How to achieve unity gain (equal in/out levels) with KP3?

[djsix]

Hi there,

I am currently looking into buying a Kaoss Pad 3 to add to my current mixer in a Send/Receive configuration.

Something is bugging me with the gain stages, and I'd like to get it clarified.

On the EFX-500/EFX-1000 I see that one can set both the input and output volumes so unity gain is achieved (no amplification, no deamplification) by setting the peaks at 0 dB, so whatever wet signal returns to the mixer (assuming Send/Receive setup) is optimal (no distortion, and not too low).

On the Kaoss Pad 3, however I see that only one volume control is available (for input, with appropriate VU meter light).

What does that imply?

Does it mean that the Kaoss Pad 3's output depends on whatever value the input volume is set at, and never amplifies/de-amplifies the signal?

If not, then how can one be certain that unity gain is set properly?

Any clarifications on this would be appreciated...

[m4m]

just A/B your mix and the looper untill you get the loper and the mix to be indistinguishable in sound level (or use the input led as a visual cue and have it peak red on he loudest peaks, mostly orange)

[djsix]

Hi m4m,

Thanks for the tip.

However I'm a bit confused -- what do you mean by "A/B your mix"?

Also, you seem to be implying that I should be able to distinguish between the "loper" sound and the "mix" sound? Can you give me a few more details on this? (FX loops newbie here... )

Thanks!

[m4m]

select effect lop1
send all your mix to the kaoss pad(all aux sends)
adjust the input of the kp
press the pad/stop thhe playbach/muthe the playback
a/b the loop in the kp and the playback
adjust so you can switch from mix playback to KP loop without noticing any level difference

if the KP is in the path of your main out it's even easier, unplug it, note the level, plug it and match the un-kaossed levels

also, orange light with occasional red on peaks=nominal level

[Willie K]

m4m,I think you're mistaking what he asked, he's not talking about the level of the mix between the signal and the effects, but the level of the input signal.
Djsix, the level of the INPUT VOLUME is the same than the output volume, you just have to avoid it to go on red (it could distort the sound). To be sure the gain is put properly, my friend, you have to use your ears,

[djsix]

m4m: Thanks for the extra details!

Willie K: Yes, this is precisely what I was asking for. I'm glad to hear that the KP3 is not supposed to be adding/removing extra gain in this configuration. Looks like this will be an easy addition to my mixer setup in the FX Loop (send/receive).

Will buy soon and experiment.

By the way, for the visual part, I'm usually relying on keeping all my signal in the green zone (but as maxed out as possible), having very occasional peaks in the amber (orange) area (but as less as possible).

Cheers!

[m4m]

green jsut means signal, from my observation, amber is between -6 and 0, so keep it amber, with no red and you'll have maximum headroom

[djsix]

Amber being the -6 dB to the 0 dB zone on the KP3 peak light: Interesting. Will investigate this when I get my KP3 .


Cheers!

[spencer vex]

Amber being the -6 dB to the 0 dB zone on the KP3 peak light: Interesting.

indeed

i was having trouble getting my samples at the same level as my input, but i guess this is due to me trying to keep the input in the green with a little amber

i thought any peek would degrade sound, but as long as its not red then its good?

ill have to check this out