Korg Kross 1 exported audio sounds low

jgwong · Post by **jgwong** » Fri Jan 26, 2018 10:09 pm

Whenever I record and export a song on the Kross to WAV, it sounds quieter compared to how it sounds via speakers or headphones.

For example, I have exported the built-in demo song Sundance:
http://jgwong.org/dropbox/sundance.mp3

It sounds quieter compared to Korg's version on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/korg/2-sundance

I've read the manual and found no way to set the input volume while recording or exporting.

Am I missing something or is this normal?

voip · Post by **voip** » Fri Jan 26, 2018 11:10 pm

Compression is the main, and possibly only difference between the two. Both your MP3 and Korg's rendition have roughly the same sized sonic peaks, but the compression in Korg's version makes it sound louder overall. It's a technique widely used in music to make it more "punchy"when played e.g. on the radio, but it does reduce the dynamic range of the music.

Open both files in a sound editing program and compare the amplitude envelopes of both versions to see the difference.

jgwong · Post by **jgwong** » Sat Jan 27, 2018 9:30 pm

But the question still remains, the Kross seems to export the audio lower than what I hear on speakers.

Does the same happens on yours?

voip · Post by **voip** » Sat Jan 27, 2018 11:21 pm

The Export menu has a Level Adjust setting. The setting range is huge, -96 to +96dB, which is worth trying, but be aware it could lead to distortion.

jgwong · Post by **jgwong** » Sat Jan 27, 2018 11:43 pm

I can (and have) adjust it the same using Audacity, but I'd rather have the audio sound louder from the source.

I appreciate your help!