MS-20, volume signal very low, what can I do?

Damo303 · Post by **Damo303** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 4:30 pm

I've have recently purchased a MS-20 and the first thing i've noticed is how quiet the signal is compared to my newer synths. I've also noticed that if I use the headphone output instead of the signal output it is slightly louder.

Is there any way of getting a louder signal on the MS-20 before it goes through your desk, what do most peole do to boost the signal?

Some sort of pre amp perhaps?

Post by **Maschinengeist** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 6:59 pm

Usually, a weak signal indicates a problem with either the VCO, LFO, VCF or VCA.

In this case, since the Headphone output seems ok, then I'd check the resistance values in the path circuitry. And while at it, check the filter cap too. Maybe the HPF/LPF Cutoff Frequency needs to be adjusted.

sam · Post by **sam** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 7:13 pm

Also check the patchbay..plug in a jack a few times in and out on the sockets relating to the points in the previous post.

Alot of ms problems occur when the patchbay isn't used.

Anaki_Muon · Post by **Anaki_Muon** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 7:43 pm

I've never had problems with my MS20 when the patchbay isn't being used, and the volume level is perfectly fine. I'd be inclined to say Maschinengeist is probably on to something here, but you may want to have a synth technician take a look at instead of messing with it yourself (unless, of course, you're comfortable with that).

Post by **Maschinengeist** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 7:59 pm

Anaki_Muon wrote:I've never had problems with my MS20 when the patchbay isn't being used, and the volume level is perfectly fine. I'd be inclined to say Maschinengeist is probably on to something here, but you may want to have a synth technician take a look at instead of messing with it yourself (unless, of course, you're comfortable with that).

Yeah, you're right and neglect to mention it. If you're not at ease with such a task (no shame... it's getting technical and who wants to wreck such a fine piece of technology?), it'd be wise to seek the synth doctor of your area.

Anaki_Muon · Post by **Anaki_Muon** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 8:11 pm

Maschinengeist wrote:Yeah, you're right and neglect to mention it.

Heh heh, yeah... wait- what? What an odd thing to say. I like your new avatar by the way, Maschinengeist.

sam · Post by **sam** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 8:19 pm

If you have no electronic knowledge it's best not to fiddle with a synth.

Anyway the ms patchbays do cause problems if not used or if there has been a jack inserted for some time.

I have seen these problems on mine and others.

Post by **Maschinengeist** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 12:57 am

Anaki_Muon wrote:
Maschinengeist wrote:Yeah, you're right and neglect to mention it.
Heh heh, yeah... wait- what? What an odd thing to say. I like your new avatar by the way, Maschinengeist.

So I see that you appreciate my brand new Typo Master 2000!

Damo303 · Post by **Damo303** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 9:52 am

Thanks guys,

The volume is fine for most sounds IE loud Bass, Leads etc. So i'm not sure its a problem with the unit.

Basically i've made a particular 'squelchy' sound that I want to use in a track, its this sound that seems to be very quiet. If I change the sound (IE by moiving the cutoff etc) the sound becomes louder but different and not how I intend to use the original sound.

So I was wondering if there is a good way of amplifying certain sounds that appear to be quieter than others.

Spike Vincent · Post by **Spike Vincent** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 11:14 am

I have an MS10 and I can't say I've experienced similar problems.It is possible that the sounds you're creating are just quieter,but I'd get it checked out to be sure.

Anaki_Muon · Post by **Anaki_Muon** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 3:46 am

Wait a second... are you talking about raising both the peaks and cutoff frequency for the high-pass and low-pass filters? I've noticed doing so can cause the volume to 'sound' quieter, but I say that's normal when you start to isolate only high frequencies like that. Can you be more specific about the actual knobs your twisting here?