Im using a microKORG synth through a logitech Z550 speaker setup and i tried it for the first time with my band today, at boost 11 and the key volume at max, it barely does the job and some parts are too soft...its definetly not using all of its 500watts, the 120w guitar amp i was using previous to this was far louder half way up. I believe the output signal from my microKORG is weak. Is there any mixer or something I can use to boost/amplify the signal so itd louder? please help, i dont want to go back to using the guitar amo, this is so much nicer sounding, just needs to be a bit louder...

First and foremost check the Z-5500 with another keyboard, such as the PSR-2000, 3000, Tyros, etc and see if there is a difference. At boost 11 using my 3000 I can blow the doors off the restaurant I perform at on Wednesday evenings.

If the volume level is the same level is the Mini-Korg, then the problem may be with the Z-5500. If the Z-5500 is faulty, call Logitech Tech support at 1-792-795-8500 and they'll be more than happy to replace the unit.

If the volume level is significantly higher with the other keyboards, then the problem clearly lies with the output of the Korg. If this is the case, a $99 Alesis 6FX mixer will be more than adequate to boot the Korg's volume levels to normal output levels.

The beauty of this mixer is it has a host of great features, it's compact size and the cost is quite modest for something of this quality.

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

the challenge will now be finding one of those keyboards to use, im not sure how i can get a hold of one...anything else i can try, like a dvd player or something?
thanks for the input...i may have to just call logitech instead of buying a mixer blindly

It really doesn't sound like there is a problem with the output from the miniKorg as you say it is loud through a 120 watt guitar amp. I do think having a mixer would provide the extra gain. The guitar amp's preamp already provides this which is why it seems louder through it.

I don't think you are going to be able to avoid buying an external mixer. Your cheapest option is Behringer mixers that are only around $60. Plus they will provide you with EQ control as well as gain. If you live near a Guitar Center you can always buy one with the option of returning it if it doesn't solve your problem. But I am sure it will.

thanks for the help guys.

last night I ordered this yamaha mixer for $99, it looked cooler than the alesis and does the same so i went for it-
http://www.zzounds.com/item--YAMMG102

Now, what will I need to hook this up? As of now i'm using one 1/8" plug from the speaker system that braches off into 2 RCA plugs, with 1/4" adaptors on each end that plug into my microkorg. Any more cables I'll need?

[This message has been edited by bthmedicinetree (edited 12-03-2005).]

The only additional cables needed will be a pair of 1/4-inch mono instument cables to go between your Korg and the mixer. The cable that previously went between the Korg and the amp will now be used between the mixer output and the amp input.

Gary

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Travlin' Easy