Drums and loop won't sync KP3

[simenne]

Hello.

I just bought a new KP3, and I've been playing with it for a few days now. I got a couple of synths aswell, but this is my first looper/sampler.
Anyway, I tried to play Billie Jean, as it's an easy song to play, just to give the looper and drums a shot, but the drums and the loop wouldn't sync. It's close, but not 100%, which makes it useless.

I have read a lot on this forum, and I did find a thread about this issue, but nobody had a solution. That thread was dated april, so I am wondering if anyone has figured out what to do about it by now?

I know that the KP3 ain't primarily a drum machine, but I am wondering what's the point of adding drums to it, if they don't work properly?

I hope someone can give me a clue of what to do.

Thanks
-Simen

[Pastor-of-Muppets]

which makes it useless.

really?

hmm, guess I should throw my kp3 in the bin then

[JinglesJapan]

...

[simenne]

Haha. I am not declaring the product useless. It's funny that the only responses I've got is turning this upside down and make me look like the bandit. I am just wondering if the drum programs by any chance may sync with the loop?

I think it's fair to say the drum programs are useless if they ain't in sync with the rest of the machine. But you two, Jingles and Pastor, think otherwise I suppose?

-Simen

[Pastor-of-Muppets]

the drum and synth programs are definitely not the most useful features on the KP3, but then as you say, that's not what it's for - it's an effects unit

[Mr36]

I agree that the drums and synths are not the most useful features and are not what it's for. I stay away from them anyway. But if you really want to use them, their timing will very much depend on your timing. The one-shots, obviously, just like hitting real drums or playing real keys, but the looped drum programs will start when you tell them to start and will play at the global BPM regardless of when you start them. Therefore, they are only out of sync if you are.

[simenne]

but the looped drum programs will start when you tell them to start and will play at the global BPM regardless of when you start them. Therefore, they are only out of sync if you are.

I think you are wrong. Here is what I just did: I started a metronom BMP140, then I started the drums on the KP3 BMP140. After a short while they were off each others tempo. Just to be sure it wasn't the metronome that was off, I added another metronome, and, well, I got the same result.

Before anyone tells me I'm wrong, test it yourself. If you get different results I would like to hear what I can do to solve the problem.

And even though it's not the most useful feature on the KP3, it is there, and as I ain't got a drum machine (yet) I see it as quite helpful to have a 4/4 preset drum pattern on my hand.

[JinglesJapan]

...

[Mr36]

Have you tried aligning the KP3 with the metronome using shift + tap tempo? Try this. Otherwise what you are suggesting is that the KP3's idea of BPM is different to that of the standard and so 140BPM (or whatever) is different in KP3-world than 140BPM in the rest of the world. This is not impossible, of course.
And I suggested the timing being user error because, to be honest, most timing issues are. These are machines that do what we tell them.

[simenne]

Now if this does turn out to be a problem with your timing, if the drums and the loop won't sync because you're not close enough and if you're not 100%, will that make you useless? :D

Jingles.

I suppose.
By the way, here is the thread I did mention. He/she is having the exact same problem as I am.

http://www.korgforums.com/forum/phpBB2/ ... +loop+sync

[Mr36]

Well, if what darthballs is saying in that thread is true, that's it. Nothing to be done really. Like I said, I steered well clear of those samples and loops anyway so never really tried them out when I had KP3's. As one other poster said in that thread, I find it hard to believe too. It surely implies that the looped beats are running off a different clock to the global KP3 clock or that the samples of the loops are not cut right. Again, both are possible. Who knows?
My advice would be to get a cheap drum machine off eBay instead. Anything would be better than the KP3 drums and you'd have infinitely more control and it would be more original.
Sorry it's not a fix but if that really is the case, there isn't a fix.

[simenne]

Yes, it is most likely a result of two clocks that ain't synced. Well, thank you Mr36.
Does any of you have a suggestion for good, not to expencive drum machine? It's christmas soon, you know :)

Simen.

[Mr36]

I hope that wasn't to insinuate that we buy you one...

I do actually have a suggestion. I have a Zoom RT-223, which is certainly good for what it is, and I'd guess you'd be able to pick one of those fairly cheaply now. It's done me proud in years gone by, though the sounds are certainly not outdated yet, especially as you can do quite a lot to them even within the box itself.

[simenne]

Of course that was to insinuate that you'd buy me one.
How could I possibly aford one after buying the KP3?

Thanks man. I'll check it out!

[Mr36]

Well, when I win the lottery, I'll be sure to send you a mint condition TR-909.

What's your budget for a drum machine anyway? Maybe I can put a couple of other suggestions your way.