Korg M50 progs/combis balance volume

[dimitrispl]

Hello!I have a Korg M50-61 keys and i wonder if there is any way to make programs/combis sound in the same volume.For example,some Rhodes sounds have different volume than the others (Real Suit E.Piano is in low volume compared to Master Rho piano).The same applies to Piano sound or organ.(''M50 Grand piano'' is loud.On the other hand,''Acoustic Piano w'' sounds too low).I know i can control them manually but i want to know if there is any way to auto-balance them!Thank you in advance

[billbaker]

I don't think so (auto-balance). There's no provision I've heard of on any Korg (or other synth for that matter) for solving this long standing problem.

First because because so much depends on the programming and structure of effects - some patches are just inherently louder.

Second, there are psycho-acuostic considerations - some sounds that read the same on a vU meter sound like they're at radically different dB levels.

Using a good vU meter, if you have one in any sort of recorder or maybe as an app with a decent USB mic jacked in might give you a measuring stick with which to make relevant adjustments on the synth side. But you need to get some clear idea of what you want your baseline volume to be - some sounds will only hit the "loud-enough-volume" with significant compression.

Alternatively, you could run through a pre-amp and compressor/limiter and fix things on the front-of-house end with no changes to your programs. Doing that will lessen the most abrupt changes in volume - as you switch between patches - but will mean compromises to your ability to use nuance and volume in your playing especially in a more intimate environment.

PS: Piano sounds are always problematic given the enormous change between the hammer strike volume and the fall off in volume of a ringing string.


BB

[dimitrispl]

Ok thank you very much for your reply

[tkvoice]

This is really problamatic for live performances .. unless you have a sound guy that has his hand on your slider.

What I have done with my M50 for live performance as a work around is to copy all my programs for the gig to combis (as 80's rock usually have splits/layers). Then hook up the M50 to an external mixer/recorder that has dB LEDs/meter. Run through the songs and set the "Mix Levels" appropriately (make sure you hit save after each adjustment).

Also get yourself a foot expresion/volume pedal so you can control the master volume or "*certain timbres assigned to your COMBI" dynamically.

*------certain timbres assigned to your COMBI-----
Found this info on other threads here and have always wanted to give it a try:
Make sure you set the pedal up for CC #11- "Expression" NOT Volume- CC #7, otherwise it will be a global control. CC #7 is "Master Volume" (midi) channel volume. it's like turning the rotary volume knob. I do this a lot and it works wonderfully. That are a lot of other MIDI filters that are useful, such as damper pedal, pitch bend, etc. Experiment! The Kronos is a great master controller! The important thing is to set the pedal to CC# 11 for independent control of volume of different timbres in a combi.

[michelkeijzers]

Since I use the X5 (and now using a Kronos, used M50 before), all the songs we play in our band uses combis, and in a combi you can decide for every timbre the volume. Depending on the song sometimes sounds needs to be harder or softer than others, so an autobalance would not help. The only thing bothering me is that in the rehearsal room depending who stands closer to me (or is present at all) it makes it hard to make a good mix.

[michelkeijzers]

Since I use the X5 (and now using a Kronos, used M50 before), all the songs we play in our band uses combis, and in a combi you can decide for every timbre the volume. Depending on the song sometimes sounds needs to be harder or softer than others, so an autobalance would not help. The only thing bothering me is that in the rehearsal room depending who stands closer to me (or is present at all) it makes it hard to make a good mix.