mono/stereo cable(s)

[Xcited]

I have read the archives on this post concerning running my X8 mono vs. stereo in a gig situation. I have been gigging in mono output (through the PA) but have not been satisfied with the sound. I want it to sound like it does through my headphones (which I understand may be impossible in a live sound set up). I was always told to run mono so that the crowd on one side of the room would hear the same thing as the crowd on the other side. I think the sound is better run stereo personally, so my question is this....

If I run stereo out of my X8 which cables would be best? Do I use balanced TRS with 1/4" on one end and XLR on the other? Or, do I use balanced TRS cables with 1/4" on each end? Up til now I've been running an unbalanced 1/4" Monster cable from my mono output.

Thanks for your help-

Xcited

[Solitary man]

depends if you are going to use a D.I box. If so you would use 1/4 TRS to XLR, run these to the D.i box and then XLR to XLR to the main desk.
This is a precaution so you don't blow the main desk. IF you don't use this method then you can use either balanced or unbalanced cables. I acutally use balanced 1/4 leads as they give a stronger signal and less noise.

[RevP]

Make sure your d.i. box can handle TRS cables. Most only do TS cables (mono). It also depends on how long the cable run is... if the sound board is a short distance (less than 25 ft) from your keys, you should be fine using mono cables thru d.i. box to mixing console. If the mixing board has balanced 1/4" inputs, use those. But again, most are TS. TRS (balanced) does give a stronger, cleaner signal but d.i. boxes designed to receive TRS and convert them to XLR are very expensive.

I hope some of this helps.

Roland Fantom X8 (home), Roland Fantom X6 (gig), Reaper Software, Roland M-1000, Proteus X2, Akai DPS 12i

[SPISHAK]

almost ALL clubs will and SHOULD have D.I. boxes. Most boxes I've seen at clubs have TS inputs, because a bass player will usually plug his guitar straight into the box, and 1 output goes to the house mixer via XLR and the other goes to his amp via a TS output( countryman D.I. boxes). Unless you're a mile away from the boxes, TS cords will be fine. As for stereo vs. mono......check with the soundguy for what they recommend for that club......some are better suited for stereo mixes.

Running balanced cables will give you a hotter output and less noise, but I've never had an issue with weak OR noisy outputs running un-balanced TS cords.....just keep them away from power cords.....I also use a cheap Furman power conditioner.

[Audissey]

at almost every show i've played, venue or out at a festival or concert, the sound was wired in mono so regardless of what you send, it will be mono when it comes out. just keep going mono. there really is nothing you can do about it...

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