Korg Forums

[FrankG]

Hey All,

Just purchased a KP3 and had hoped to add it to a busking rig that is a GR-55 (roland Guitar synth) and a Boss RC-50 that output to a pair of Altec Lansing RM3010's (Stereo)... I do no vocals, and mics are not permitted where I play...

The KP3 ideally would add drum or Synth phrases to the RC50 (which does work ok), add filter, sweep, grain etc effects to phrases in the RC-50 (this is the real problem), and lastly sweep, filter grain etc to final output of RC-50 (also works fine).

It seems that the internal routing of the signal through the KP3 and back into the RC-50 creates a physical signal loop that drastically alters the effect in question and predicatably results in a squeal or howl regardless of how the levels are balanced between the two devices...

The KP3 is only being used as an effects processor and beat generator (of sorts), as the RC-50 handles all my Looping requirements (removing it is not an option, and the KP3 simply can't store the length or type of phrases I'm using... Not to mention that the Guitar and GR-55 can keep you busy just on it's own...

I've read both manuals carefully, searched this specific forum and read numerous posts...

If any body has experience specifically with how the KP3 and the Boss RC50 can best work together, I'd really appreciate the help!

Thanks

FrankG
_________________
the power to do nothing is tremendous, but it must not be abused...

[roblabs]

[FrankG]

Agreed, the KP3 is not the problem...

I've tried a few different configurations of the wiring, right now it is wired like this;

KP3 headphone jack out to RC-50 Aux-In
KP3 Line-Out to MiniPA
RC50 Sub-Out to KP3 Line-In

The Headphone Volume allows me to use the effects overtop of the out going signal from the RC-50 thru to the MiniPA, but does not allow me to layer even drums or Synth sounds onto RC50 phrases without feedback, unless I switch from Direct to Send, but I lose the RC-Output to the PA so that's not working...

I get the same result (listed above) when I tried;

KP3 headphone jack out to MiniPA
KP3 Line-Out to RC-50 Aux-In
RC50 Sub-Out to KP3 Line-In

the only real difference being that the Headphone volume control now acts as a Master Volume to the MiniPA

Alternatively, I've tried;

KP3 Line-Out to RC-50 Aux-In
RC50 Sub-Out to KP3 Line-In
RC50 Main Out to MiniPA

This allows me to layer drum and Synth effects cleanly onto RC-50 phrases when in "Send Mode" via the Direct/Send switch at the back of the KP3, while still hearing the RC50 output on the MiniPA. But there is no hope for either overdubbing any other effects to the RC-50 Phrases or to the final output...

I hope that is a bit clearer...

FrankG
_________________
the power to do nothing is tremendous, but it must not be abused...

[Bowmoney]

once you go into and back out of something, you cant do it again...that is why you are getting a feeback loop...once you put the kp3 somewhere in teh chain, it cannot go back in somewhere else...I think for what you want, you ned another fx box, then go like this

sound source (guitar?)
into FX boxes or computer fx, etc., out to rc 50 so you can loop your FX audio,
then into the kp3 for final FX on the entire output of the whole chain, out to speakers

that way it is a chain, and not feeding back into itself...hence feedback loop
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[Bowmoney]

and also, ive found the RC 50 has really hot (loud) inputs and outputs sometimes, and they easily peak...the difference between the line level and signal level of the headphone vs output jacks may be messing with your signal a fair amount

i simplified my life an dbought a cheap $100 mixer with FX in it AND an FX send return loop...that makes your kp3 or other efects way more powerful, because then both sets of FX can be applied individually to each instrument input....i resisted buying a little mixer for awhile, but even a $40 cheap volume mixer that is battery powered can make your life easier
_________________
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[FrankG]

Hey Bryan,

Thanks for the reply, and I think you're right, adding a mixer may be the most cost effective way to get more utility out of the KP3, shy of buying a second unit.

I think I understand (finally) that I'll NEVER be able to use the KP3 to overdub effects onto phrases that are already in the RC-50, with the intention of sending them back to loop... Drag...

Though I have no regets as I've learned a lot, and have a greater appreciation for what the KP3 can do after reading many threads on this forum.

Thanks!

FrankG
_________________
the power to do nothing is tremendous, but it must not be abused...

[Bowmoney]

well...you CAN loop affected sounds, you just have to do it in the rc 50, after the signal goes through the kp3...it just has to stop there haha.

I bought a bheringer xenyx 1202 FX for like 90 dollars...the preamps sound really great, gives me lots of inputs, and enough effect options on board to apply a nice reverb or delay then add kaoss effects over stuff.
_________________
youtube videos, lots of korg goodness http://bit.ly/n7sVak
bowmentum http://bryanbowman.tumblr.com/

[FrankG]

So the cheapest/quickest and possibly easiest solution has been to use a dual ganged 100K Pot as a "Passive Cross-Fade" between the "Send" line-out of the KP3 and the "phones" line out of the RC-50 directly to pair of Altec Lansing RM3010's (MiniPA).

The KP3 Headphone Line-out (w/Level control) and KP3 Line-In w/level control allow easy routing of signal either into the RC-50 to be looped or to be modified by the KP3 and on to the MiniPA...

The only caution is that only one or the other of the KP3 Line I/O levels can be enabled, and if both are left open to signal flow at the same time there will be alot of squealing and howling...

(is there a way to attach pics?)

FrankG
_________________
the power to do nothing is tremendous, but it must not be abused...

[Pastor-of-Muppets]

[FrankG]

Thx P of M... Just set-up Flickr, will give it a go...

Wiring Diagram

[img][/img]



Close-up of passive Cross-Fader

[img][/img]



New KP3 on DIY Stand...

[img][/img]

So in closing... I'm pleased with the KP3 and already have started to feel more comfortable using it with my other gear...

FrankG
_________________
the power to do nothing is tremendous, but it must not be abused...

[geormiet]

I have almost the same problem here.

I have a cello, an RC300 looper, and KP3.

I currently do:

cello --> KP3 --> RC300 --> amp

This enables me to apply FX before I record loops. The huge advantage here is that I can create interesting layers of different FX.

I've also tried:
cello --> RC300 --> KP3 --> amp

This setup allows me to add FX after the loop is recorded. The disadvantage is that I can only use one effect on the entire track, the advantage is I can use dynamic FX.


I'd like to do both, and ideally with only one KP3! Is there any way to do this by incorporating a mixer? I don't mind if i have to flip a lot of switches to switch between the two modes, as long as the audio is seamless.