Korg Forums

Currently, I’m running a good quality TS cable from the L/Mono output of my Kronos 73 to the CH 1 L(Mono) input of my Roland KC-550. I’m not having any problems or noise currently but I’m wondering if there is a better way to make the connection. Would I be better off using a cable that was TRS on one end connected to the Kronos and XLR at the other end connected to the Roland. I almost never run a cable longer than 15 feet.

The KC550 itself acts as a DI. It creates a balanced line to the FOH.
I don't think you should hook up your keyboard to its mic inputs.

SanderXpander wrote:The KC550 itself acts as a DI. It creates a balanced line to the FOH.
I don't think you should hook up your keyboard to its mic inputs.

I have been using the Line out as a DI to the FOH as someone here (You) recommended and that works great.
From glancing at other posts it looks like most members think that using a 1/4 TRS cable in a situation like mine would not provide much if any benefit since the Roland does not seem to have TRS inputs.

Are you having issues with noise? If not, then running balanced will not make a difference. If you ARE picking up noise, then running balanced can help. Usually this has the greatest impact over very long cable runs (like from the amp to the FOH, which IS balanced already).

I know some folks like them, but personally, best thing you could do to improve your sound is to replace that KC amp. There's a whole crop of great sounding active PA speakers out there now with multiple inputs.... QSC K series, Yamaha DXR series, EV, Line 6, etc. But that's OT.

Only helps if the KC has balanced inputs, which it doesn't.

LZ wrote:I know some folks like them, but personally, best thing you could do to improve your sound is to replace that KC amp. There's a whole crop of great sounding active PA speakers out there now with multiple inputs.... QSC K series, Yamaha DXR series, EV, Line 6, etc. But that's OT.

I have been kicking around replacing my KC 550 for some time now. The band I’m currently in plays 3 to 4 times a month & mostly at smaller clubs. As I’m getting older it’s getting harder to lug that big thing around. I recently purchased a QSC K12 and tested it against my Roland. I thought it sounded nice but not really any better than the Roland so I’m going to be returning it to GS.

Wow, really? I'm using the K10 and love it. I think for monitoring the k12 would be overkill. Especially since usually, due to all the bass I already get from FOH, I switch it to "ext sub", which keeps it clean and balances nicely with the bass from the subs.

I use a Yamaha DXR10 for a monitor I find 10"s are super clean and clear and the 10 has a ton of bass anyway. I tried a few monitors and ended on the yamaha because it sounds better than the QSC at high volumes as the QSC's can get a little harsh when pushed in comparison. Also the the Yamaha was cheaper and had a huge warranty. (was it 5 or 7 years can't remember.) I now go straight out the Kronos to a radial stereo DI which sometimes I only use 1 channel, then straight to the sound desk, front of house who fires it to the Yamaha as a monitor and he mixes a little of the lead vocals in there. Its a sweet setup I stopped using my inears with this system.
I get the Yamaha up off the floor right at the front edge of the Kronos so its only a few feet off my ears (its still laid down like a wedge and angled up at my face) This allows me to keep the onstage volume down for me yet hear it over our raging maniac electric guitarist.

shaneblyth wrote:I use a Yamaha DXR10 for a monitor I find 10"s are super clean and clear and the 10 has a ton of bass anyway. I tried a few monitors and ended on the yamaha because it sounds better than the QSC at high volumes as the QSC's can get a little harsh when pushed in comparison. Also the the Yamaha was cheaper and had a huge warranty. (was it 5 or 7 years can't remember.) I now go straight out the Kronos to a radial stereo DI which sometimes I only use 1 channel, then straight to the sound desk, front of house who fires it to the Yamaha as a monitor and he mixes a little of the lead vocals in there. Its a sweet setup I stopped using my inears with this system.
I get the Yamaha up off the floor right at the front edge of the Kronos so its only a few feet off my ears (its still laid down like a wedge and angled up at my face) This allows me to keep the onstage volume down for me yet hear it over our raging maniac electric guitarist.

Thanks for the info, I will check the Yamaha out next time I'm at at GS.

Cobra Jet wrote:

LZ wrote:I know some folks like them, but personally, best thing you could do to improve your sound is to replace that KC amp. There's a whole crop of great sounding active PA speakers out there now with multiple inputs.... QSC K series, Yamaha DXR series, EV, Line 6, etc. But that's OT.

I have been kicking around replacing my KC 550 for some time now. The band I’m currently in plays 3 to 4 times a month & mostly at smaller clubs. As I’m getting older it’s getting harder to lug that big thing around. I recently purchased a QSC K12 and tested it against my Roland. I thought it sounded nice but not really any better than the Roland so I’m going to be returning it to GS.

I have the older Roland KC-500's (a pair of them). Yup, they're big and heavy, but they have wheels. So far, I can't see spending money on anything to replace them - they do their job and they do it well! Most people at any event aren't going to notice any difference between these and anything else you might replace it with.... and that's the only thing that matters.

PianoManChuck wrote:

Cobra Jet wrote:

LZ wrote:I know some folks like them, but personally, best thing you could do to improve your sound is to replace that KC amp. There's a whole crop of great sounding active PA speakers out there now with multiple inputs.... QSC K series, Yamaha DXR series, EV, Line 6, etc. But that's OT.

I have been kicking around replacing my KC 550 for some time now. The band I’m currently in plays 3 to 4 times a month & mostly at smaller clubs. As I’m getting older it’s getting harder to lug that big thing around. I recently purchased a QSC K12 and tested it against my Roland. I thought it sounded nice but not really any better than the Roland so I’m going to be returning it to GS.

I have the older Roland KC-500's (a pair of them). Yup, they're big and heavy, but they have wheels. So far, I can't see spending money on anything to replace them - they do their job and they do it well! Most people at any event aren't going to notice any difference between these and anything else you might replace it with.... and that's the only thing that matters.

That’s what I’m thinking as far as the K12 I purchased. I had them each hooked up and I tested them with both my Kronos and an iPod playing different types of music. I had my wife switch back and forth. In the end I did not think that the K12 was much, if any better overall.

Cobra Jet wrote:

PianoManChuck wrote:

Cobra Jet wrote: I have been kicking around replacing my KC 550 for some time now. The band I’m currently in plays 3 to 4 times a month & mostly at smaller clubs. As I’m getting older it’s getting harder to lug that big thing around. I recently purchased a QSC K12 and tested it against my Roland. I thought it sounded nice but not really any better than the Roland so I’m going to be returning it to GS.

I have the older Roland KC-500's (a pair of them). Yup, they're big and heavy, but they have wheels. So far, I can't see spending money on anything to replace them - they do their job and they do it well! Most people at any event aren't going to notice any difference between these and anything else you might replace it with.... and that's the only thing that matters.

That’s what I’m thinking as far as the K12 I purchased. I had them each hooked up and I tested them with both my Kronos and an iPod playing different types of music. I had my wife switch back and forth. In the end I did not think that the K12 was much, if any better overall.

Exactly! As long as the audience gets into it, that's all that matters! You'd be surprised how many musicians/gearheads HAVE to have the latest & greatest! I get so many people telling me I should go with Bose L1's.... why? It takes much more work (they have to be assembled/set up and torn down as opposed to wheeling it in and plugging in my cables... not to mention they're way overpriced). Stick with the KC's... if they're working out for everyone, there's no reason to change it! Take the money you would have spent on an upgrade and go somewhere nice with your wife (yup, that matters too - just as much as music!).