From aevett1@yahoo.com Mon Nov 07 09:52:12 2005
Subject:VK-8M: Low audio output ?

Hi group...

I just picked up a slighty used VK-8M on Ebay, and am
very much looking forward to trying out some of the
ideas that have been offered here - over the past
several weeks - regarding its' application. I'd
previously owned a Roland VR-760, so I'm familiar with
the VK-8 sound engine - and getting around its'
various parameters. Sonically, as far as hardware
clonewheel modules go, this is a about as good as it
gets.

One concern: The output levels are a tad low. I used
the module this weekend - running it into one of the
channels of my Hartke KM200, along with a Yamaha S90
ES and a Korg Triton EX (the Triton being the
controller for the VK-8M). Each instrument was run in
mono, with their respective output levels at approx.
85 % (The volume sliders on the keyboards were at this
level; for the VK-8M [its' own volume knob at 10], I
had the programmed 'Combi' MIDI volume in the Triton
set also to approx. 85 %.) To get my levels to match
properly in the KM200's mixer, I had to set the VK-8M
channel at 7.5 - vs. the S90 ES at 4.5, and the Triton
at 3.5. in other words: the Triton output was 'very
hot', the S90 ES was 'hot', and the VK-8M 'lukewarm'.
I also tried the same configuration using the stereo
outs on each instrument: same result. 'Right' out of
the VK-8M in the mono config ? Same result...

When I used a VR-760, I remember its' output being a
little lower than the Yamaha S80 I had at the time.
But the VK-8M level difference is quite a bit more
dramatic. Is the output level of a normal VK-8M on the
low side, or should this instrument run a bit 'hotter'
than what I've got going ? I purchased it from a
reputable seller on Ebay, and there was no apparent
damage in transit; all other functions work normally.
This unit is 'useable' in its' present state; granted,
there was a minor degree of hiss on its' channel
(compared to the clarity of the other two), but with
the 'Leakage' set a approx. 25 % this was not a big
deal. However, I don't feel that the 'headroom' is
there; something doesn't seem right.
Regarding the 'stage' and 'main' levels of the KM200:
The 'main' output was at 4.5 (that was getting close
to the upper limit of what the FOH engineer could
take), and the stage output was between 3 and 3.5, for
the night.

Thoughts, suggestions, insights ? I'm new to this
particular piece of hardware, and couldn't find
anything 'hidden' in the manual regarding this issue
(other than the typical reference to the volume knob.
and that the unit accepts MIDI Volume on cc # 11).

Thanks for any help that can be given,

Allan


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