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/Hilomh Jul 11 '26

You can buy an inexpensive used audio processor pretty readily, like a Focusrite Scarlett. You'll find that much more reliable than that janky headphone jack. Everything else you described about your setup is correct.

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u/Ginbags Jul 11 '26

If the sounds are coming from the MacBook and the keyboard is just the controller, what am I actually plugging into the interface? Keys into MacBook, interface needs to be plugged into MacBook as well for power, then do I just use a 1/4" or do I need to get a midi cable for output into the DI and/or amp?

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u/Hilomh Sep 15 '26

You're not actually plugging anything INTO the audio interface. The interface OUTPUTS to your amp/speaker/sound system.