KP3 mono input?

[gatovertical]

Hi,

I want to use my KP3 as a fx aux, but my mixer (tapco blend) sends a mono signal (compound of stereo ones) and I dont know how to connect it to the KP3 without making it use just one channel.

Any suggestions on configuration, wires, etc will be appreciated.

[Pastor-of-Muppets]

get a cable which splits a single mono signal into two

assuming the FX send is a 1/4" jack, get a mono jack to dual rca cable

(isn't that obvious?)

[gatovertical]

Yes, its an obvious solution, but I'm open to less obvious ones too!

My main concern with your suggestions would be if this kind of cable may not produce phase cancellations, noise, etc. What do you think?

Thanks!

[xmlguy]

Actually, you can send a stereo feed from the Tapco mixer to the KP3 just fine. Just use any of the stereo outputs, CD/Tape out, control room out, or even headphone or main outs to the KP3, then you can send the KP3 outputs as your main out or feed it back to the stereo aux returns. On some mini-mixers you can use the mono Mon Aux and mono FX aux, if you can pan them left/right, so long as you realize the Mon will usually be prefader and FX postfader, but not on your Tapco because does a sum of the stereo channels to mono output. It's usually a good idea to buy a mixer with stereo FX sends these days, since most FX units take stereo input. Even better is a mixer with 4 aux sends, with pre/post fader switches, but you'll usually have to spend quite a bit more than you paid for your mini mixer. It's a good investment to get as many stereo channels as you can find.

I need at least 4 stereo channels just for my smallest rig, and usually more. I could use pairs of mono channels panned left/right, but then I have to do twice as many adjustments compared to stereo channels. I use mono input channels only for my mic and when I run out of stereo channels. I wish some company would make an inexpensive mixer with 8 stereo channels, 2 mono channels, and 4 switchable aux sends, but it appears that 4-5 stereo channels is the most I've seen at affordable prices.

You don't get cancellation merely due to mono or stereo sends, since they don't change the phase of the signal. Cancellation normally is a problem only when the same signal is combined out of phase with itself. Most stereo devices are sending different signals for right and left, so they don't cancel when summed. Be sure to never use a Y cable to short two outputs together. It's ok to split an output to two (or more) inputs, as you'll just lose about 3dB of level. It's not ok to combine two outputs to a single input with a cable, as you could fry one or both outputs. There needs to be a summing circuit or some kind of buffer to join outputs.

[gatovertical]

I've been thinking about getting another mixer, but auntil then, I'll try to get the best with the one I have...

I'll try the cable thing, because I want to retain the aux functionality, I mean to be able to send different signals or not and control their amount to the KP3. I don't thing that will be so versatile if I use the cd/tape out.

Thanks a lot!

[Horvath]

gatovertical, new mixer is highly recommended! Mono FX send is a meaningful constraint - I've tried DIY monojack-to-2RCA cable, but sending mono to KP is generally awful idea. FX sends are mono on almost every device, so only alt stereo buses do the trick.

xmlguy:

I wish some company would make an inexpensive mixer with 8 stereo channels, 2 mono channels, and 4 switchable aux sends, but it appears that 4-5 stereo channels is the most I've seen at affordable prices.

Hey, I'm with you, xmlguy! I'm using Mackie 802-VLZ3 now (with it's ALT3-4 bus for FX send) and I've run out of stereo channels to the moment. What a shame Soundcraft Compact 10's aren't manufactured any more (thinking of getting a used one). Please, tell - what other compact affordable mixers with "4-5 stereo channels" onboard and stereo send-return have you encountered?

[xmlguy]

The Behringer DJ Mixers, VMX1000/USB, DX2000USB, DX10000.