Here's my rig...A microKORG and the Z5500. I'm using a monster cable 1/8" jack split into 2 female phono jacks, each connected to a 1/4" adaptor and into the L and R outputs of the microKORG. The master volume on the microKORG is all the way up, and as far as I know it is the only way to control volume on this synth, ive been through the owners manual a dozen or so times. There are no onboard speakers on the microKORG. Any other ideas as to what this could be? I plug my ipod in and this system bumps on boost 11, however nothing that I can't be in the same room with. It's a possibility that boost 11 settings can compete with my band, however I don't want to be constantly running the system at this level as I fear i'll blow the speakers...I guess i'll be calling logitech for a new one if I can't solve this today...
thanks for all the input guys

I-pods don't have lots of output power, but if it's putting out more than your keyboard, then the problem is with the keyboard's output power. I suspect there is nothing wrong with the Z-5500.

A work-around for this may to be to fire your keyboard through a small mixer, such as the Alesis 6FX, or something similar, which would boost your keyboard's output.

Now, if you're trying to compete for volume with a band using a big PA system, it's not gonna' happen. When you bring your volume up, they'll crank up their volume, and by the end of the night everyone will have ringing in their ears--including your audience.

Also, keep in mind that speaker position is critical, even with standard or conventional PA systems. If your Z-5500 speakers are sitting on a table, or worst yet, on the floor, you will not get much out of the satellites. They must be positioned at least 5 feet above the floor in order to be effective.

If the Z-5500 doesn't provide sufficient punch for your type of performances using this type of setup, then it would probably be a good idea to take it back for a refund and go with something else. That's why I tell everyone to purchase the system at a location that has a liberal return policy.

Good Luck, and I sincerely hope everything works out for you.

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

As of now my band is instrumental with no singer. There are 2 guitars, a bass and drums and we are pretty loud. On boost 11 I would probably mix well, but I shouldn't be pushing it this much, right? What I don't understand is if the keyboards output is weak then why is it louder on my 120watt crate guitar amp im using in my band now...and I have that at about half way volume, with my keyboard volume at one o'clock position...I guess I just dont want to spend $100 on the mixer if its not the problem...

It would be a lot easier for me to diagnose the problem if I lived relatively close and could see the setup first hand. I suspect there is an impedience difference or mismatch that is causing the problem, but I really don't know for sure. If there is someone in your area, maybe Tony Madelone, that could hook up their keyboard to the Z-5500's same input it would provide a definitive answer. Kinda difficult for me to figure this one out from nearly 400 miles away. Wish I could do more.

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

I'm gonna have to go along with Gary's last, I think your signal out of the korg is weak. as for the Ipod the guitar player hooked his up to my Z5500 and the volume dropped in half.

Sorry we hav'nt solved your problem. sure would have liked to have been of some help to you. I also do'nt think a new one will do any better....Hope you get it fixed......Pose

I just made a huge volume difference, instead of plugging the 1/8" headphone jack into the musical notation symbol on the side of the reciever I plugged it into the green hole on the back of the reciever, and it sounds twice as loud or more than that, enough for my band for sure. It's super clear too. Is it OK to run it at boost 11, with my synth volume position at 1 o'clock? The sub remains at about 30%. Most importantly, is it OK for me to keep it plugged in in the back, that shouldnt do any harm right?
thanks

You can run at Boost 11 as long as you don't crank up the keyboard too loud--should be OK.

As for the green plug, I suspect you've found a better inpedience match.

Keep up updated, and let us know how your band likes the system.

Cheers,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

id like to thank everyone for the help ive gotten in my last few threads, i really would have been stuck without you...especially Ed, Gary, loungelylizard and AJ, all have been really helpful. ill keep you posted about the band, and will soon have questions about adding a good bigger keyboard/synth with my microKORG when I save up some more.
again, thanks a million

-Vic

hi ,I run my korg Pa1 X pro like that and its great no problem, no need to run it full bore , works great every body is impressed with the sound, Benno