I recently purchased a Korg Zero 4 because it suits what I need perfectly and also came at a decent price.

Now, it is after I make the purchase I find out that most Korg Zeros (including mine of course) have a serious issue with the noise floor.
No matter what the levels are and what is connected, all the Analogue outs (the digital out doesn't have the hissing sound, but it is extremely low level for some reason) have a noise floor that is comparable to the type of noise you get from a cheap analogue mixer with all its levels at maximum.

The reply I got from my local distributor goes something like this...

quote:

There has been a fair bit of animated discussion about the noise floor on the Zero mixers and there can be several contributing factors to the amount of noise passing through the unit. The main thing is the high headroom of the units. High headroom = a higher noise floor - it's just the way it is. Most digital mixers don't have the high headroom offered by the Zeros, but the offshoot of this is the higher noisefloor, it's the way it works. They are designed to be run hot, with the gains turned right up.

I'm no electronic engineer but I know enough to call bullshit. Especially when you consider this post on the Korg forum from december '07

quote:

Hello Again Everyone, I have an update regarding the hiss mod. I've been informed by Korg Japan that the modification will be completed and become available in March. Here in the US, we will offer the kit and repair at no cost to our users through our Authorized Service Centers. Thanks once again for all of your input on the matter. It does help. Regards, James Sajeva Product Manager for DJ, Dance and Computer Products @ Korg USA Inc.

My Korg distributor here in aus has also told me that there is no "fix" but there is an OPTIONAL spare part (replacement main PCB) that will cost between $300-$500 not including labour.

I'm going to see what it takes to get this fixed, if its going to cost me much I'm just going to get my money back.
Besides, with NAMM coming up in a few days maybe there will be a better solution for my needs.

Short Version: Korg are cvnts!

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