Keyboard levels when sending to FOH?

[JPWC]

I approach my setup by optimizing my gain and signal chain.

I turn up the keyboards as high as possible without distorting the input channel.

Set faders on unity and keyboards at about 70% and adjust input gain for no red peaks. If you have a fix gain mixer with no adjustment, the keyboards generally have too run a little lower around 50%. Once you find this point, don't exceed it and everything will workout fine, Don't run the keyboard at less than 20%, as every time you touch the volume knob, the volume will jump somewhat out of control, buy an inline pad. Usually the keyboard will work ok with a line level signal -10 dB, but the Kronos output is a +4 dBu, you might have too run the keyboard volume setting at a lower level

After you have the gain set, you can adjust the mix with the faders, of course I just adjust my keyboards volumes at will, but never passing that maximum limit I set earlier.

I think it is always best to have your own mixer, even if your only using one keyboard, it gives you better control of your sound. If the house can't deal with a line level signal it's great to have a direct box built into your system.

If your keyboard has balanced outputs, you should run them with balanced cables, of course it will still work if you don't.

Outputs:
L/MONO, R:
1/4” Balanced; 170 ohms Stereo; 85 ohms Mono (L/MONO Only), Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu, Maximum Level: +16.0 dBu (when load impedance is 600 ohms or greater)

Individual 1-4:
1/4” Balanced; 170 ohms Stereo; 85 ohms Mono, Nominal Level: +4.0 dBu, Maximum Level: +16.0 dBu (when load impedance is 600 ohms or greater)

Just read the the specifications. If you have not done so, you should review the specifications for all your equipment.

[ScoobyDoo555]

In the studio, all synth outputs are set to max (for the reasons stated above).
Live I try to set my levels about 80% AFTER I've set my submixer gain at full volume.
This way I know that even if I cook it, the levels won't clip at FOH (I also tell the FOH engineer what I'm doing so he doesn't get a nasty surprise!!)

Max output is ALL about getting best S/N ratio. Anything less than full and you're starting to potentially amplify from the mixer gain...

Adding both noise and potentially rubbish sound due to cr@p mic pres.....

That said, I've noticed that kronos is quite a weighty level mistress on the outputs, so I sometimes have to mess with pads (-10db) etc

Dan

[EnjoyRC]

Once again, thank you all for such great insight on this topic. For last nights performance, I applied what has been shared here. I started submixing my keys on stage. Previously I was using a Radial DI for each keyboard and letting FOH run all keys.

Last night I ran all keys about 75-80%. 3:00 on knobbed keyboard volumes, or 3/4 up on slider volumes. On my keyboard mixer, I set the volume levels on each channel and the master out at unity. I'm really looking forward to a fuller, cleaner sound quality.

[Ajbbklyn]

I think a key component in the signal chain is the use of direct boxes. The OP stated that he's running the signal through a pair of Radial DI's. This gives him a balanced, noise-free signal going into the mixer. It also allows him to keep the board at 50%-75%, which is a prudent range for onstage.

I'd stick with the Radials and the lower levels. My 2¢

[NuSkoolTone]

What is your normal level set at on your keyboards when sending signals to the Front of House? Signals being sent through a Radial DIs. 25%, 50%, 75%, or all the way up? Just curious about what was intended by the designers of the keyboards?

I usually sound-check at two thirds of max when live. This gives me a little wiggle room of my own if I get the feeling from the crowd that I'm not being heard.

In the studio you should be at max volume on your synths, unless you have a very good reason not to be.

Given Variance in patches, I do about 1/3 (10:00). I don't find the knob to be as linear as a slider. Seems once you go past half-way, there isn't much more gain on tap anyway. At least IME, of course YMMV.