Nord User Forum

When playing piano or EP, what should I be using for volume, the gain knob or master level knob?

The gain setting is stored with a program; the master volume is... well, the master volume

Well, I start with master volume around mid way. I then adjust the external mixer or amp to desired listening. Then I start messing around with individual instruments until I get the right mix. Once you get the right mix, save the program. This will set individual instruments to the right balance. Then if I need to increase or decrease volume from there, I use the master to maintain the individual instrument balance. I start with it at 1/2 way so I have some headroom if I need it.

For individual instruments playback I try to use just the level of the individual instrument and leave the master alone (unless I run out of headroom). This could be needed especially for organ where drawbar selection can affect the instrument volume.

Note: No-one ever told me this. It was from school of hard knocks. If anyone has better suggestion, I happy to learn a better way.

Ideally you should use the "gain" to get the volume of each patch right - the "master" adjusts the overall volume of the keyboard. So you use the "gain" to balance your patches, then you set the "master" for the whole keyboard when you get to the gig.

One thing to watch is that the amp simulators actually do, erm, amplify the sound - a lot! So the "gain" can be used to keep that in check.