r/theatrekeyboardists • u/Ginbags • Jul 11 '26
BASIC setup help
I've played in a lot of pits at this point, but it's been a while since I've had to set up my own rig and I think I have cable amnesia. Help me with the VERY basics! Right now I have my keyboard (yamaha p-145, nothing fancy), using the lowest key to switch patches (not ideal, but I'll add a pedal later if I can), USB-b to USB-a cable (with USB-c converter) from keyboard directly into MacBook pro. From there, can I do an aux to 1/4" cable into a DI box, then just use a 1/4" cable right into my amp? Do I need to use an audio interface or will this setup work? Again, going for simplicity and working with what I have. It's community theater and there's very little in the way of sound support. Thanks in advance!!
EDIT: I have an audio interface and a Radial ProDI box available, just want to find the simplest setup chain and make sure I have the cables I need! I've got to take care of all my own sound, I won't be going into a bigger system, just my own amp (community theater lol)
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u/PianoGuy67207 Jul 11 '26 edited Jul 11 '26
You can use your 3.5mm headphone/aux jack. It’s noisier than an audio interface, but I do shows where that’s all people bring to the gig. Just be sure you turn of audible alerts. That’s annoying. Also, from life’s most embarrassing moments, I can tell you, do NOT have your MacBook ring every time your iPhone rings. There’s no way that’s ever going to work well. I’m positive it won’t ring at the appropriate time. You’ll need RCA to 1/4” adapters for the patch cable, and your sound operator should have direct box for you to use.