How to increase output signal?

[sonotx]

I use multiple instruments for live looping and just bought a nord drum 3p. I am routing all the instruments into a Motu M6 interface. The first 4 inputs are boosted (not sure if that is the correct term?), but inputs 5/6 are not. The issue I'm running into is that the only 2 inputs left for the Nord are 5 and 6, and the resulting sound is VERY quiet even with the master volume maxed.

Any ideas on how to fix this? Should I pull the trigger on a stereo preamp to use in between the Nord and the interface, something like this?
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-aud ... /120621118

[wartaler]

Hi sonotx, welcome to the forum!

If one of your other instruments has higher output levels than the 3p, connect that one to inputs 5/6, and connect the 3p to inputs with gain control. If such a swap is not an option, you could try to increase the channel levels of the 3p. These are set per drum channel and stored per program/kit.

If you're playing a drum sequence via MIDI, send higher velocity notes. If you're playing the pads, try different velocity curves or sensitivity settings so that it becomes easier to reach higher velocity levels. Increasing velocity will also change the sound characteristics though.

Cheers,
Albert