I currently have a Tyros 3 connected to the A/D Input. If I add another Workstation the most obvious way to connect both would be to add a small mixer and connect both to the mixer and the mixer to the A/D input.

Alternatively is there any downside to using two 1/4” Y-Female to Male connectors and just connect the keyboards to those and bypass a mixer?

joesax - 19 April 2014 07:22 PM

[...]Alternatively is there any downside to using two 1/4” Y-Female to Male connectors and just connect the keyboards to those and bypass a mixer?

Depending on the design of the line output stages, you might get away with that, but I wouldn’t suggest it. You can get a decent small mixer at relatively low cost, and eliminate possible problems.

Thanks, 5PIN. Will a mixer degrade the sound in any way since it’s another device to feed the sounds through? I have been more than pleased with the quality of the Tyros 3 feed through the A/D Input.

Never Y-cord signal to an input, nothing good ever comes of that. And sound people the world over will sleep better knowing that you’d never do that to your own gear.

A small format mixer does not have to degrade the signal, especially if you get one that’s worth it. Avoid those that are too inexpensive, it is better to invest in your mixer so that it enhances your sound, not degrades it. The new line of popular MG solutions from Yamaha (introduced at the Winter NAMM2014) have more on tap than you might think.

A mixer can either just (intelligently) combine and pass signal, or if you shop wisely, you can get one that actually enhances your signal path… With small format mixers you get what you pay for.

Yamaha MG06 or MG06x
There are 10 channel compact models as well (all mic stand mountable)

http://www.yamahaproaudio.com/global/en/products/mixers/mg_xu/lineup.jsp

joesax - 19 April 2014 08:21 PM

Thanks, 5PIN. Will a mixer degrade the sound in any way since it’s another device to feed the sounds through? I have been more than pleased with the quality of the Tyros 3 feed through the A/D Input.

I have used This Mixer for quite a while now, really excellent results.  To my ears it has not added any additional noise over the A/D inputs.

At the price offered from B & H Photo, I may even buy a spare!

joesax - 19 April 2014 08:21 PM

Thanks, 5PIN. Will a mixer degrade the sound in any way since it’s another device to feed the sounds through? I have been more than pleased with the quality of the Tyros 3 feed through the A/D Input.

If you’re going to buy a mixer (you should, by the way), then the best thing to do is to
plug all three keyboards into the mixer - not two keyboard into the mixer and then the
mixer into the Motif. That’s just unnecessary.

Plug all three keyboards into the mixer, then the mixer’s left and right outputs go to
the house P.A. snake (if you’re gigging) or into your computer’s audio interface OR into
two powered monitors (if you’re in your home studio).

DavePolich - 19 April 2014 09:07 PM

If you’re going to buy a mixer (you should, by the way), then the best thing to do is to
plug all three keyboards into the mixer - not two keyboard into the mixer and then the
mixer into the Motif. That’s just unnecessary.

Plug all three keyboards into the mixer, then the mixer’s left and right outputs go to
the house P.A. snake (if you’re gigging) or into your computer’s audio interface OR into
two powered monitors (if you’re in your home studio).

I certainly agree with DavePolich.  I run my XF, slab piano, and Hammond module all into my mixer...in stereo...and send main and monitor signals, each in stereo.  Really works very nicely.

Bad Mister:

Thanks for your comments. I had a feeling the y-connection might be a bad idea. I’ll go the mixer route and I have been checking out the Yamaha line. They seem to offer the best value and quality for the money.

Dave:

I agree that connecting everything through the mixer is a good idea except I do like having an A/D input(my Tyros 3)and routing those sounds through the Motif effects. Also I send the Motif Digital output directly to my external Digital recorder. That’s my plan when I add as second workstation.

MR816 CSX.  A very nice unit with stellar effects, and loaded with features.

Stone