Low Output Volume

[mattling]

How are ya'll dealing with the low output volume on the OB-X8? It's been a frustrating experience here.

I've added gain at the preamp stage, but found that it also raised the ground hum noise levels quite noticeably, so I added a Radial JDI to the chain, which seemed to fix that issue.

But I've been experimenting with different live setups, such as directly connecting the OB-X8 to a Model 1.4 and have found that it just can't drive even the unbalanced inputs of the 1.4. So now I'm looking at whether I need to get a signal driver like the J+4 to add to the chain.

I feel like this really shouldn't be necessary -- it's not necessary with any other piece of gear that I own. Any ideas?

[The Real MC]

I own the OB-X8 keyboard and two modules, and none of them have low output volume problems.

[nivance]

Hey there! I totally get the frustration with the OB-X8 output levels. Have you tried using a dedicated DI box like the Radial Pro48? It’s designed to boost signal strength without adding noise. Also, make sure your cables are high quality and shielded to minimize hum.

[discombob]

Hello... it is a little quiet, but noise might be something else with your wiring, as mine is running straight into Audient Evo 16 line-in, with +10 DB gain boost and volume on OB-X8 maxed, resulting between -6 and -12 DB on the faders for the first patch "It's an Oberheim!".

At first, I did wonder how that would go, but there is no audible noise floor, hum, etc.  Nothing even appears on a zoomed-in meter.  Just super clean output, more so than some of my other hardware which can get to -60 DB or more on the meters for noise on the same interface.

Assuming you tried unplugging the USB port and re-check the meter?

[Teiko]

From my experience the X8 has a very high dynamic range. Especially when you add more waveforms and crank up the resonance suddenly you get a much louder signal. This means you actually need the headroom.