PX-S1100 line out feeble sound

[hypersonics]

Greetings from Australia..

 

I'm new to this forum as well as to Casio Privia PX-S1100.

 

Today I got a Casio Privia PX-S1100 digital piano and I'm trying to work out the best way to use the line out on the piano to get some decent sound. I use a Focusrite Scarlet 6i6 (gen 1) audio interface and a pair of Yamaha HS-5 for monitoring.

 

I also got a pair of TR cables and have used L and R on the piano line outs to the line inputs 3 and 4 on the audio interface as shown in the manual (https://fael-downloads-prod.focusrite.com/customer/prod/downloads/Scarlett%206i6%20User%20Guide%20-%20EN.pdf).

 

When playing piano, I have to crank the monitor volume on the audio interface past 3/4 to hear some sound via the HS-5, and this is after setting the max volume on the piano itself, otherwise, it's too feeble. Checked the Focusrite scarlet mixer control and I have set it to max on Mixer Input Channel, Mixer Output Channel, and the software monitor knob. (Page 19 on https://fael-downloads-prod.focusrite.com/customer/prod/downloads/Scarlett 6i6 User Guide - EN.pdf) The volume on the HS5 is also set to around 3/4.

 

I have also tried connecting the piano directly to HS-5 using line 2 (on the speaker) input and the result is marginally louder.

 

Am I doing anything wrong here? Or is it the best sound I could get from these digital pianos via the interface?

 

Many thanks!

[Jokeyman123]

TR cables-do you mean 3-way TRS 1/4" plugs? Most Casios with line out 1/4" use simple 2-conductor patch cables. I'm not sure it should make any difference in how the output is being transmitted to the Focusrite but it might. I also use 3-way 1/4" cables such as used for stereo signals, or in my use, 3-way trigger cables for digital drums that need 2 line and one ground audio signal. I'll have to check my Focusrite audio interface I think it has 3-way TRS inputs. There might be a mismatch with the cable configurations from the Casio to the Focusrite. Shouldn't be, but its possible. My Privias (not the 1100) are not overly "hot" at the line outputs but certainly hot enough to drive powered speakers or an audio interface into powered speakers. When I use 1/4" outs to my mixers, I usually do not have to goose the input sensitivity very high to get a strong enough signal to record or monitor. but I've only done this with the PX560, XW and PX350 all of which have 1/4" line out jacks. I don't see the PXs-1100 having a much different output signal.

[hypersonics]

Thanks @Jokeyman123

 

The cables that I'm currently using are exactly this. https://www.bettermusic.com.au/mammoth-mam-lines-g10-instrument-cable-10ft-straight-1-4-jacks

Two cables, one for L and one for R going from PX-S1100 to Focusrite. From what I can understand, these cables are just TS and sorry not TR as in my original post.

 

Focusrite 6i6 gen 1 can take take both TS and TRS.

[Jokeyman123]

Looks like quality cables, so there goes my idea-since the Focusrite (I have one too) takes either, I am stumped. I hope the keyboard isn't defective. How is the headphone output? I s it loud enough with you headphones? Looking over the Focusrite manual I don't see how this could cause any problems, since it senses whether you are inserting low or high level inputs-the PX would be considered high-level line outputs rather than the older or pro use low level although I can find no exact specs for the Casio in any of its manuals so can't be sure but all my Casios are high-level line outputs so should be hot enough.

 

What does the PX sound like when its outputs are directly connected to the Yamahas without the Focusrite? Could the Focusrite's software configuration have something to do with this problem, or are using it "standalone"-not connected to a computer?  Apparently it needs to be set up with a computer first, and the settings are saved once this is done.  it could simply be that the PX-S1100 does not have a strong output signal but i would test it directly to your powered speakers first. you could also try the headphone output to the Focusrite although this might overdrive the Focusrite to distort if the headphone out is too hot and also cut out some high frequencies for the same reason, It might work if you keep your interface input low enough but you shouldn't need to do this. Your setup looks correct to me.

 

https://support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/115003394169

[alex_r]

Hi, I have the same problem with my casio S1100

I connect it to the mixer and I have to give it max gain, and still the loudness is not enough (for a small room)

Any tips on how to fix that?

[Dj_Akey]

The same as for my pxs 3100, i go directly to the Monitors and have Piano and monitors at max volume. The grand Piano sound is the quitest, the synths are loud instead. Talking to a dealer and teacher, he says this is normal because of the amplification you automaticly have on stage. So i let it like it is but switched a behringer dj mixer inbetween..... 

[Brad Saucier]

Piano tones have a wide dynamic range, which means they will sound very quiet but also can sound very loud depending on the speed the keys are pressed and how many notes are sounding at the same time.  I suggest playing the built in demo song to get an idea of how much louder the piano can get at the same volume knob setting.  

[Sbc]

My PX-S1100 lineout volume is also low. But I found out that some active speakers amplify the sound more than others. 

[Dj_Akey]

Hey Brad, yes of course, the teacher mentioned the wider dynamic range too. 

Maybe I'm too careful with the keys as a beginner but nevertheless I like the fact that the amplification is well ballanced so you can't get distortion and damage to the amplification and speakers, seems lasting for a long product live, well done! 😊