Using a keyboard and a mic

[rick]

Hi - brand newbie here.

1.  Can I record a keyboard (Roland XV88) by going directly into the guitar jack?  A guitar, obviously is not a powered device where a keyboard is so I wasn't sure if it would work

2.  Can I use an SM58 into the guitar jack to record vocals by simply using an XLR Low/Hi Impedance converter.  Or is there a converter to adapt the low impedance mic jack into the mini-mic jack on the Micro BR?

Thanks,
Rick

[PhilFromIT]

Hi - brand newbie here.

1.  Can I record a keyboard (Roland XV88) by going directly into the guitar jack?  A guitar, obviously is not a powered device where a keyboard is so I wasn't sure if it would work

2.  Can I use an SM58 into the guitar jack to record vocals by simply using an XLR Low/Hi Impedance converter.  Or is there a converter to adapt the low impedance mic jack into the mini-mic jack on the Micro BR?

Thanks,
Rick

Hi Rick, I can help you with the first item. I have connected my Roland XP-50 mono into the guitar input jack of the MBR no problem. The XV88 has 4 outputs I believe. One of them should be marked mono. But I seem to recall that signal routing on that keyboard is programmed at the patch level so you may have to check your manual to get the sound routed to the mono output. To be safe, have the volume of the keyboard all the way down and then adjust as you play until the input level is strong. Hope this helps.

Sorry I can't help with item 2...

-Phil

[rick]

Thanks Phil - I figured that the keyboard would probably be OK using the mono but I never like to plug anything into anything until I know for sure that it won't blow something up. I appreciate your input.   I expect that the mono will work fine - I'll be using it in performance mode since I'm not using the board to sequence anything.  I used to use it for gigs.

Now if I can just figure out the mic thing it will be great.   

[PhilFromIT]

No problem. If I come across a solution for the mic, I'll let you know. I may need to do the same thing soon. 

-Phil

[64Guitars]

1.  Can I record a keyboard (Roland XV88) by going directly into the guitar jack?  A guitar, obviously is not a powered device where a keyboard is so I wasn't sure if it would work

2.  Can I use an SM58 into the guitar jack to record vocals by simply using an XLR Low/Hi Impedance converter.  Or is there a converter to adapt the low impedance mic jack into the mini-mic jack on the Micro BR?

The guitar input is the wrong impedance and level for anything but a guitar or bass. It can be used with keyboards, mics, and other devices if you insist but it's not recommended. Also, the guitar input is mono while your keyboard is stereo. The best way to connect your keyboard is via the Micro BR's "LINE IN/MIC (STEREO)" jack which you'll find on the right side of the unit. Set the BR's Input to LIN and adjust the sensitivity to get the highest signal level from the XV-88 without distorting (see page 29 of the manual). Of course, you'll need suitable adapters/cables to go from the XV-88's two 1/4" output jacks to the BR's single stereo mini jack.

Your SM58 microphone should also be connected to the BR's "LINE IN/MIC (STEREO)" jack. Again, you'll need suitable adapters/cables. Set the BR's Input to EXT and adjust the sensitivity to get the highest signal level from the SM58 without distorting (see page 29 of the manual).

Before connecting anything to the BR's "LINE IN/MIC (STEREO)" jack, be sure to turn off the plug-in power. See page 109 of the manual.

[hewhoiscalledj]

I connect my keyboard using the line input. You get it in stereo this way (2 tracks) like the others have mentioned. Experiment with the effects to get optimal sound level and quality (input, sensitivity, reverb, etc...)

An SM58 will require some kind of preamp to be heard properly thru the MBR. You can plug it into a PA or powered mixer or any other preamp and then connect that to the MBR into the EXT jack. Again, you'll need to tweak the settings and effects to your liking.

Good luck, have fun, and experiment!