Korg Forums

[KultureSelektah]

I bought my KP3 second hand from Ebay and did not realize until now that what I send through the input of the KP3 does not sound the same on the KP3 output. I noticed when playing audio through the KP3 that the audio sounded distorted regardless of how much I played with the levels. I also noticed that when there is no audio being played, there is still some white noise that is visible on my meter and eq analyzer.

Does the KP3 usually add some fuzz to the effected audio or is it supposed to sound clean? I intended on using the KP3 with Ableton Live but it is less than desirable to record with since the sound quality is not so good. Does this mean that I need to send it in for repairs? Is it expensive to replace the pre-amps on these things?

[bradkorg]

[KultureSelektah]

Thanks for the tip! I just tested the KP3 without the USB connection and saw a huge difference with the static problem. The distorted highs is exactly what you described and its somewhat unfortunate that this effects processor has issues with that; I guess ill just use the KP3 to process things that will be distorted anyways (might sound decent with a warmer or a bit crusher over it).

Im wondering if the KP3+ has any improvements in sound quality.

[bradkorg]

I don't think SQ on KP3+ differs much besides the few more effects in the ROM from KP3 otherwise they would called it KP4, actually its could maybe worst or samelike, since they reduced the 12V to 9V powersupply and use now much cheaper samey reduced components/proccessors. Don't know, you'll need to do side by side comparisment.
KP3s are designed for DJ road shows, so over loud PA's will sound powerfull, don't need too high SQ anyways.

If you still insist to want better SQ, you can improve the KP3 SQ hearable better with less harsh/more bass/more dynamics/lively with better powersupply and modifications with few bigger capacitors in the powersupply chain.
If you are know abit about DIY electronics soldering/modifications, you can improve the SQ by adding better power supply components.
Download the KP3 Service Manual from here:
http://elektrotanya.com/korg_kp3_sm_ver2a_kaoss_pad_dynamic_effects_sampler.pdf/download.html
-Replace the original AC/DC adaptor outputs unstabilized 12V, 700mA with a stabilized 12V, 1A to 2A transformer type powersupply.
-Add some buffer 1000uF or 2200uF capacitors on the mainboard main powerlines: +10VA, +5VA and +3.3VD.
To reduced components/manufacturing prices, they use too small buffer capacitors, so the DAC/ADC, sound processor, amps don't get enough dynamic buffer powersupply, thus harsh sounds/clippings/thin sounds produced.
-Cut /desolder both mutingtransistors Q5 and Q6 at the line-out, muting tors cause/reduce the sounds transients and make sounds muffy, without it sounds more open/airly/dynamics.

Related threads:
http://www.korgforums.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=549208&highlight=#549208

BTW. I use KP3 now mostly as a midi controller to the microSTATION, with the 8 sliders x-y touchpad gives very nice variable specialfx synth control instead of pots.

[dzee]

hi,

I'm also experiencing the same problem. Referring to your post, where should I add the 1000 or 2200 uf capacitors?

Also with the Q5 and Q6, you mean removing it from the circuit board yes?

what is the SQ you were talking about? Sampling Quality?