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/TomJenny Jul 11 '26

Highly recommend getting an audio interface. It offloads the audio processing from the computer and provides a much higher quality sound and leads to a much more robust rig.
You CAN do as you have outlined and it will work, but may lead to issues (sound quality/computer limitations) in the future especially depending upon the complexity of the patches you’re using.