Two Keyboards into PA

All topics involving amplification and other accessories you are using with your Nord, and how all those things work together.
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shark
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Two Keyboards into PA

Post by shark »

Guys, just a quick question. I will be playing two keyboards (Nord + one Yamaha mainly for strings) into the band's PA but don't want to use two separate channels. What's the best solution (mixer, a/b box, etc etc.) what do you guys use?

thx
Last edited by shark on 31 Jul 2012, 12:24, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Two Keyboards into PA

Post by musicman100 »

a quick and dirty method is use the nords external audio input (if ur model has one) you will have to obtain a strereo Y adaptor and the 1/8 to 1/4 conversion. Ive used that method many times and it works ok.
Last edited by musicman100 on 31 Jul 2012, 12:24, edited 2 times in total.
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Hanon_CTS
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Re: Two Keyboards into PA

Post by Hanon_CTS »

musicman100 wrote:a quick and dirty method is use the nords external audio input (if ur model has one) you will have to obtain a strereo Y adaptor and the 1/8 to 1/4 conversion. Ive used that method many times and it works ok.
Hello Musicman100,
which Nord instrument are you using?
My NE3 only routes the audio input to the headphones output.

@Shark,
How much money is in your budget for this project?
How many instruments, or audio producing devices do you anticipate having in the next 2 years?

I have a couple different scenarios for my rigs.
When I'm traveling light, I usually just take my MOTU UltraLite MK3 as it is a self contained 8 input/ 8 output mixer. This unit is also a quality Audio and MIDI computer interface, so it will be more expensive than a standalone mixer.
I also have a Behringer X1204USB mixer, it is a very economical choice at under $200 and serves as a budget USB audio interface for your computer.

Cheers, Hanon
Last edited by Hanon_CTS on 31 Jul 2012, 12:24, edited 2 times in total.
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shark
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Re: Two Keyboards into PA

Post by shark »

Thanks guys, yeah I don't think the audio input works as you can only hear it thru the phones and it doesn't go thru the Nord to the output.

It's not so much a question of budget but of simplicity, I already have to move around with a guitar rig (minimum 2 axes, amp, stands, microphone stand, FX pedal, suitcase with cables, suitcase with stage clothing, need I go on?) and my roadie quit...so the simplest/lightest solution would be better.

The keyboard rig on top of the guitar rig over the next couple of years will be the nord 73 and a smaller keyboard for effects/strings.

I'll try the minimixer.
Last edited by shark on 31 Jul 2012, 12:24, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Two Keyboards into PA

Post by Johannes »

Still you could just use the headphone output for the FOH using a Stereo Lack to 2 Mono Adapter like this: http://www.thomann.de/fr/the_sssnake_ypp2010.htm (or preferrably a more expensive/higher quality brand version)
Given that the Nord's signal is not too "hot" anyhow, this should not pose big problems. In fact, at least with the NE2 went this way to get a stronger signal in the first place.
Last edited by Johannes on 31 Jul 2012, 12:24, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Two Keyboards into PA

Post by bdodds »

i use a small mackie 802vlz3, it's got good sound and some useful routing for effects loops and the like.. i use it to mix my nord, moog (stereo) as well as run my line6 m9 (out from alt3-4, in to the remaining stereo channel), ventilator (in through stereo return), and i have 2 mono channels left for things like my looper pedal or theremin.. RCA ins for my iPad.. it's really flexible and relatively cheap for what it allows you to do..
Last edited by bdodds on 31 Jul 2012, 12:24, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Two Keyboards into PA

Post by musicman100 »

Hanon_CTS wrote:
musicman100 wrote:a quick and dirty method is use the nords external audio input (if ur model has one) you will have to obtain a strereo Y adaptor and the 1/8 to 1/4 conversion. Ive used that method many times and it works ok.
Hello Musicman100,
which Nord instrument are you using?
My NE3 only routes the audio input to the headphones output.


Cheers, Hanon
I did forget to mention that point, but Joannes mentioned the adapter in an above post for that. I think its still more compact than a mixer if you use the adapters , but if he has room there are a myriad of compact little "notebook" mixers out there, Tapco, Behringer, Mackie, etc..
Last edited by musicman100 on 31 Jul 2012, 12:24, edited 2 times in total.
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