S-950 low output volume

is it normal for an s-950 to have a really low output volume? because i just cant manage to get it loud except when i crank my mixer's volume all the way up

The s950 is not as loud as the MPC but it should be loud enough. Make sure you don't have key-loudness turned up in edit prgrm>02 It seems counter intuitive but it actually makes it quieter when that setting is turned up if your sample is in a keygroup that is low on the keyboard. From the manual:" "Key-loudness refers to the volume of the sound over the keyboard range..... a value of -50 will reduce the level in the upper octaves and increase the level in the lower octaves, Conversely, a value of +50 will increase the level of the upper octaves and decrease the level in the lower octaves."
Also make sure you are sampling at a high enough gain. Primo stated that he usually overdrives the input gain when he samples drum hits to give a little extra oomph.

is there not a output level switch on the back?

denzekiel wrote:Primo stated that he usually overdrives the input gain when he samples drum hits to give a little extra oomph.

where is this interview? any links? thanks!

Here's the interview I think I was referring to:
http://remixmag.com/mag/remix_realist/index.html

Here's the exact quote:
“I turn 'em up loud when I sample 'em,” he says. “When you're sampling, go the most you can go without distortion. I always go right to the tip of distortion, even with vocals and all that. Tap the red a little bit, and then kinda round out the top when you EQ.”

I think there is a loudness parameter in the SAMPLE EDIT menu:
EDIT SAMPLE --> 03. Looks like:

>03 #Loudness #Nom pitch #Fine pitch
+00 C3 60 +00

Also, the PROGRAM EDIT menu has a better loudness parameter:
EDIT PROGRAM --> 06. Looks like:

>06 S Loudness iFilter *Transpose *Fine
#KG# +00 99 +00 +00

For SAMPLE EDIT Loudness, Page 22 of the (updated) manual:
LOUDNESS: This is where you can adjust the level of the sample so that it
matches the level of other samples taken. To change the value, move the
cursor one position using the 'cursor >’ button so that the cursor is
flashing on the + character and use either the CONTROL to enter a
new value or type in a + or - value using the ON(+) or OFF(-) key in
conjunction with the keypad.

Note: This value is a velocity based parameter. If you set the value to +50,
there will be no change in level with varying velocity dynamics. Similarly,
with the setting at -50, velocity dynamics will be extreme... Note also that
these values do not represent dBs but are purely an arbitrary volume unit.

For PROGRAM EDIT Loudness, pages 36-37 of the (updated) manual:
This page allows you to effect the loudness, tone and tuning of the soft
sample. To do this, simply select the appropriate keygroup by moving the
cursor to the KG field and then move the cursor to the Loudness field and
make your data entry using the CONTROL knob or the keypad in conjunction
with the + or - buttons. You can then move the cursor one position
to the right to affect the filter settings (and hence the samples tone) and
you can tune the sample up or down 50 semitones using the
Transpose field and you can fine tune the sample using the Fine field.

Note: The loudness parameter is a MIDI velocity based parameter. If it is
set to +50, keyboard velocity dynamics will have no effect on the keygroups
loudness. If this Is a problem when you wish to make a particular
keygroup louder, it Is suggested that you turn the other keygroups loudness
down.

Try puttin a DI box between the S950 and your mixer if you have one.. most pro engineers use these when tracking samplers, mpc etc.

This will give you the right output level...