Hello, I’m back with another question. I’ve been testing around my moxf8 and I’ve noticed that when it comes particularly to piano sounds such as the full concert grand, if I utilize the right output only it sounds much more clearer and brighter than using the left/mono side. To understand my setup I’ve been doing tests with i have a ts cable going directly to the input my Samson auro speaker. From what I hear mono is the best choice when playing live so I am wondering as to why running mono from the right side sounds better than the dedicated left/mono side. So to summarize if I take mono from the right side the piano sounds much more crisp, cleaner, and brighter, whereas if I take mono from the left jack it sounds much more dull and muddy.

Thanks guys, this fourm has been and is truly a blessing.

I’m going to avoid the issue of whether mono or stereo is more appropriate for live performance, since that decision is dependent on the venue and other factors.

The L/MONO output is called that because if nothing is plugged into the R output, the L/MONO provides a mono mix of the left and right signals. This is due to the R jack having built-in switch contacts, which are closed when no plug is inserted, connecting the right signal (along with the left signal) to the L/MONO jack.

With many stereo Voices, that mixing results in a degree of phase cancellation, typically affecting higher frequencies more than lower ones. It’s often particularly noticeable with piano. In addition, panning can place the lower end of the key range more prominently in the left channel.

Therefore when the L/MONO output is used as the sole source, it can sound less bright than the R output.

That’s quite interesting and a pretty important tip/hack, I would think. I realize such things are subjective, but I assumed the RT channel all by itself was to be avoided cause the sonic quality would be compromised, thus the L/Mono jack.

IF it’s Mono that bit of extra brightness is likely what you’re WANTING if you’re trying to make the piano cut through a little better in a live performance.

muscarella - 16 January 2021 04:01 PM

That’s quite interesting and a pretty important tip/hack, I would think. I realize such things are subjective, but I assumed the RT channel all by itself was to be avoided cause the sonic quality would be compromised, thus the L/Mono jack.

IF it’s Mono that bit of extra brightness is likely what you’re WANTING if you’re trying to make the piano cut through a little better in a live performance.

What can be missing by using only the R output could be the lower frequency notes, the degree of which depending on how things are panned.

You can also try the left channel as a mono source by itself. That’s done by connecting to the L/MONO jack, while having a cable plugged into the R jack (but not connecting its other end to anything), thereby eliminating any contribution from the right channel.

Since what works best is dependent on several factors, including personal preference, don’t be afraid to experiment.

muscarella - 16 January 2021 04:01 PM

That’s quite interesting and a pretty important tip/hack, I would think. I realize such things are subjective, but I assumed the RT channel all by itself was to be avoided cause the sonic quality would be compromised, thus the L/Mono jack.

IF it’s Mono that bit of extra brightness is likely what you’re WANTING if you’re trying to make the piano cut through a little better in a live performance.

I have had to play in mono at my last two churches, and the right output is always superior. Any time I have to use mono I use the right output, for the reasons 5pinDIN outlined - to avoid the mono summing. I find this is also effective on other brands of keyboard as well, probably because the same issue is present when summing to mono.