
Using a cable with a stereo (TRS) 6.3mm jack plug at one end and two mono (TS) 6.3mm jack plugs at the other end, you can make a stereo connection. Headphone outputs are always stereo outputs.
Keyboard setup 3: Some keyboards or digital pianos only have a headphone output. Here, you can also use two stereo cables, but this won’t necessarily add anything to the stereo image, since both cables will be carrying the single left or right channel. Keyboard setup 2: If you’re using both the left and right outputs, two 6.3mm mono jack cables are used to make the stereo connection. You could also use a stereo jack cable (also known as a TRS jack cable) since the sent signal will still be mono. Keyboard setup 1: If you’re just using the L/Mono output, then you can just use a 6.3mm mono jack cable (also known as a TS jack cable). Mono is usually all you’ll need, but if your keyboard has stereo sounds, like an effect that moves the sound from the left to the right, or a big 3D-sounding piano then you can use both outputs to get the full sound. As such, you’re free to use both outputs for stereo sound or just the left output for mono sound. Most of the time, the jack socket on the left will be labelled ‘L/Mono’ or ‘L/L+R’, while the jack socket on the right will be marked with an ‘R’. These are 6.3mm jack outputs fitted next to each other and are usually found around the back.
Most keyboards will have two ‘line’ outputs. If there are a bunch of different sockets on the back of your instrument, or if you want stereo sound, then read on! Keyboards & Digital Pianos Just stick one end into the Left (mono) output of your keyboard or piano, then stick the other end into a mono input of the mixer or keyboard amplifier you want to use. In most cases you can use a simple and familiar 6.3mm mono jack.
Do You Need a DI Box for Keyboards/Digital Pianos?. If you’re playing shows in less professional venues, then it’s definitely worth having your own gear on hand – especially some longer cables and definitely some power extension cords. But luckily, it’s all pretty straightforward once you know how.īear in mind that, since the sound engineer will probably (well, around nine times out of ten) connect up your instrument to the sound system for you, you might only need to take your current setup to any booked shows since there are often cables and other stage accessories at the venue.
If you’re not familiar with them, the sheer number of different ways of connecting up your gear can be a little overwhelming.
A question we’re often asked is, ‘how do you connect a keyboard or digital piano to a mixer or keyboard amplifier?’ Maybe you’re preparing for your first ever live gig, maybe you’re figuring out how to make home-studio recordings, or your sonic instrument of choice needs more volume if it’s going to compete with your drummer in the rehearsal room.