Trouble with R3 Vocoder

[barcini]

Hello,

I am new to the forum, but a long time Korg user. I just recently purchased the R3 from a seller on Ebay and am having difficulty getting the Vocoder to work. I have followed all of Korg's very simple step-by-step instructions but have gotten no results. The problem I am having is specifically with the XLR mic on the front of the device. The mic will not register anything at all on the sound/peak light, except for a split second when initially plugging it in to the device and at times when rubbing the coil texture on the mic arm. Tapping on the head of the microphone registers no response. I can get the rear inputs to register and respond. Is there something I am missing here? I am currently in a debate with the Ebay seller whether the device is faulty or not. Thanks in advance for your help.

-Barcini

[Pastor-of-Muppets]

I know it's a silly question, but did you change the MIC switch from REAR to XLR?

[barcini]

Yep. I meant to put that the button on the face of the R3 is indeed switched to the XLR recessed position.

[axxim]

Hello,

I am new to the forum, but a long time Korg user. I just recently purchased the R3 from a seller on Ebay and am having difficulty getting the Vocoder to work. I have followed all of Korg's very simple step-by-step instructions but have gotten no results. The problem I am having is specifically with the XLR mic on the front of the device. The mic will not register anything at all on the sound/peak light, except for a split second when initially plugging it in to the device and at times when rubbing the coil texture on the mic arm. Tapping on the head of the microphone registers no response. I can get the rear inputs to register and respond. Is there something I am missing here? I am currently in a debate with the Ebay seller whether the device is faulty or not. Thanks in advance for your help.

-Barcini

Hi Barcini,

from what you describe, it probably could be the R3's XLR-connector having a cold junction inside or the mike itself. If it is possible, try to get another XLR mike from a friend or your friendly music store to test which of both it is. Once you get the fault cause you may explain the ebay seller the problem hoping you get an arrangement. In any case if you are going to use the vocoder often, it could be favorable to get a detached mike because the included one squeaks with each movement on the connector and any noise on the R3's case (tap or playing hard keys) will be passed to the mike.
In case it is the R3's XLR then it must be opened to check where the faulty connection is or you use a mike with an unbalanced jack that fits in the rear connector.

Just a last idea: Maybe it could be the Rear/XLR selector switch. Change it several times from one position to the other (to try to clean the contacts) and then slowly checking if there is a position where the XLR mike works.

Good luck!

[barcini]

I found the problem!!! It turns out that the XLR gooseneck Microphone has a short in it and is nonfunctional. I borrowed an SM57 from a friend to test the device and the vocoder worked perfectly. The seller is accusing me of lying, and trying to steal from him, but I am pretty skeptical about the situation. Especially because when I first raised the issue he said that the vocoder was "tricky...took him a while to figure out" and that "I should read the instructions." I find this strange seeing how the R3 vocoder is activated with the push of a button. Literally. The push of a single button. I'm obviously a little perturbed about the situation, especially because he is refusing to refund me the $20 that it would cost me to replace the gooseneck mic. Anyways, I just wanted to give an update and give thanks for the help. Thanks again.

[xmlguy]

An SM57/58 is far better than the gooseneck mic. It's not worth replacing. A foldable mic stand is more adjustable.

[barcini]

I am aware that the SM57 is better than the gooseneck, but the sm57 isn't mine. I am borrowing it from a friend. I just wanted to get what I paid for, which would only be replacing the gooseneck.