Rane MP 4 User Manual

TTM 57S L - OPER ATOR’S MANUA L 1.8.1

MP 4 - OPER ATOR’S MAN UAL 1.8.2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance

with manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,

registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliﬁers) that

produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding

type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than

the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third

grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong is provided for

your safety. If the provided plug does not ﬁt into your outlet,

consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord and plug from being walked on or

pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the

point where it exits from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments & accessories speciﬁed by Rane.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table

speciﬁed by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When

a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus

combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when

unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualiﬁed service personnel. Servicing

is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,

such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been

spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus

has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally,

or has been dropped.

15. The plug on the power cord is the AC mains disconnect

device and must remain readily operable.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of ﬁre or electric shock, do not

expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Apparatus shall not

be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects ﬁlled with

liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

INTRODUCTION

Beyond the Quick Start guide, please read through this manual

to get the most from your MP 4 and the included Scratch LIVE

software. Keep this manual in a safe place. If you lose yours, a

new copy may be downloaded at www.rane.com/mp4.html.

To keep up with the latest tips, and to check for software updates

for your MP 4, visit the ofﬁcial Scratch LIVE Forum at scratchlive.

net.

COPYRIGHT NOTICES

the Scratch LIVE logo are trademarks of Serato Audio Research.

Trademarked in the U.S. and other countries. Licensed

exclusively to Rane Corporation. This software is based in part

on the work of the Independent JPEG Group, and uses libpng

Scratch LIVE Control Tone, the audio pressed on Scratch LIVE

Audio Research. The Control Vinyl and Control CDs are licensed

for personal use only. The creation of personal backups of the

Control CD is allowed, however duplicating Control CDs for

commercial beneﬁt is strictly prohibited. For avoidance of doubt

the duplication or creation of Control Vinyl for any use is strictly

Audio Research. Windows XP and Vista is either a registered

trademark or a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United

States and/or other countries. Apple, Mac, Macintosh and iTunes

are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the US

and/or other countries.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not open the unit. No

user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualiﬁed service

personnel.

The symbols shown below are internationally accepted symbols

that warn of potential hazards with electrical products.

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

• Computer with USB 1 port supporting Full Speed

Mode (USB 1.1).

• Screen resolution 1024 x 768 or higher.

• Hard drive space for storing music.

• Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or

Vista with Service Pack 1

• Pentium 4 / 1.5 GHz

• 1 GB RAM.

MAC

• OSX 10.3

• G4 / 1 GHz

• 1 GB RAM.

Scratch LIVE is compatible with Intel-based Mac

computers.

CHECK LIST

These items are included with the MP4 in the box:

• Scratch LIVE software install disc.

• 1 USB cable.

• IEC C5 line cord.

• Package of 4 rubber feet.

• Quick Start Guide.

• This manual.

16. This apparatus shall be connected to a mains socket outlet

with a protective earthing connection.

17. When permanently connected, an all-pole mains switch

with a contact separation of at least 3 mm in each pole shall be

incorporated in the electrical installation of the building.

18. If rack-mounting, provide adequate ventilation. Equipment

may be located above or below this apparatus, but some

equipment (like large power ampliﬁers) may cause an

unacceptable amount of hum or may generate too much heat

and degrade the performance of this apparatus.

19. This apparatus may be installed in an industry standard

equipment rack. Use screws through all mounting holes to

provide the best support.

MP 4 - OPER ATOR’S MAN UAL 1.8.2

This symbol indicates that a dangerous

voltage constituting a risk of electric

shock is present within this unit.

This symbol indicates that there are

important operating and maintenance

instructions in the literature

accompanying this unit.

CONTENTS

Important Safety Instructions 3

Introduction 3

Warning 3

Minimum System Requirements 3

PC 3

Mac 3

Check List 3

MP 4 OVERVIEW 6

Inputs 6

Outputs 6

Recording 6

Cueing 6

FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION 7

REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION 8

MAIN SCREEN OVERVIEW 12

Virtual Deck 12

Visual Aids 13

Tempo Matching Display 13

Track Overview Display 13

Main Waveform Display 13

Beat Matching Display 13

Master Gain 13

Tap Tempo 14

Key Lock 14

Repeat 14

Censor 14

Eject 14

Fader Start 14

Track Gain 14

MIXING WITH THE MP 4 15

Pitch Sliders 15

Temporary Cue 15

SCRATCH LIVE: GETTING STARTED 9

Mac OS X 9

Windows XP 9

Windows Vista 10

Windows Troubleshooting 10

Third-Party Software 10

Using the Tool Tips 10

IMPORTING AND PLAYING MUSIC 11

Importing Your Music 11

Supported File Types 11

Playing Music 11

Track Display 11

PREPARING YOUR FILES 12

BuIlding Overviews 12

How to Build Overviews 12

About Corrupt Files 12

Set Auto-BPM 12

The Ofine Player 12

CUE POINTS 16

LOOPING 17

Auto Looping 17

The A - Slot 17

MIDI CONTROL 18

Overview 18

MIDI Controller Setup 18

Assigning Controls 18

A note about MIDI Platters 18

Assigning MIDI to other Controls 18

Assigning Ctrl-Click Functionality 18

Presets 18

Native Controller support 18

Technical Information 18

MP 4 - OPER ATOR’S MAN UAL 1.8.2

ORGANIZING YOUR MUSIC 19

Grouping Tracks into Crates 19

Subcrates 19

Sorting Your Files 19

Using the Song Browser 19

Searching 19

Prepare Window 19

Review Window 20

Editing ID3 Tags 20

Display Album Art 20

Status icons 20

More info on corrupt ﬁles 20

Auto-Backup 20

Deleting Crates and Tracks 20

RECORDING

KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS 22

ADDITIONAL SETUP 23

Playback 23

Track End Warning 23

Playback Keys Use Shift 23

Lock Playing Deck 23

Sort Cues Chronologically 23

Auto Gain 23

Modifying the Auto Gain Level. 23

Hi-Fi Resampler 23

Play From Start 23

Instant Doubles 23

Play From First Cue Point 23

Audio Output 23

Display 24

Maximum Screen Updates 24

Audio Cache 24

Horizontal Waveforms 24

USB Dropout Indicator 25

TROUBLESHOOTING AND FREQUENTLY

ASKED QUESTIONS

CORRUPT FILE DESCRIPTIONS AND

DIAGNOSES

FADER CLEANING 27

Library 23

Read iTunes™ Library 24

Protect Library 24

Center on Selected Song 24

Show All File Types 24

Include Subcrate Tracks 24

Auto Fill Overviews 24

Import AAC Files 24

Rescan ID3 Tags 24

Relocate Lost Files 24

MP 4 - OPER ATOR’S MAN UAL 1.8.2

MP 4 OVERVIEW

MADE IN U.S.A.

RANE CORP.

RIGHT LEFT RIGHT RIGHTLEFT LEFT

LEVEL

PHONO

LINE

PHONO GROUND

MIC TO

USB RECORD

MP 4

HOUSE AUX

IN 2IN 1

MIC

ACN 001 345 482

BALANCED OUTPUTS: TIP = (+), RING = (–), SLEEVE = SIGNAL GROUND BALANCED INPUT

PHONO

LINE

YES

USB

100-240V

50/60 Hz 7 WATTS

FOR CONTINUED GROUNDING PROTECTION DO NOT REMOVE SCREW

Zone 1 AmpZone 2 Amp

Tw o CD players or Tw o Tu rntables or One of Each.

The MP 4 combines Rane mixer technology and

Serato Scratch LIVE software. The result is a

mixer with the ﬂexibility of playing digital music

directly from your computer while still supporting

traditional analog inputs. This two-bus mixer

is able to simultaneously play stereo analog

sources, play stereo digital ﬁles, and digitally

record Mic, Program A, Program B or Main-mix.

You can also operate the MP 4 as a stand-alone

analog mixer without a computer, or use it as a

high-quality six-channel sound card with Serato

Scratch LIVE software, without analog sources.

The MP 4 is targeted at mobile DJ, night

club, remix project studio and post production

applications. The Scratch LIVE MP 4 control

screen includes many advanced features that

enhance its ability to mix and blend:

• Play / pause control, both forward and reverse

• Pitch and bend controls for ne tuning beat

matching

• Fast forward and reverse

• Multiple cue points per track

• Censor (reverse sections without losing play

position)

• Fader Start; Scrub track with mouse; Autoplay

Crate

The MP 4 is not a performance scratch mixer. It

does not use control vinyl or CDs and does not

have a scratch fader.

While the MP 4 may be used as a generic sound

card with other software applications, for best

performance and support we highly recommend

using Scratch LIVE. Performance using other

applications may vary and compatibility is not

guaranteed.

The computer sees the MP 4 as three USB

audio devices (two stereo play and one stereo

record). ASIO (for PC) and CoreAudio (for Mac)

drivers are included. The digital audio format is

24-bit, 3-byte PCM with a 48 kHz sample rate.

INPUTS

PROGRAM A and B INPUT switches select

between the two LINE and two USB Inputs. LINE

1 and LINE 2 are set for PHONO level or LINE

level using the associated push switch on the

rear panel.

PROGRAM A and B each feature LOW and

HIGH tone and LEVEL controls. Four-segment

program level meters indicate signals from –24

dBu to +12 dBu. Clipping occurs at +22 dBu.

The balanced MIC input features a full-range

LEVEL control and is mixed with the Main-mix

post-crossfader.

OUTPUTS

Two stereo analog outputs are provided. The

HOUSE output is available on both balanced

XLR and balanced ¼” TRS connectors. The

AUX output is available on balanced ¼” TRS

connectors and has an independent rear panel

LEVEL control.

RECORDING

One USB stereo output is available for recording.

Scratch LIVE software allows selecting Mic,

Program A, Program B or Main-mix as the source.

The MIC TO USB RECORD switch located on

the rear panel determines if the Mic is included

in the USB Main-mix record output. The ability

to record lets you archive your analog sources,

record samples to use in your performance or to

record your performance.

CUEING

Headphone Cueing allows independent selection

of the Program A or Program B input, making

it possible to Cue any source (digital or analog)

with the push of a switch. The PAN PGM / CUE

control lets you Pan between the selected Cue

input (pre-Crossfader) and the Main-mix (post-

Crossfader).

MP 4 - OPER ATOR’S MAN UAL 1.8.2

FRONT PANEL

MIC LEVEL A LEVEL B LEVEL LEVELLOW

10 86402

LOWHIGH HIGH

0246108

LINE USB LINE USB

INPUT INPUT

PGM CUE

MP 4

MIXER

PROGRAM A PROGRAM B

CUE

PHONESMIC

PAN

HOUSE

LEVEL POWER

100

248

100

248

100

248

100

248

100

248

–24

–12

+12

–12 +12

–12 +12 –12 +12 –12 +12

-24

-12

+12

1 7

10 11

2 23 34 45 5

DESCRIPTION

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

1 Mic Level Control Adjusts the Level of the MIC Input. The OL (overload) indicator lights when the maximum mic level has been reached, 3

dB before clipping. If this lights up, either turn the MIC LEVEL down, or stop yelling.

2 Program Input Selectors Provide selection of LINE 1, LINE 2, USB 1 or USB 2 Inputs for each of the PROGRAM A or PROGRAM B channels. LINE

Inputs may each be set for PHONO or LINE level via the rear panel switch (see Rear Panel 6).

3 Program Low And High Tones Adjust the equalization for each of the PROGRAM channels. Pointing these controls straight up at their center detents

takes the tone controls out of the signal path. This is not designed to be the only equalizer in the system, this is intended

to provide EQ between varying program materials. We recommend an external graphic equalizer for the best system

sound, connected between the HOUSE OUTPUTS and the ampliﬁer.

4 Program Level Controls Set the volume of each PROGRAM INPUT, as you would expect! These controls are pre-Crossfader, so both Program

Level controls also depend on the Crossfader setting (see 6).

5 Program Meter This four-segment meter shows signal presence (at -24 dBu), optimum signal level (at around 0 dBu), and a warning to

turn down the associated LEVEL control if the +12 dBu indicator lights up.

6 Active Crossfader Controls the mix of PROGRAM A and B LEVELS in a logical manner. When the Crossfader is all the way left, only

PROGRAM A is heard. When it’s all the way right, only PROGRAM B is heard. When it’s in the middle, both PROGRAM

A and B are mixed together equally. This is an Active Crossfader™ which uses a VCA to deliver an extended life with

reduced travel noise, but to insure trouble-free operation, see Fader Cleaning on page 4.

7 House Level Meter Adjusts the Output Level of the Main-mix to the HOUSE Outputs.

8 Cue Switches Select Program A or B in any combination to the PHONES. The associated yellow indicator lights when a CUE is

activated and pressed in. Depressing a button sends Program signals to the CUE side of the PAN control. For example,

when the Crossfader is to the left (playing Program A to the House), listen to CUE B (Program B) on the headphones to

audition, match beats or prepare a starting point.

9 Pan Control Changes the relative levels of the Cue and Program mixed together in stereo to the PHONES. Adjust this control

anywhere between Program and Cue:

PGM follows the Main-mix (House) Output.

CUE is determined by the CUE switches and only goes to the headphones.

10 Phones Level And Headphone Jack As you guessed, plug your headphones in here and adjust the overall volume with the LEVEL control. CUE 8 and PAN

9 select the source.

11 Power Indicator Illuminates to let you know the MP 4 is plugged in and ready to go.

MP 4 - OPER ATOR’S MAN UAL 1.8.2

REAR PANEL

MADE IN U.S.A.

RANE CORP.

RIGHT LEFT RIGHT RIGHTLEFT LEFT

LEVEL

PHONO

LINE

PHONO GROUND

MIC TO

USB RECORD

MP 4

HOUSE AUX

IN 2 IN 1

MIC

ACN 001 345 482

BALANCED OUTPUTS: TIP = (+), RING = (–), SLEEVE = SIGNAL GROUND BALANCED INPUT

PHONO

LINE

YES

USB

100-240V

50/60 Hz 7 WATTS

FOR CONTINUED

GROUNDING PROTECTION

DO NOT REMOVE SCREW

COMMERCIAL AUDIO EQUIPMENT 24TJ

1 2 7 5 6

3 4

DESCRIPTION

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

1 Universal Voltage Input Via a miniature IEC 60320 C6 appliance inlet. This mates with an IEC 60320 C5 line cord (USA domestic). Do not lift the

ground connection!

2 USB Connection Attach the included USB cable from here to the computer. The blue LED illuminates when the cable is connected and

receiving power. USB delivers two stereo inputs from the computer to the mixer (USB 1 and USB 2), and one stereo

record signal from the mixer to the computer.

3 House Output The front panel HOUSE LEVEL control affects the volume at this Output. Connect either the XLR or ¼” TRS (tip-ring-

sleeve) jacks to a balanced equalizer or ampliﬁer. Both Output types may be used simultaneously if needed. Though not

recommended, unbalanced ¼” TS (tip-sleeve) cables may be used for short runs (under 3 meters [10 feet]) to an amplier

with unbalanced inputs. See the RaneNote “Sound System Interconnection” for wiring recommendations.

4 AUX Output This delivers the same signal as the HOUSE Output, but has its own rear panel LEVEL control. This Output is not affected

by the front panel HOUSE LEVEL control. These balanced ¼” TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) Outputs connect to a balanced

equalizer or ampliﬁer (for a possible second listening zone) and follow the same interconnection rules as above.

5 Mic to USB Record Switch In the YES position the Mic signal along with the Program mix is routed to the USB record output. In the NO position only

the Program mix is sent to the USB record output.

6 Inputs 1 & 2 These stereo Inputs are each switchable from a PHONO (RIAA) stage for magnetic cartridges (switch in) to a LINE level

Input suitable for any line level device such as a CD player (switch out). Each of these may be assigned to PROGRAM

A or B using the front panel INPUT selectors. The PHONO GROUND screw connects those extra wires coming out of

the turntables.

7 Mic Input Jack Accepts either a ¼” balanced (TRS) or unbalanced (TS) microphone plug, controlled by the front panel MIC LEVEL

control.

MP 4 - OPER ATOR’S MAN UAL 1.8.2

SCRATCH LIVE: GETTING STARTED

MAC OS X

Before you install the Scratch LIVE software,

check for free software updates at scratchlive.

net. The software version that came with your MP

4 is printed on the installation CD. The Scratch

LIVE software is updated frequently, all updates

are free, and available at scratchlive.net.

To install the software, double-click on the

installer icon from the CD-ROM, or the installer

you just downloaded from scratchlive.net.

When you connect your MP 4 to your Mac,

it will appear to the Mac operating system as

multiple sound outputs and inputs. Go to the

audio section of the system preferences panel to

select the desired settings.

On the output tab, choose MP 4 USB 1 Out

or MP 4 USB 2 Out, and on the MP 4 select the

same USB 1 or 2 INPUT.

On the input tab, you will see four MP 4 devices

listed.

They are, in order:

1. The Main-mix output

2. Program A

3. Program B

4. Microphone

The MP 4 can be used with third party software,

as well as the Scratch LIVE software included

with it. On the Mac, you can use the MP 4 with

any audio application, though technical support

is limited to Scratch LIVE.

WINDOWS XP

1. Disconnect any unneccessary USB devices

from your PC.

2. Connect the MP 4 to your computer with the

supplied USB cable.

3. The Found New Hardware bubbles appear:

MP 4

USB Composite Device

MP 4 USB1 Out

USB Audio Device

MP 4 USB2 Out

USB Audio Device

MP 4 Line In

USB Audio Device

MP 4

USB Human Interface Device

Your new hardware is installed and ready to

use.

4. Before you install the Scratch LIVE software,

check for free software updates at scratchlive.net.

The software version that came with your MP 4 is

printed on the installation CD. The Scratch LIVE

software is updated frequently, and all updates

are free. To install the software, double-click

on the installer icon from the CD-ROM, or the

installer you just downloaded from scratchlive.

net. Follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Click “Next” to continue the install, or choose

custom if you wish to change the install directory

or choose not to install the ASIO driver.

6. Windows may complain that the software

driver is not digitally signed. Defy Microsoft and

choose Continue Anyway.

7. Click Finish once installation is complete.

Scratch Live appears in the Start Menu under All

Programs > Serato > Scratch Live.

Windows XP treats each USB port individually.

You might like to install Scratch LIVE on all

of your USB ports, so you can connect the

hardware to any port.

As soon as you install the device driver, the

operating system does not see the MP 4. That

means you can either [A] not install anything,

and windows will see the MP 4, or [B] install

Scratch LIVE and the ASIO driver, and then you

can use the MP 4 with Scratch LIVE or an ASIO

application only.

MP 4 - OPER ATOR’S MAN UAL 1.8.2

+ 18 hidden pages

Rane MP 4 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

INTRODUCTION

COPYRIGHT NOTICES

WARNING

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

CHECK LIST

MP 4 OVERVIEW

INPUTS

OUTPUTS

RECORDING

CUEING

SCRATCH LIVE: GETTING STARTED

MAC OS X

WINDOWS XP