Passive stereo mixer for CK61? (seeking opinions from folks who have used them)

[Demonseed]

As some of you know, I just acquired a Yamaha CK61. It has a stereo audio input that takes advantage of the unit’s effects. I’m in the process of integrating it with an 88 key and a 76 key controller. Both those controllers (DP4073 piano, QS7.1 synth) have sounds that I’d like to avail of those effects.

So I am imagining a passive stereo mixer. Hypothetically, there should be almost no additional noise as there will be no gain stages. Before I order one, I’m wondering if anyone here has used one for any reason - and would like opinions, pro and con, about going this route. 

[U.Honey]

A benefit is that there is no noise or coloring of the sound. However, a passive mixer will reduce your output gain. Where are you sending the signal after the  passive mixer?

[Demonseed]

QS7.1 synth >>>> passive mixer >> CK61 audio input (for effects) >> main mixing board 

DP4073 piano >>

 

A slight reduction in output gain would be anticipated, and is manageable… a major reduction would be a drag. 

[stoken6]

1 hour ago, Demonseed said:

QS7.1 synth >>>> passive mixer >> CK61 audio input (for effects) >> main mixing board 

DP4073 piano >>

 

A slight reduction in output gain would be anticipated, and is manageable… a major reduction would be a drag. 

I don't know how much gain is available on the Yamaha's audio input. A passive mixer will have a substantial reduction in output level - you might want an active. A little Alto Truemix 500 or similar will do the job.

 

Regards, Mike.

[Baldwin Funster]

Another problem I ve had with passive mixers is when you turn up one channel other channels can go down in volume not just stay the same. You have some loading of the outputs of some things. If it's just to combine things a passive may or may not be the ticket. If it's to mix levels continuously, probably not.

[Demonseed]

2 hours ago, Baldwin Funster said:

Another problem I ve had with passive mixers is when you turn up one channel other channels can go down in volume not just stay the same. You have some loading of the outputs of some things. If it's just to combine things a passive may or may not be the ticket. If it's to mix levels continuously, probably not.

Ok, this is the stuff I seek. Is it only when you change the volume at the mixer itself? Or does it also occur if you change the volume at the source (the keyboard or sound module)?

 

 

[Baldwin Funster]

1 hour ago, Demonseed said:

Ok, this is the stuff I seek. Is it only when you change the volume at the mixer itself? Or does it also occur if you change the volume at the source (the keyboard or sound module)?

 

 

It can happen with both scenarios. The more even the levels going into the mixer the less noticeable I think the unwanted side effects are. 

[Demonseed]

1 hour ago, Baldwin Funster said:

It can happen with both scenarios. The more even the levels going into the mixer the less noticeable I think the unwanted side effects are. 

Ahhh, that defeats the concept. Oh well… active mini mixer it shall be then. I will want the volume of whatever I’m not manipulating to remain unchanged… I’ll have to live with just a little extra hiss.

[John Tweed]

13 hours ago, Demonseed said:

QS7.1 synth >>>> passive mixer >> CK61 audio input (for effects) >> main mixing board 

DP4073 piano >>

 

A slight reduction in output gain would be anticipated, and is manageable… a major reduction would be a drag. 

Why not patch the QS straight into the CK? No mixer is needed unless you want to put more than one synth thru the CK at a time.

[Demonseed]

23 minutes ago, John Tweed said:

Why not patch the QS straight into the CK? No mixer is needed unless you want to put more than one synth thru the CK at a time.

Hi,

 

As stated in the OP, that is exactly the case. The scenario is that, because the CK does not assign separate midi channels to the separate Parts, all keyboards connected to it play the same sound. Therefore, if I want the CK’s keyboard to be a Clavinet and the QS7.1’s keyboard to be a split Hammond, and want the DP4073 to be either a piano or an EP, I have to a) turn off midi transmit on the DP4073 and b) turn up the DP4073’s own audio out. If it’s EP, I will likely wish to utilize ping-pong tremolo or phaser or something.

 

And in another scenario I might want the CK61 keyboard to be a lead synth, the DP4073 to do Hammond, and some patch on the QS to do pads or something. In which case I’d turn DP4073 midi transmit ON, QS7.1 midi transmit OFF, etc.

[John Tweed]

The CK out of the box will transmit everything on a single channel. But it also has a master keyboard mode which will send midi out on any channel, up to four zones each with their own midi channel. Each live set can have its own master setup.