Hi Guys

I have a Presonus StudioLive Series III 32R Digital Rack Mixer which I was hoping to use in interface mode with either my MPC Live II or my MPC X SE as an audio interface.

Both MPC's can see the interface just fine and I can sample in to the MPC and play back audio through the Presonus StudioLive Series III 32R Digital Rack Mixer however after 10 mins or so a message pops up on the MPC saying

"Error: Specified configuration may not be supported by the device. Code: -6"

Up until this message appears everything seems to work just great and certainly sounds fine, I dont even know what causes this message to appear as I have just left it without doing anything on the MPC and it still appears.

Does anyone use this combo together either the 16R/24R/32R and if so what might i need to look at the stop this message from appearing OR is it just not compatible?

I would appreciate any help.

Thank you

I should also add I am running the most recent firmwares on all devices.

 

Last edited: Oct 13, 2025

You are probably going to need to supply more info for a configuration like this. But there are many different things you could do in all the settings menus, connections, sync/clock, etc. I think you will get it working right after chasing your tail for a while, and it's not some incompatible scenario that will never work.

I've never used any of them. The first thing that strikes me about your post is the mention of using two devices in interface mode. You have to make sure that your clock sources are setup correctly for such a configuration. If you have two devices fighting to be master clock source, it's usually a more immediate problem than your 10 minute time frame, but just make sure you have these settings right.

They all have to be set to the same sample rate. If you happen to be using any digital audio connections, don't forget that spdif connections carry their own clock.

Usb cable connections, have you tried switching any cables just in case of defects? Also, look into which cable types you should be using. Are you using a usb hub for anything? I am guessing not since you were able to send firmware updates to all the devices, because that will usually fail with a hub in the middle of things.

Also, usual computer details, DAW version, and any other details you can think of as important. I would expect some trial and error.

 

Thank you for the reply.

So the Studiolive 32R is using some software called universal control to configure the rack mixer.

The default sample rate on the 32R was 48Khz but I have changed this to 44.1 to match that of the MPC

The Studiolive 32R doesnt have any SPDIF connections, I am just using a USB 2.0 cable from the back of the 32R in to the MPC, obviously I am not trying to run two MPCs at once, just alternating them as there is a time difference between there release, just trying to get one of them stable.

I have swapped the cable out with 3 different cables to see if that made any difference, but it didnt.

The Universal Control is a bit of a minefield, but I have got it configured enough where I can plug a synth in to the 32R and sample the synth on the MPC, also I can hear audio playback from the MPC through the 32R headphone socket. It all seems to work but then after a short time I get this error message and the MPC resets itself, and then I can no longer see the 32R until I reboot the MPC again.

The master clock is from the MPC, only clock option I can see on the 32R is Network Clock which has an N/A next to is with no other options available..

Interface mode enabled on the 32R is what allows the rack mixer to operate as an audio device via a USB cable, through windows it works just fine.

I am not trying to use this through any DAW just as standalone using the presonus 32R as an audio interface for the MPC.

As I said the frustrating thing is, its does work and works very well when its working both sampling into the MPC and listening to audio from the MPC but then bam the error message pops up and it stops working till I reboot.

I am so close and it has to be something simple right?

 

Hello @StormChaser, I hope you don't mind me asking the AI, maybe the AI can help you a little!

Spoiler: Source: Grok KI

It sounds like you're running into a frustrating intermittent compatibility issue between your Presonus StudioLive Series III 32R and the Akai MPC units (Live II or X SE) when using the mixer as a USB audio interface. Based on similar reports from users on forums like MPC-Forums, Gearspace, PreSonus Answers, and Reddit, this error code (-6) often points to USB configuration mismatches, especially with devices that advertise class compliance but have quirks in multi-channel setups. The Presonus Series III rack mixers (including the 16R/24R/32R) aren't always fully plug-and-play class compliant in their default mode for standalone hardware like MPCs—they can require drivers for full functionality on computers, and some users report distortion, crackling, or errors like yours when paired with Akai gear.

The good news is that this combo can work for some people, but it often needs tweaks. The fact that it functions fine for ~10 minutes before erroring out suggests it's not a total incompatibility, but possibly something like a USB bandwidth limit, channel count overload, clock sync drift, or even a power-saving timeout on the MPC side triggering the config rejection. Here's what I've gathered from troubleshooting similar setups, including steps to try:

1. Enable Compatibility Mode on the Presonus 32R
This is the most common fix for USB config errors with Series III mixers. By default, the 32R uses a 64x64 USB I/O configuration, which can overwhelm devices like the MPC (which maxes out at 32 inputs/outputs in its preferences for class-compliant interfaces). Switching to Compatibility Mode reduces it to 34x34, making it more stable for chipsets or hosts that can't handle the full matrix. Some users with Akai Force/MPC-like devices reported this resolving errors and distortion after firmware updates.

• How to do it on the 32R (standalone, no computer needed):
  • Press the Home button on the mixer's LCD screen.
  • Tap the System icon.
  • Look for the Compatibility Mode toggle and switch it ON (it'll show as enabled for 34x34 USB).
  • Reboot the mixer (power cycle it) and reconnect to your MPC.
• If you have Universal Control installed on a computer, you can also toggle it there under Settings > Device Settings, then save and reboot.
• Note: This mode grays out higher USB sends/returns, but you can still route channels 1-32 normally, and mains to 33-34. Interface Mode (which you're using) will be disabled while Compatibility is on—re-enable it afterward if needed.

Test sampling and playback again after this. If it stabilizes beyond 10 minutes, great—that's likely the culprit.

2. Check Sample Rate and Clock Sync
Mismatches here can cause delayed errors like yours. MPCs default to 44.1 kHz for projects, but the Presonus supports 44.1 or 48 kHz.

• Set both devices to the same rate: On the MPC, go to Preferences > Audio > Sample Rate. On the Presonus (in UC or mixer settings), confirm it's matching.
• Set the Presonus as the clock master if possible, or ensure the MPC is slaving to it via USB.
• Some users noted crackling/distortion at 44.1 kHz with Series III + MPC, but switching to 48 kHz helped.

3. USB Connection and Power Troubleshooting
Since the error hits after idle time, it could be a USB handshake timeout or power dip.

• Use a high-quality, short USB cable (USB 2.0 spec, as the 32R is USB 2.0).
• Try a different USB port on the MPC if available.
• Ensure the MPC isn't going into any sleep/power-save mode—check settings to keep it active.
• Power cycle everything: Disconnect USB, turn off both devices for 1-2 minutes, then reconnect and test.
• If you're using hubs or extensions, remove them; direct connection only.

4. Firmware and Updates
You're on the latest, but double-check:

• Presonus 32R: Current firmware should be v2.7+ for Compatibility Mode support. Download from PreSonus site if needed.
• Akai MPC: Some similar issues (e.g., on Akai Force) were fixed in Akai firmware 3.2.3+, so confirm you're on the absolute newest via Akai's site or inMusic support.

User Experiences with Similar Combos

• A few folks on PreSonus forums have gotten Series III mixers working with MPC-X/Live II, but with partial success (e.g., basic I/O works, but distortion on lows until firmware tweaks). One user fixed it via Akai firmware.
• On Reddit and MPC-Forums, compatibility is hit-or-miss even with class-compliant interfaces; the error -6 has shown up with other multi-channel units like MOTU 16A.
• No widespread reports of the exact 10-minute timeout, but it's consistent with USB stability issues over time.
• If it still fails, it might ultimately not be 100% compatible without a computer/DAW in between—the Series III is optimized for that, and some users resort to AVB networking or alternative interfaces like Focusrite for MPC.

If none of this works, I'd recommend posting your setup details on the MPC-Forums or PreSonus Answers community for more eyes—include exact firmware versions, sample rates, and what you're doing when the error hits (idle vs. active use). You could also reach out to PreSonus or Akai support directly, as they might have unpublished workarounds. Let me know how it goes or if you have more details!

Spoiler: Source: ChatGPT KI

Hey, that’s definitely a tricky situation, but you're right—if it's working well for a while, it's likely a configuration issue or a slight incompatibility that’s causing the error message after a few minutes. The “Error: Specified configuration may not be supported by the device. Code: -6” message usually points to either a mismatch in audio settings or a driver/connection issue. Let’s break it down and see if we can troubleshoot this together.

Possible Issues & Suggestions
1. Clocking/Sync Issue

• Master Clock: Since you mentioned that the MPC is providing the master clock, it’s important to make sure that both the MPC and StudioLive 32R are synced correctly. If the StudioLive 32R is using network clock (which shows N/A), that could indicate it's waiting for a proper clock signal, which the MPC is supposed to be sending.
  • Solution: Try changing the clock source in the Universal Control software for the 32R. Ensure that the MPC is set as the master clock. If it’s not being recognized by the 32R via the USB connection, it could lead to dropouts and errors like the one you're seeing. Check if the MPC is set to send MIDI clock or audio clock and if there are any clock settings within the Universal Control software for the 32R.

2. USB Power or Data Flow

• USB Bandwidth: The MPC X/Live can be demanding in terms of data transfer, and using it as an interface for the 32R might be pushing the USB port a bit too hard, especially if there are other devices connected or drawing power.
  • Solution: Try using a powered USB hub if you're connecting other devices via USB (like a keyboard or external drive). Additionally, ensure that the USB cable is plugged directly into a USB port on your MPC (and not through any other hubs or adapters) to ensure a stable connection.
    
    
  • Solution: Also, check that the USB cable is fully seated in both the 32R and the MPC. You could try a shorter, high-quality USB 2.0 cable if the current one might be too long or not fully compatible.

3. Buffer Size/Latency Settings

• Buffer Size: If the buffer size on the MPC is too small or there’s a lot of latency between devices, it can cause the connection to drop or give errors like the one you’re seeing.
  • Solution: On the MPC, go into the Audio/MIDI settings and check the buffer size settings. Set it to a slightly higher value, especially if you are using complex projects or lots of audio tracks.

4. MPC USB Mode/Driver Conflict

• Firmware/Driver: Sometimes a mismatch in firmware between the MPC and the Presonus device can cause instability, even if they seem to work fine initially.
  • Solution: Since you mentioned both devices are on the latest firmware, it’s worth checking for any driver updates or compatibility settings within the Universal Control software. It’s also possible that Universal Control might need to be reset or updated to avoid conflicts.
    
    
  • Solution: Try restarting the MPC and 32R in a specific order: first power up the MPC, then connect the 32R via USB after the MPC fully boots, just to see if the issue persists.

5. Sample Rate Conflict

• Sample Rate Mismatch: Although you’ve set both devices to 44.1 kHz, it’s still possible that something is slipping between the cracks with the sample rate sync. The MPC may still be trying to reference 48kHz, or there might be a conflict with how the StudioLive 32R is interpreting the sample rate.
  • Solution: Double-check the audio settings on both the MPC and 32R to ensure that both are explicitly set to 44.1 kHz. It’s also worth resetting both devices after you’ve adjusted the sample rate settings to ensure everything syncs properly.

6. Universal Control/Interface Mode Settings

• Interface Mode: It sounds like you have Interface Mode enabled on the 32R, which is key. Sometimes the settings inside Universal Control need to be adjusted for better compatibility with standalone devices like the MPC.
  • Solution: Open Universal Control and double-check that the audio interface settings (like sample rate, input/output configuration, and clocking) are all set for the MPC connection. There may be an option to force it to communicate better with USB audio interfaces rather than with a DAW.

7. System Power Management/USB Power Saving

• USB Power Management: If your MPC or computer has USB power management settings enabled, these might be cutting off the power to the 32R after some time, causing the reset or disconnection.
  • Solution: Check the power settings in the MPC and on your computer (if applicable). Disable any USB power-saving features that could be cutting the connection.

8. Presonus Support/Community Feedback

• Since it sounds like you're almost there, there’s always the chance that this could be a known issue with the StudioLive 32R and the MPC series, so checking the Presonus forums or reaching out to their support might shed light on any specific settings or issues that other users have encountered.

Conclusion:
This is definitely a setup that's very close to working as you want, but the clocking, USB stability, and driver sync are the most likely culprits. If all else fails, you might want to test the gear with a different device or interface to rule out hardware issues.

Let me know if you need further clarification or help testing specific things! I can also assist you with checking specific settings step-by-step if needed.

Solution: Check the power settings in the MPC and on your computer (if applicable). Disable any USB power-saving features that could be cutting the connection.

How to disable USB power management

Spoiler: USB Hub Power

USB Hub Power

The USB Hub and USB Root Hub devices have a setting that determines if Windows will
power them off to save power.

The reasons for disabling this are essentially the same as for the “USB Suspend” setting in
Power Options.




1. Open the Device Manager, by clicking the Windows Start button, typing “device
manager” and pressing Enter.

2. Scroll to the bottom of the list and expand the entry “Universal Serial Bus controllers”.
3. Go through the list and right click on all devices including the words “USB Hub” or “USB Root Hub”. 4. Choose “Properties” from the popup menu. 5. Switch to the “Power Management” tab 6. Uncheck the option “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” 7. Repeat from step 3 for all hub devices



Source: Don't let audio glitches ruin your performances! www.cantabilesoftware.com/glitchfree/

 

Last edited: Oct 13, 2025

PulseWave thank you so much for going out of your way to look my issue up there is some fantastic information here that I can try.

So, before I read your reply I thought I would turn off "Interface Mode" on the Presonus 32R not expecting the MPC to see any audio interface as I thought this needed to be on, however the MPC did still see the Presonus 32R to my amazement and since then I have not seen the "Error: Specified configuration may not be supported by the device. Code: -6". On the MPC I also turned off the Send and Receive Midi Clock and everything seemed to be stable, however after playing around for about 30 minutes all of a sudden I started getting distortion on some of the sample playbacks on the MPC which is listed in your reply as being a known issue.

Yesterday I looked at the "compatability mode" but turning this on turns off the interface mode on the 32R, which as of last night I thought I needed to be on, now knowing it does not, so I will definately give this a try tonight.

I will report back once I have tried this.

Thank you very much

 

I had the gpt also look at the setup, but I'll mention this before adding a paste of that. Audio over USB is a tricky thing. Not for you, it is a great, clean and convenient setup. In theory. I have a nice synth that is notorious for the same behavior. Perfect, until sync is momentarily lost, and glitches; and then it freaks out, loses connection, and makes the most mental sounding glitch effects for about 1 second. Then it is reboot time. Just like you mention. If it didn't also lose connection to the DAW immediately, it would make some great samples

GPT predicts your error will occur when you try to connect too many channels for it to handle. I think that channel count though, if lower than you expect; is probably the result of some other settings or connectivity, losing sync for the data stream. Something like that.

Spoiler

StudioLive 32R + MPC Live II / MPC X SE Quick Setup Cheat Sheet
1. Power-On Sequence

• 
  Step 1: Power StudioLive 32R first.
  
  
• Step 2: Connect MPC via USB directly (no hub).
  
  
• Step 3: Power MPC.

2. Sample Rate & Clock

• Match sample rates on both devices (44.1kHz or 48kHz).
  
  
• StudioLive = master clock, MPC = follow.
  
  
• Avoid “auto” switching — manual is more stable.

3. USB Buffer / Latency

• StudioLive UC Surface → Audio Settings → USB Buffer
  
  
• Start: 128–256 samples
  
  
• If instability → try 512 samples
  
  
• Too low (<64) → likely to cause dropouts

4. USB Cable & Connection

• Use high-quality, short cable (<3 ft / 1 m).
  
  
• Direct connection only — no hubs.
  
  
• Test USB-C vs USB-A if available.

5. Active Channel Count

• Only enable needed channels in USB routing.
  
  
• Start with stereo (2 channels) → incrementally add more.
  
  
• Too many active channels → USB bandwidth issues → Code: -6

6. Firmware & Drivers

• Ensure latest firmware on both devices.
  
  
• If issues persist → factory reset audio settings on MPC.

7. Test & Monitor

• Let system idle 15–20 min before heavy use.
  
  
• Play back channels and monitor for errors.

8. Optional Stability Tips

• Disable unused MIDI devices.
  
  
• Disable extra loopback channels or DAW monitoring.
  
  
• Keep USB bandwidth light for longer stability.

✅ Pro Tip: Start simple — stereo channels first, confirm stability, then expand to full multitrack USB streaming.

If you want, I can also make a visual version — a compact diagram showing power sequence, clock/sample rate matching, and USB routing. That’s even easier to glance at during setup.


StudioLive 32R + MPC Quick Setup — Visual Guide

POWER SEQUENCE
------------------------
[StudioLive 32R] → [MPC Live II / MPC X SE]

USB CONNECTION
------------------------
[StudioLive USB Out] ——> [MPC USB In]
(direct cable, no hub, high-quality, short <3ft)

SAMPLE RATE & CLOCK
------------------------
StudioLive: Master Clock → 48kHz
MPC: Follows StudioLive → 48kHz

USB BUFFER
------------------------
StudioLive UC Surface:
128–256 samples → default
↑ if instability → 512 samples

ACTIVE CHANNELS
------------------------
Start: 2 stereo channels
Incrementally add more
Limit to needed channels only

FIRMWARE & DRIVERS
------------------------
Latest firmware on both devices
Optional: factory reset MPC audio settings if error persists

MONITOR & TEST
------------------------
1. Let idle 15–20 min
2. Play back channels
3. Monitor for “Code: -6” errors

STABILITY TIPS
------------------------
- Disable unused MIDI devices
- Disable loopback / extra monitoring
- Keep USB bandwidth light

Optional diagram layout:


[Power On] → [USB Connect] → [Sample Rate/Clock] → [Buffer] → [Channel Count] → [Test]

• Use color coding: green = stable, yellow = check, red = action needed.
  
  
• Add icons for StudioLive (rack image), MPC, USB cable, and clock symbol.

 

** Update **

So I made some changes based on the kind replies specifically enabling the Compatibility Mode on the Presonus 32R which reduces the channel count down to 32/32.

I downgraded my MPC's firmware to v2.15.1 as this was the firmware I was using for a long time without any issues, I ran various tests making beats for over 3 hours and didnt have one issue no "Error: Specified configuration may not be supported" error meesage, audio drop outs or any sudden distortion on samples be it from loaded sample expansions or previewing sounds in the expansion packs.

I then upgraded my MPC's firmware to v3.6 (GEN 1) and everything was fine for a while until every now and then I got the distortion on some drum kits sample play back, it would happen for about 15 seconds and then would go back to normal, and this repeated over time, no other error messages were presented.

I then downgraded the MPC to firmware v3.5 and this had the exact same issue as firmware v3.6.

I then downgraded the MPC once again to v2.15.1 and tested again for over 3 hours without any issues at all.

It could just be coincidece but it seems the latest firmware versions doesnt like something or there is something not right with the firmware.

I could try firmwares v3.4.3 / v3.4.2 / v3.4 and see if they preset the same issues I am seeing with the later v3 firmwares.

It would be nice to be able to use the v.3.* firmware as the OS is totally different to that of v2.* but not at the cost of having an unstable MPC.

This was all done on my MPC Live II I have yet to see what happens if I trying the same process on my MPC X SE but suspect it will be the same.

I am also going to try using my Steinberg UR44C as the audio interface for the MPC and just using the Presonus 32R as a digital mixer for my synths taking the master out in to one of the inputs of the UR44C and see how the fairs.

 

if the issue is being caused by the v3.x updates, is that firmware supported on the specific MPC you have had the problem with? Also, now you have a very good, and specific; problem to research. It's very likely that if their v3.x firmware or other portion of the software is the root cause of problem, you should be able to find some users' posts and solutions to it. Even if that is waiting for another update that fixes it.

At least now you know for fact, it is all going to work somehow... which is the most important part.

 

Yes these are the legit firmwares for each of my MPC's and the dedicated firmware to each MPC model downloaded from the Akai website.

I will do the further research and see what happens when introducing the UR44C which I have read has been confirmed as a compatible audio interface.

Using the Presonus 32R as a dedicated standalone digital mixer or a standalone digital mixer and audio interface for the MPC is no odds to me, stability is the most important thing.

Reading some posts of Reddit quite a few people are saying that the most stable of the v3.* firmwares is v3.4 which I have yet to try.

 

then version 3.4 is where I would be headed. I'd rather be free of the whole "this works with this, but this does't do this..." extra workarounds you have to consider instead of everything just working however you want.