Using the Radial KeyLargo

[catosim]

Hi you all
Recently purchased the Radial KeyLargo. The main reason was to avoid multiple DI boxes, and reduce the use of cables and inputs on my main-mixer.
When I was reading about it, I became aware that it also acts like a MIDI interface, and this is quite handy for my use. I seldom use my laptop in my set-up, but more often an iPad.
So when connecting the iPad Pro (with USB C) to the KeyLargo, it both handles the audio directly via the MIDI cable, and also translates the USB MIDI to gear connected to KeyLargo with MIDI Din-plug.
In other words, twice as handy for my use.

The KeyLargo isn't cheap, but on the other hand; it's also expensive buying multiple DIs.
So this is a small tip of the day

[FZiegler]

I guess you only use it as a mixer for audio-out. Plus a second controller (whatever: mixer etc.) for your monitoring. Or you don't use IEM yet.

The Radial KeyLargo only allows to adapt the level of main-out as a secondary (monitor) mix. Which is what I could use on my personal wedges/monitor boxes, but not as a dedicated full-band (IE) monitor mix.

And if I really wanted to use a NeoVent2 + HoF, I wouldn't have a compressor at hand for the organ signal. That's why I'm not that enthousiastic about the KeyLargo.

[catosim]

I guess you only use it as a mixer for audio-out. Plus a second controller (whatever: mixer etc.) for your monitoring. Or you don't use IEM yet.

The Radial KeyLargo only allows to adapt the level of main-out as a secondary (monitor) mix. Which is what I could use on my personal wedges/monitor boxes, but not as a dedicated full-band (IE) monitor mix.

And if I really wanted to use a NeoVent2 + HoF, I wouldn't have a compressor at hand for the organ signal. That's why I'm not that enthousiastic about the KeyLargo.

Only as a mixer and substitute for multiple DI boxes when running 3 keys/units + iPad. The IEM signal is sent from FOH.
The game-changer for me was the MIDI capability of the KL, which I find quite handy. When using the iPad as a soft synth or drum machine, I have to use a multiport adapter to split the USB MIDI and audio-out signal. With the KL I can skip the multiport adapter, and the signal chain is way more sturdy.
As for the compressor, I suppose you use the compressor in the Nord Stage? If extra compressor is needed, then the KL has a FX chain which allows connection of external FX.
But in my set-up I don't need this, I'm only using the line inputs and the USB input and running internal FX in the synths.

[Rusty Mike]

Great device. I use one with my fusion band setup. Output 3 from the Stage is sent to its own channel on the KL, where I run only synth patches. No effects on that layer, and then I use the effects loop on the KL to run the synth through a Moog Drive Minifooger and Seymour Duncan digital delay pedal. Great control in a convenient packages, all fitting on a pedal board.

For what it's worth, the Minifooger adds some real cajones to the synth leads. It includes a ladder filter, and with a little bit of drive it transforms the Stage lead sounds into something really impressive.

I have not yet used it to drive an iPad, but maybe someday.

[FZiegler]

I always thought those FX chains were mono (as they only have one send and one return plug), but they aren't. So this would be an option indeed.

So the benefit over a simple sub mixer with USB connection would be USB-audio and USB-MIDI in one for you, catosim? But that's not the point for you, Rusty Mike: Why then is it so much better than a small mixing console? Is it sturdiness or a certain feeling of pure sound (even if live sound isn't that pure...)?

I easily understand that a Key Largo is a handy piece of gear. But 460 EUR are more than I recently paid for the NeoVent2. Which adds some musicality to the sound - which the KL apparently doesn't

[Rusty Mike]

I agree that sound purity is not so noticeable in the din of live performance.

For me, the appeal are the ruggedness, the form factor and flexibility for my specific setup. The KL is certainly a hardy piece of equipment. It sits very well on my pedal board next to the effects pedals. And three stereo channels are just fine for my needs; the effects loop is used only for Output 3 on the Stage 2EX, so it seems to work well.

I can’t recall how the effects bus works in stereo, since I use it for a mono source anyway.

We tend to play small places and I provide my own sound, but the monitor outputs are there in case we use a large sound system.

Below is a bad picture of my pedalboard.

[catosim]

I always thought those FX chains were mono (as they only have one send and one return plug), but they aren't. So this would be an option indeed.

It's a single stereo plug, gives the choice of mono or stereo FX.

So the benefit over a simple sub mixer with USB connection would be USB-audio and USB-MIDI in one for you, catosim? But that's not the point for you, Rusty Mike: Why then is it so much better than a small mixing console? Is it sturdiness or a certain feeling of pure sound (even if live sound isn't that pure...)?

In my set-up, I ended up needing 3 stereo DI boxes and then additionally send the audio from my iPad via the NS3 minijack. Not a brilliant solution, but effective.
So for ME, the KL suits my needs perfectly.

I easily understand that a Key Largo is a handy piece of gear. But 460 EUR are more than I recently paid for the NeoVent2. Which adds some musicality to the sound - which the KL apparently doesn't

It's handy, but not at all better or higher quality than other (way cheaper) mixers, and the price vs use has always kept me from buying it.
I found a second-hand unit to the cost of 290 EUR, and this is in fact cheaper than the total cost of all my 3 stereo DI boxes. The math is still off, since I already have the DI boxes in my possession, but that's minor details

[Hlaalu]

And if I really wanted to use a NeoVent2 + HoF, I wouldn't have a compressor at hand for the organ signal. That's why I'm not that enthousiastic about the KeyLargo.

I am not getting what the compressor has to do with the setup you describe, whether you use the Vent, the HoF and the KL in any configuration.

[FZiegler]

I thought that it would be interesting to have the compressor behind the Vent2: To be able to use the Vent drive that sounded good to me, and not flatten the differences of that effect, only adjust the massive volume range for different organ sounds at the end. But of course, this all is theoretical and not checked practically.

I don't think this is an issue as long as I use the internal rotary drive (not morphable) and FX drive (morphable). Which will make life much easier.

[Hlaalu]

Yeah, I didn't just get what did the KL has to do with the effects order in the chain...