If I understand you correctly, there is no point going through your PC soundcard as there is no "adapter" or program that will boost the level of the signal without clipping the underpowered system, you don't need to (and can't) use the pc as a "digital amp"...you can just use it's (self-powered?) speakers with the proper connectors. The EX5 output (master volume) should not be all the way up, it puts out a very hot signal....start with it at the lowest setting and slowly increase it until just before clipping is heard. If you overdrive the speakers or the soundcard you get clipping which results in annoying distortion.

[ November 11, 2003: Message edited by: adaptus ]

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In fact, it has such a wide range that if I play the Eurodemo demo song through my Spirit and my Musical Fidelities, there is a stage in the song where the cones are moving in and out at about 0.5Hz, almost at DC!

I have to kick in the subsonic filter for peace of mind, if not of ear

The real issue here is that most regular audio systems, especially SodBlaster cr*p cards (sorry chaps) are just not up to the range the EX5 can kick out!

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We've all been "financially embarrassed" (read that, "poor") at some point(s) in our lives, but the bottom line is that you somehow managed to afford a high quality flagship synth. If you want high quality sound from it, you're going to have to figure out a way to afford some high quality monitors. On the bright side, there are some pretty nice little powered monitors being made today by a lot of different companies, and they won't cost nearly as much as your EX5.

You wouldn't buy a Ferrari, and then put cheap 85 octane gasoline in it, would you?

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For starters, computer speakers (and home stereo systems, as well) are *not* made to handle the very wide dynamic range that can come from a keyboard rig. If you're unfamiliar with the term "dynamic range", it simply means "range of amplitude"; in this case, it's the range of voltage coming from the output of your rig, to the input of the preamp. In any case, besides poor quality sound when driving the speakers hard, it is VERY easy to destroy computer speakers (or home stereo speakers) with a keyboard rig. IF you have a very good (i.e. expensive) home stereo amplifier and speakers, and assuming you run all your gear through a mixing board and monitor levels *very* carefully, you can use that home stereo system for a keyboard rig at home. It's still dangerous, though, in that if you have just one slip, you can blow the speakers, or even the amp.

I would also never use computer speakers for reference. I haven't seen a computer speaker system yet that has anything approaching a flat frequency response, let alone other qualities (good imaging, fast transient response, etc.) that you want from a studio reference monitor.

You don't have to spend a fortune, but at least get yourself a set of the less expensive powered monitors that are made for use with musical instruments and gear. While the inexpensive monitors won't provide the best sound in the world, it will be a lot better than what you currently have, plus you won't risk blowing your computer speakers, plus you'll have a nice little setup that you can easily tote to small gigs. You might even start enjoying the quality sound from your EX5!

Don't take my word for it. Go do a little research.

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Mykel, if you want to continue using your computer speakers for the EX5, go for it, but I'd highly recommend keeping the EX5's output volume very low in order to protect your computer sound card's preamp and your speakers.

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I use a secondhand onkyo surround sound receiver with 2 speakers and a sub, that was given to me fo' nuttin'. The heat sinks in this old thing are enormous, but it has discrete amps for each channel.

A few years ago this thing would've cost big bucks, these days most people can't give 'em away. Check ebay.

[ November 14, 2003: Message edited by: adaptus ]

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The MA8's crank out a very nice sound for pc-type speakers, you just have to keep a close eye on levels when using them...these speakers are perfect for practicing at night when louder speakers would annoy your neighbors, etc.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Ski:
Mike, I think you're missing my point. I didn't say *anything* specifically about the YST-MS50 speakers; I'm not familiar with them. If they're intended for use with musical instruments, then I'd highly recommend them over computer speakers for the reasons stated in my previous post. If, on the other hand, the YST-MS50's are build and sold as "computer speakers" or "multimedia speakers" (you have to love that catch phrase), then they'd probably wouldn't be much better or worse than Mykel's current Altec Lansing computer speakers.
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I obainted this advice from the guy I bought my EX from. DO NOT SETTLE FOR LESS, when it comes to speakers. If it takes a year to save for some good monitors, Save, be patient, wait and be more patient. I started with some really good PC speakers and an SB Live card, still use the SB Live and a Yammie mixer, and I thought it sounded good, but took his advice and got a set of Allesis MK II's (saved for a year)and it's like being heaven when you play. You will hear things in the voices that you never heard before. Also, a good compressor is a must if you push the EX to the edge. I'm with Ski 100% on this one. You won't be sorry.

One more quicky, these little subtle things you'll hear with good monitors, will also enhance your creativity.

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Greg

http://www.lauriastudios.com