pedal connection, NOT sound output.
It cannot output a single sound unless it is connected to a computer VST or a hardware MIDI module.
Audio loopers can work with almost any audio input source.
You could connect the MPK to any laptop or ipad and with the proper audio adapters plug the output to any looper pedal and achieve your desired output.
Gary
It cannot output a single sound unless it is connected to a computer VST or a hardware MIDI module.
Audio loopers can work with almost any audio input source.
You could connect the MPK to any laptop or ipad and with the proper audio adapters plug the output to any looper pedal and achieve your desired output.
Gary
happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
Ignore my previous comments. I was talking about the MPK Mini not the Mini Play which seems to actually have a synth engine built in.
In theory you could connect the 1/8" TRS headphone out to a stereo 1/4" TS Y cable but you may have to add a DI box between the MPK and the Looper to compensate for incompatible line out and line in levels.
Basically you'd need a cable like this :
With a couple of TS patch cords to hook up the DI box to the looper.
Gary
Gary
In theory you could connect the 1/8" TRS headphone out to a stereo 1/4" TS Y cable but you may have to add a DI box between the MPK and the Looper to compensate for incompatible line out and line in levels.
Basically you'd need a cable like this :
With a couple of TS patch cords to hook up the DI box to the looper.
Amazon.com: Stagg SDI-ST 2-Channel Passive DI Box with Mono/Stereo Switch: Musical Instruments
Buy Stagg SDI-ST 2-Channel Passive DI Box with Mono/Stereo Switch: Direct Boxes - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Gary
Gary
Thanks Gary, appreciate you taking the time.
I did find another video doing this using the Keyboard 3.5 mm output>>>>TS Y Cable >>>>Looper Stereo Inputs>>>>Looper Output>>>Amp/Speaker
I guess there was no DI box needed.
He's using a Boss RC-300 Looper which is quite expensive, that has two stereo inputs. So, I just need to find a cheaper Looper and some type of speaker and cable to then connect to the Looper output. I assume any $40 or $50 guitar looper pedal would work. The looper pedals seem to have a single input jack, not two stereo inputs like the RC-300 looper, so, I assume I could use a 3.5mm to 1/4" stereo adapter>>>1/4" cable>>>>Looper Pedal Input>>>>Looper Pedal Output>>>1/4" cable>>>>Amp/Speaker
At least this gets me going. Not sure if a DI box might be needed depending on which looper was used?
I did find another video doing this using the Keyboard 3.5 mm output>>>>TS Y Cable >>>>Looper Stereo Inputs>>>>Looper Output>>>Amp/Speaker
He's using a Boss RC-300 Looper which is quite expensive, that has two stereo inputs. So, I just need to find a cheaper Looper and some type of speaker and cable to then connect to the Looper output. I assume any $40 or $50 guitar looper pedal would work. The looper pedals seem to have a single input jack, not two stereo inputs like the RC-300 looper, so, I assume I could use a 3.5mm to 1/4" stereo adapter>>>1/4" cable>>>>Looper Pedal Input>>>>Looper Pedal Output>>>1/4" cable>>>>Amp/Speaker
At least this gets me going. Not sure if a DI box might be needed depending on which looper was used?
Stereo Looper pedals are available.
Checkout a TC Electronics Ditto which should be about $100?
Checkout a TC Electronics Ditto which should be about $100?
happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
Be advised that that the voltage differential between a headphone out and a guitar input is about 3 or 4 orders of magnitude, with a similar impedance mismatch.
It may sort of work for a while without a DI but you risk blowing the input and output circuits on your devices.
Gary
It may sort of work for a while without a DI but you risk blowing the input and output circuits on your devices.
Gary
happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2021
- Messages
- 1
- Reaction score
- 0
I'm wondering the same thing. Sitting here with the Boss RC-1 looper and MPK mini play . I can get it to play through my fender champion xl using a 1/8 aux cord . But cant get the loop effect to work . Did you ever figure it out?