Korg Forums

smifenuf1 · Joined: 08 Dec 2017 Posts: 12 Location: Washington, D.C.

Hi folks,
I spent a lot of money on this machine and have very high expectations but I can't even get out of the gates.

I get almost no volume even when the volume is turned up all the way on the machine and the powered monitors. I had old monitors so I went out and bought Sterling MX3 monitor set and same results. The manual says- NOTHING- just plug in powered monitors and use the master volume. I'm not one to complain without checking it out to see what I"m doing wrong. Again, manual has no info; I tried two different monitors- including brand new ones and I looked through the menus and I don't see any way to fix this. I'm sad and desperate. machine was bought in May 2017 and due to unforeseen circumstances- I am just now able to start using it. Sad and frustrated.

Interestingly, I have a Korg D1600 digital recording studio and they do work when plugged into that. BUT I should note that even with headphones on- I can barley hear volume through the keyboard. something seems very wrong. If you've heard of this please let me know of a solution and be detailed if you would

karmathanever · Platinum Member Joined: 12 Jan 2004 Posts: 10400

If you are playing styles, check the style play volume balance control knob
If you are playing MP3/MIDI (Song Play mode) check the MP3 volume slider and check the player1/2 fader control

Does the low volume happen the same in STYLE PLAY, SONG PLAY and SOUND PLAY modes?

Very Happy

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PA4X-76, Karma, WaveDrum GE, Fantom 8 EX
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pawlikp100 · Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 6:28 am Post subject:

1 Go to the Global > Audio & Video > MP3/Speakers page. and turn the speakers ON.
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Korg pa5x vs Genos 2 - spec comparison

BR · Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 6:14 pm Post subject: Re: ALMOST NO VOLUME

Jonyblues · Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 6:20 pm Post subject:

Hi smifenuf1, there are a few things that you can look at to resolve your issue.

1. Ensure that the outputs are set correctly in global. Go to Global/Audio & Video/Audio In And then set the Audio Out to Left+Right (page 498 of the full manual gives more details).

2. Ensure the volume knob is turned up on your Sterling speakers.

3. Normally, I'd suggest to use a small mixer in between the Kbd and the powered speakers but I see that the Sterling Mx3 operating manual suggests that you should be able to connect the kbd directly to the Sterlings, so theoretically, your setup should work even without a mixer (be careful you don't overload them though!). FYI, a mixer is generally one of the best ways to boost a mismatched signal/level and to properly power powered speakers (I always use one in between my kbd and my powered pa speakers) but if you want to keep gear/expenses to a minimum, you should still be able to get good levels without one, with your particular setup.

4. Finally, (and probably most importantly) if you want to massively boost the kbd levels that the Korg is sending out (and, in my opinion, significantly enhance the sound quality of the entire Korg kbd too), one of the simplest/best ways to do this is by using the Maxx Master EQ settings - Go to Global/Maxx Master EQ (page 502 of the manual for more info). Here, you can fully adjust the EQ of the entire kbd PLUS adjust the master Bass, Treble and Stereo.

Also, which is particularly relevant to you, you can adjust the Master Volume too here. Adjusting the volume alone, will boost the overall output of the KBD massively. I personally have my Master volume set to 8.5-9 (without adding any significant noise/hiss or other issues).

I hope that this helps.
Best wishes,
Jon
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Korg PA4x, HX3 (B3 Sim module), Korg PA3x, Korg i2, Korg i40m, Roland AX-7, Roland FC300.

smifenuf1 · Joined: 08 Dec 2017 Posts: 12 Location: Washington, D.C.

Hello
Thanks.
It has almost no volume in any of those modes. Volume balance on screen and knobs and sliders all the way up.

smifenuf1 · Joined: 08 Dec 2017 Posts: 12 Location: Washington, D.C.

Thank you. Yes they are all the way up and on already.

smifenuf1 · Joined: 08 Dec 2017 Posts: 12 Location: Washington, D.C.

Thank you

1. Yes Pa4X - I didn't mention that because I thought I was already in that section.
2. Mentioned already that it doesn't work with headphones nor with different powered monitors including a brand new one i bought: Sterling MX3 monitor set; out of the box.

First welcome to the forum.
Just some basic questions, no offense, in order to help you.
1- Is your keyboard Pa4x?
2- Are you trying/playing with the Factory styles through the headphone?

Just trying to help.
Regards[/quote]

smifenuf1 · Joined: 08 Dec 2017 Posts: 12 Location: Washington, D.C.

Thank you very much for the detailed response.
1. Already correct and double checked.
2. of course, already did that but thansk
3. I've never had a keyboard where a mixer was a requirement- not even the manual says that- says powered speakers are fine.
4. thanks, did that. didn't help. i shouldn't have to massively boost anything just to simply hear something other that the faintest of whispers out of this machine.

I appreciate your time.

i've got everything turned up. all settings correct and up. all knobs turned up. i think this keyboard is junk only it's too late for me to return it as i didn't get a chance to use it until now. i should have stuck with Yamaha. this is starting to really make me angry now.

musiccankill · Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2017 1:19 am Post subject:

Hello!
I would suggest doing a factory restore just in case before doing anything else!
If this doesn't help too i may be able to help you diagnose the problem through PM (as getting into different modes isn't allowed to be discussed public here and i will respect the rules of the forum).

smifenuf1 · Joined: 08 Dec 2017 Posts: 12 Location: Washington, D.C.

did that already- thanks!

Jonyblues · Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2017 4:32 am Post subject:

Hi smifenuf1, (sorry for getting your name wrong in my previous post) the only other thing that I can suggest is to reload the OS in case it is corrupted. I know that you've tried a factory restore but a full reload of V 2.0 OS (and then, if that works v2.1 afterwards) may make a difference.

Also, I know that you've probably checked this already but ensure that you don't have any pedals plugged in to the kbd just in case they are sending an expression level message (and/or are in the wrong socket).

Finally, when making sure that any of the sliders on the kbd are at the top, bring them down to the bottom first and then take them all of the way to the top (just in case some volume info has been programmed into them mistakenly).

Also, if nothing else works, try to have a look inside the headphone socket, just in case anything is stuck in there (as this would prevent the headphones from working and would also, potentially disable the outputs.

Good luck.

Best wishes,
Jon
_________________
Korg PA4x, HX3 (B3 Sim module), Korg PA3x, Korg i2, Korg i40m, Roland AX-7, Roland FC300.

smifenuf1 · Joined: 08 Dec 2017 Posts: 12 Location: Washington, D.C.

THANK you all so much; problem solved. Even though I bought new monitors they were still too cheap at only $100 for both (Sterling). I went out and bought JBLs at $150 each ($300) and now it works fine; same with headphones. My Yamaha worked fine with anything. for some reason Korg only works with better monitors- strange but...problem solved.
Thank you everyone.

SHannon