From k2mojo@groovedaddies.com Fri Jun 18 09:40:17 2004
Subject:Re: 3 Questions about 1/4 inch cables

#1) Sometimes, with some keyboards, running a separate stereo signal into a single mono amp will introduce phasing problems,
whereas most modern keyboards that are summed to mono at the L (or R) output are electronically summed in such a way that you
shouldn't have this problem. If you're running mono all the way I would suggest you use the mono summing circuitry provided to you
by the keyboard. It is feasible that you might get a 'louder' sound if you ran a separate L signal to one channel and a separate R
signal to a second channel in a non-stereo amp, but you'll need to experiment with your setup to see if any phase cancellation is
occurring. Another factor that can affect this is also how the particular patch (or sound) you're using is separated stereo-wise,
and again I think you're better off using the summed mono on your keyboard.

#2) If you don't see any obvious corrosion on the plugs and you've been taking really good care of them all along then it's likely
that they're just as fine as when you bought them. However, I'd make sure that I had a back-up cable or two if you're playing
outside your home.

#3) There is definitely an audible difference between really really el cheapo cable and Monster, which is how they usually demo it
in the stores, but the difference between Monster and any decent mid-level to semi-premium cable is minimal, if indeed there is any
difference at all that you can actually hear. I get all my cabling from these guys; it's very reasonably priced and very high
quality:
http://www.audiopile.net/

Ed Fliege
k2mojo@groovedaddies.com

From: "John OFlaherty"
> 1) I play a VK-7 into a single Roland KB-550 keyboard amp/speaker.
> Both units have separate (L)(R) jack with the "mono" option channeled
> into the (L) jack. If I'm just playing the VK into a single KB
> speaker-- meaning not coupled to play them as stereo-- then does it
> make a difference whether I use two cables to make the (L)(R)
> connections, or will the same signal strength be equally achieved by
> just running a single cable to the (L/mono)? I have always thought
> that "more is better", so if I run two cable out of the keyboard I'm
> getting twice the power. Is this correct?
>
> 2) I've been using the same 1/4 inch cables for my keyboards since
> 1988. Should I be replacing them, even if I don't hear any
> crackling, or so long as they seem to keep working, just keep using
> them? Is it possible that some signal strength has been lost over
> the years, but the loss has been so gradual, that I don't even notice
> the difference?
>
> 3) I've heard a lot of "bally-hoo" over MONSTER CABLES. Are these
> things really as good as some folks say they are, and if so are they
> worth $60 U.S. a piece! ? Are there different Monster Cables for
> keyboard vs. guitar? If I want my sound to be better, should I be
> running out to get some ASAP, or don't believe everything you hear
> at Guitar Center?