I've finally tested my harmonizer in a live setting, and am extremely happy with the results, for the most part. The only problem is I keep getting distortion through both the PSR2000 (my mic goes through the keyboard)and the mains. I've tried different volume settings, both on the unit itself and on the PSR. I know Tony Mads has one, and have discussed this problem with him. Anyone who owns/has owned one have any suggesions, i.e. specific settings, etc.? Thanks!

Angelo

Have you tried running the mic thru the Digitec into the mixer out the mains [by-passing the KB] and see how it sounds thats how I do it.

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 09-17-2003).]

Donny,

That's just it. I don't use a mixer at all. Do you think that's the problem? It shouldn't be.

you can still run it thru the mains alone and use the digitec vol control.

You're right, I could do that to test it. I just hope the problem's not the keyboard application. It's so imperative to me that the vocals come directly through the keyboard. They're clean as a whistle until I put the mic through the Digitech.

I would also talk to Uncle Dave on the problem he is expert on audio/sound routing.
Good Luck

The only problem is I keep getting distortion through both the PSR2000 (my mic goes through the keyboard)and the mains.

Hi Angelo, In my opinion---distortion normally means, your giving me too much.
On my Digitec, I have a control for input and another for out put. I adjust the mic going into the Digitec first. This is first stage fo correcting distortion. Then I adjust the out put of the Digitec to the keyboard as the last step to prevent disatortion. Hope this helps, John C.

You GOTTA watch your levels.
The "gazzinta's and gazzoutta's are very tempramental when digital is concerned.
Make sure you are nhot overdriving the signal at ANY stage of the signal. There are lights to help you determine the correct level ..... Close your eyes and use your ears instead.

If your mic is plugged directly into the Digitech, and the output of the Digitech is plugged into the keyboard's line/mic input jack, make sure the switch is set to "LINE." If it is set on mic, you're overloading the input. Next, make sure the input volume level control on the back of the keyboard is set to approximately 50 percent gain, then adjust the mic volume on the front of the keyboard the number "4" button located beneath the display, again setting the mic level at about 50 percent. The mic's volume should then be adjusted with the Digitech's input volume control. If you need more volume to balance out with the keyboard's output, use the mic volume control on the the keyboard's screen. If you are overdirving the keyboard's input, the red "OVER" indicator light will usually flicker or turn on, however, this is not always the case. This should solve your problem. If not, there's always the master reset, which solves a host of user initiated problems.

Good Luck,

Gary

[This message has been edited by travlin'easy (edited 09-17-2003).]

Thanks Gary. That's most of what is happening. I also think some of the "fuzz" I am hearing is controlled by the noise gate. That, along with the slight overloading, is causing the distortion. Even when I keep the levels relatively low, it's still not as crisp as it is when I plug the mic directly into the keyboard. Has anyone else needed to control their noise gate on the keyboard vocals?

Thje noise gate and the compressor aree more trouble than good in the psr line. I turn them both off. The sound is much better, and the dynamic control is far better as well. They are very budget minded effects and should not be used unles a thorough understanding is present.

...of which there is none here, I assure you! I didn't think to turn them both off. I'll try that next. That 'fuzz' or 'hiss' noise the noise gate supposedly suppresses bugs the **** out of me!


[This message has been edited by cam8neel (edited 09-18-2003).]

Angelooooo - why?
t.

T.-

I just like everything in the same mix, and don't want to fuss with monitors or mixers. That keyboard mix is very helpful when I'm TRYING to hit some of those notes!

I find that the "on-off" status of the hiss is more noticable than a constant level, and I don't get drop offs in the harmonies that way. The purpose of a gate is to limit the signal strength that enters the mic. This (in theory) keeps out unwanted noises that are below the designated threshold and leaves room only for the intended vocal signal.
The problem is: sometimes the gate will close on a soft vocal passage and screw up your phrasing and dynamics.

Compressors are equally tricky to set correctly, and will definatly cause troubles with dynamics if not set properly.
I still advise to leave them off for the most expressive response from the mic.
Read up and practice setting levels before you decide if they will help you or hinder you. It's an easy choice for me ..... I get a much better sound using the mic and vocal techniques that I've mastered over time. A machine can't think creativly ... it only works with mathmatical settings... sometimes good....most times inappropriate.

Try turning both off and see what you get.

Thanks UD! I'll try it and see what happens. I'll keep you posted.

Angelooooo ...... how are you doing with the EX? ... While doing a sound check at 'Conversations' Saturday, I noticed some distortion from the mic ... I checked the mixer controls (I use the PA equipment [couple of eons, and a good sized mixer] of the guy who usually works there, and I've hadn't had a problem previously), tried a few different settings, but nothing was helping ... finally, I checked the 'input' slider on the EX, and it was higher than I usually have it ... lowered it a little and the distortion disappeared ...

PS On Saturdays they don't open for dinner until about 4:30 - 5, so it is a good place to get set up early in the day, and then just walk in and play ... while I was setting up the manager told me it looked like it was going to be a really slow night ... Figuring it would be an early night I started a little before 7:15, and there was NO ONE in the 'piano room' for dinner yet ... about 7:30 one couple came in... by 8:30 the room was full (about 40 people), and there were about another 40 in the main room ... a real good crowd, dancing, lots on interaction, decent tips ... I played over 2 hours before taking a break.... finished up almost midnight with the last couple finally paying their tab ..... You never know....
t.