Morning all.
I've got a little Korg Monotron Duo and Delay, and I've chained them together using a regular thing audio cable, and from the output on the delay I use a jack converter to send the signal via a guitar patch lead into my pedals/guitar amp. The only thing is, the signal is really quiet. It was the same using it via the PA (instead of the guitar amp) at band practice.
Is this just the natural volume of the Monotron units or would the cables being used between the two units have an effect? Is it better to use the other jack adapter at the pedals input and keep the thinner cabling out from the Korg?
Comments
I don't own those synths (but I have quite a few others and regularly use pedals with them) but usually it goes the other way- the synths output line level and overload the input stage of the pedals.
Maybe make a short video showing what you are doing?
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
The Monotrons are connected to each other using one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Syncwire-SW-SC017-Cable-iPhone-Headphone/dp/B01I0SI1SG/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1540886346&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=audio+cable&psc=1
From the output of the Monotron Delay, I'm using one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Adapters-Plugs/Mobi-Lock-Gold-Plated-Adapter-Connector-Black-Pack-2/B01CEZJJYQ/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1540886550&sr=8-8&keywords=audio+jack+adapter
Which then connects to one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stagg-SPC015L-E-Patch-Cable-x/dp/B00754JWYE/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1540886356&sr=8-8&keywords=patch+cable
Which then goes into the pedals/guitar amp.
But instead, from the output of the Monotron Delay, should I use another one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Syncwire-SW-SC017-Cable-iPhone-Headphone/dp/B01I0SI1SG/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1540886346&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=audio+cable&psc=1
Into one of these adaptors: https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Headphone-Adapter-Stereo-Socket-Gold/dp/B00EL9V5XW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1540886550&sr=8-4&keywords=audio+jack+adapter
Then into the pedals/amp?
Would the quality of the cable being used between the Korgs make a difference?
Not sure if @Paul_C might have any experience...
I've not used those ones but they seem ok.
If you are getting low level from them I would suggest using a preamp to get the level up to something closer to line level when using the PA.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
When you plug the mono patch cable into the 3.5mm/1/4" adaptor, you're shorting the ring terminal to ground. The tip connection will still be made correctly but if the tip and ring are connected together by just a couple of low-value resistors to protect the outputs, the result will be near-silence.
To see if it's this, pull the patch cable out of the adaptor and push it back in just far enough that the tip of the plug touches the ring contact. Make sure you turn your volume levels down when doing this because if I'm right the result will be *much* louder.
If this is the case you need a splitter cable which is 3.5mm stereo to *two* plugs, usually RCA phonos. You can then use a simple phono to 1/4" adaptor to connect one of them to the amp.
For what it's worth a long time ago I knew a keyboard player who would run it through a DOD American Metal pedal to play Keith Emerson-type distorted organ sounds, and guitar lead lines - it's amazing how much more convincing a keyboard electric guitar sound is like that.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-3-5mm-2-Male-Adapter-Cable/dp/B01D5H8KO2/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1540916141&sr=1-8&keywords=3.5+rca+jack+adapter
https://www.amazon.co.uk/6-35mm-inch-Phono-Socket-Adaptors-Gold/dp/B008F7T2XQ/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1540916189&sr=1-8&keywords=rca+1/4+jack+adapter
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
In fact, if the first pedal is a passive volume pedal that that *is* one which doesn't switch a battery on with the input jack, so you could use that Y adaptor.
Normally the battery negative is connected to the ring and then jumpered to ground when a mono plug is put in.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
https://www.juno.co.uk/products/bastl-instruments-dude-portable-battery-operated-5/648903-01/
Also just to confirm that advice given by @ICBM was spot on - adaptor worked perfectly and little Korgs are now same volume as guitar input. Just need a better ABY pedal or box now...