Keyboard splitter?

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Keyboard splitter?

Post by alexis »

Hi all,

This is a companion query to the one about mic splitters so fully answered, https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/view ... hp?t=92087

I need to split my keyboard signal to my personal mixer and to FOH.

Would simple "Y-cables" suffice, or would it be better if I had some sort of box as well (perhaps to boost the signal, address potential ground loops, etc.)?

Thank you again!

(Edited for correct link)
Last edited by alexis on Sat Sep 21, 2024 4:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Keyboard splitter?

Post by Hugh Robjohns »

alexis wrote: Sat Sep 21, 2024 3:51 pmI need to split my keyboard signal to my personal mixer and to FOH.

Would simple "Y-cables" suffice, or would it be better if I had some sort of box as well (perhaps to boost the signal, address potential ground loops, etc.)?

Easiest option is a DI box.

Keyboard out to DI box input.

DI box Link out to local mixer

Di box mic-level balanced out to FOH.

Ground lift on balanced out if needed.

You could use a Y-split cable, technically, but you risk ground loops and potential loss of signal on stage if FOH does something silly. A DI box keeps your rig isolated from FOH and protects against phantom and electrical faults.
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Re: Keyboard splitter?

Post by alexis »

Hugh Robjohns wrote: Sat Sep 21, 2024 3:59 pm
alexis wrote: Sat Sep 21, 2024 3:51 pmI need to split my keyboard signal to my personal mixer and to FOH.

Would simple "Y-cables" suffice, or would it be better if I had some sort of box as well (perhaps to boost the signal, address potential ground loops, etc.)?

Easiest option is a DI box.

Keyboard out to DI box input.

DI box Link out to local mixer

Di box mic-level balanced out to FOH.

Ground lift on balanced out if needed.

You could use a Y-split cable, technically, but you risk ground loops and potential loss of signal on stage if FOH does something silly. A DI box keeps your rig isolated from FOH and protects against phantom and electrical faults.

Thank you, Hugh!

Like the Radial ProD2 you mentioned in your article? https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... direct-box
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alexis
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Re: Keyboard splitter?

Post by Hugh Robjohns »

Sure. I use a couple of Radial ProD2s and find them rugged and reliable... although I handle them with care. However, another here has found them unreliable.

Other makes are available...

Passive DI boxes are fine for keyboards (and anything with active electronic outputs), and the transformer provides useful protection in a live setting.
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Re: Keyboard splitter?

Post by alexis »

Thank you, Hugh! 👍👍
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Re: Keyboard splitter?

Post by ef37a »

Ooo! The Pro D2 is stereo, that makes them good value for a quality product at the £185 I just saw them at. Gear4Music.

Dave.
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