Key velocity ---- one key way louder ?

96th_Malice · Post by **96th_Malice** » Fri Apr 29, 2016 1:28 pm

Morning all

Has there been past issues with the velocity of keys on the Kronos ?

My C2 key is much louder than the others ( even when playing softer ) ...... With pianos and clavs it is louder to the point of distorting my headphones

It's like I'm playing C2 very hard .... Except I'm not

It's the only key that does it

Oddly enough it doesn't happen with all programs ..... The pianos and clavs seem to be the most susceptible

At least it's not on a key that's used very often right ? ( sarcasm )

Any thoughts ? ..... I guess it under warranty BUT I'd hate to bring the keyboard back a couple days after purchase

96th_Malice · Post by **96th_Malice** » Fri Apr 29, 2016 1:45 pm

I stand corrected ..... C2 is much louder with all programs / combis .... It was just more noticeable on the pianos

Guess back to the dealership is my best option ?

SeedyLee · Post by **SeedyLee** » Fri Apr 29, 2016 3:39 pm

That's very odd; personally I haven't heard of that issue before.

Perhaps one thing to check to ascertain whether it's an electromechanical fault or a software fault, is to see what velocity the OS is registering it as. An easy way to do this is to record some notes in the sequencer, including C2, and open the event editor to see whether there is a variation in the velocity of each key.

The Kronos keyboard measures velocity in a way typical of many keyboards: it uses two switches, one to determine when the key has been depressed, and another to register when it reaches the bottom of travel. The time between these two events is what is registered as the key "velocity". There are three things I can think of that could potentially affect the accuracy of this process for one key:

a) The weighting or spring tension of one key is less than the others; thus, the same amount of force causes greater key velocity;
b) There is an issue with the timing circuit or key scanner. If there was a short in the second switch (which is normally actuated when the keyboard hits the bottom of travel) which caused it to always be actuated, this would mean a velocity of 127 would always be recorded.

Let us know how you go

Good luck.

96th_Malice · Post by **96th_Malice** » Fri Apr 29, 2016 5:06 pm

I've actually found a couple similar cases throughout the internet now where people have had this issue OR notes doubling themselves when the keys are pressed lightly

The solution seems to be the same .... Replace the group of contact strips. Apparently this was an issue on the original Kronos

I'm just going to replace all of the contact strips and be done with it ..... The keyboards already open.

SeedyLee · Post by **SeedyLee** » Fri Apr 29, 2016 11:55 pm

The issue with double notes is well known and affected early production runs of the Kronos 73 and 88. It was resolved in later versions of the Kronos and Kronos 2. But I haven't heard of it having such a big impact on registered velocity.

Did you buy your Kronos new or second hand?

geoelectro · Post by **geoelectro** » Sat Apr 30, 2016 12:31 am

Past issues aside, velocity problems with specific keys is a contact problem. There are two contacts per key. The timing between the two closures is measured for velocity. If either contact is faulty, you get incorrect velocity.
This is an industry wide scenario. It can be just dust interfering with the contact where cleaning will fix it. However, if you've had it awhile and are going to get inside you might just replace them which restarts the clock for wear.

Geo

96th_Malice · Post by **96th_Malice** » Sat Apr 30, 2016 2:16 pm

I purchased it used from my local music store

The Kronos went back last night for warranty work to resolve this issue and a couple others.

Contact strips is 95% the issue in all original Kronos 73 / 88s

Thanks for the replys

jorgemncardoso · Post by **jorgemncardoso** » Sat Apr 30, 2016 3:22 pm

This is unfortunately a common problem with keybeds from all manufacturer's that use the rubber contact systems, wich unfortunately is probably more than 95% these days

It happens sooner or later with all those keybeds, depending on how hard you play, how often you play and in what environment conditions you play (dust, sun, moisture, etc..). I think that with the Kronos it always happens way too soon, at least the early contacts, don't know how well the kronos 2 is holding in that issue.

For example, my Motif XS8 bought in 2008, never had a single keybed problem, and gets regular use. Never took it out however..
That's why I've said it before and will always say it, the Yamaha FS keybeds found on the Yamaha's and Korgs from mid 80's uo to mid 2000's are the best contact system ever designed, it can endure virtualy anything for ages and ages

96th_Malice · Post by **96th_Malice** » Sat Apr 30, 2016 3:45 pm

Apparently the old contacts ( pink in color ) are the culprit

New ones ( blue ) have solved the issue

Now I just wait for the work to be done