Ok guys sorry for the ignorance here but im looking for the correct way to do this and after reading a 60/40 spilt on this way no that way, I still do not understand this. I am a new Kemper Stage owner and need to know whats right? The Main Outputs, im using of course XLR cables to FOH. The Main/Monitor outs that are 1/4 jacks I may use for FRFR monitoring on certain stages. I'm using IEM for the most part but if and when I do use FRFR does it matter if those 1/4 in cables are TRS or not? Some say yes because they are cleaner some tell me it does not matter?? Just like the Main XLR outputs, some say DI Box, some say does not matter? It's alittle confusing to me on what is the right way? Will I hurt my KS by using the wrong cables?? For example, I played a place last week where I used 2 FRFR monitors that had XLR inputs only and the sound guy ran 2 XLR to 1/4 inch TRS cables from them to my 1/4 Main/Monitor outputs of my KS. Might just be me but my rigs did not sound as good to me as when I'm at home in my Studio? I use 2 -1/4 inch TS cables at home thru studio monitors that sound great! Can someone please give me a grade school tutorial on what, how, and why with respect to cables??? Thanks in advance. Last thing I want to do is mess up my Kemper by not understanding this?
What Cables to use for Kemper Stage
- circletrack15
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The Main/Monitor outs that are 1/4 jacks I may use for FRFR monitoring on certain stages. I'm using IEM for the most part but if and when I do use FRFR does it matter if those 1/4 in cables are TRS or not?
It makes absolutely zero difference because the outputs themselves are TS not TRS. Therefore, you cn use a TrS cable if you want but the signal will still be unbalanced. To get a balanced signal (TRS or XLR cables) the device output and input both need to be Balanced.
Balanced signals are 6db louder and are better shielded against noise so are much better for long cable runs but you can still use unbalanced TS if necessary.
You won’t hurt your Kemper by using the wrong cable though so don’t worry about that. The only time you need to worry is when using the speaker out on a powered Kemper. In this case you must always use a speaker cable and the high voltage from the amplifier can melt a regular instrument cable and cause a short that blows the amp. Other than this you are safe to use XLR, TRS or TS the only difference is the noise screening and signal strength of Balanced is better and should be used where the equipment supports it.