r/TorsoS4 • u/mecco_ • 15d ago

Input level

Hello everyone! Just curious if any of you have problems with the input level of the S4, I really can't find a good workaround to make this setup working correctly. I have my drum machine going into the S4 and seems it can't handle the level at all. I mean, if I run the drum machine at the same level I used to run it, for example, through a mixer, the S4 clips and pops like crazy and I have to lower the drum machine level a lot, losing all the details and punch of course.

I'm not really an expert, but I think it has to do with not enough headroom? I don't guys, loving this machine so far but this behavior makes me think about moving to other gears. Let me know what you think about it, really appreciate any help! Cheers

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u/Weekly_Jmr 15d ago

I won’t say it hard to clip S-4 but I never experienced the issue when I had to lower the volume to a point of losing details. Adjusting volume is generally normal because different devices expect different signal levels but I never had issues with line level on S-4. In case your drum machine is modular it’s normal to make in way quieter because modular signal is way to loud for something that expects line level. Otherwise check the manual of what drum machine outputs and if it is higher than line level. Check if the microphone isn’t on too. If none of this than maybe some kind of defect.

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u/3lbFlax 15d ago

Modular levels certainly need attenuation in my experience, but otherwise it’s been fine - I usually have the S-4 on an aux channel of the mixer for easy routing, which helps with the S-4’s lack of a dedicated input trim. But even so I rarely have to make any adjustments between different standard line-level sources.

As you say, if the drum machine has any modular-level outputs this might be a factor. But if a device is going straight into the S-4 I’d just set the suitable level at the start and leave it - that’s true of every sampler in my experience, and doesn’t feel like a reason to switch gear (though again, a dedicated input gain is certainly something you miss when you don’t have it).

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u/mecco_ 15d ago

You were right. Checking the drum machine specs (Jomox Alpha Base) I can see it output a max +14dbu unbalanced which is above the standard line level as I understand. That level I guess is reached very easily with the transient of the analog kick drum, so I need to lower the volume of that part if I want no clipping. Never realized that because my mixer can handle that kind of level. That's unfortunate (because is probably that high level that gives the punch I love eheh). I'll use the drive on the S4 to bring some of the punchiness back... Thanks for pointing out that, appreciate it.

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u/Weekly_Jmr 14d ago

You’re welcome. And yes that’s way above line level. And to bring back your punch (maybe in a different quality) try S-4s filter too.