Best way to connect keyboard work station and helix into computer with monitors

[BrokenGravity]

Hello!

 

This is a new territory for me so excuse my ignorance.  Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

Goal: Connect computer, helix, kronos keyboard to all output through my monitor speakers.

 

Setup:

• Computer outputs backing tracks / DAW.  
• Computer connected to helix via usb
• Computer outputs to helix
• Helix outputs through XLR to monitors.

 

 

I'd like to add a keyboard into this chain. 

 

It looks to me that Kronos can output through USB.  So would it simply be connecting the kronos to my computer to output through the helix to the monitors?  Or would I need some other interface to handle all these outputs?

 

Thanks again!

 

[silverhead]

If you are using Helix over USB as the audio interface to your DAW on Windows you can’t also have your keyboard recognized over USB. On Mac it may be different; I believe you can define something called an aggregate device  that will allow you to do that.

On Windows, assuming your Helix device can process dual paths and dual inputs and also assuming that you are using a guitar although you don’t mention it, you can use your guitar as input for Path 1 and two of the Helix Return jacks as input for Path 2, with your keyboard’s analog stereo outputs connected to the Helix Return inputs. You can optionally use some FX to further process your keyboard on Path 2 but you can also keep Path 2 empty of FX to allow your unprocessed keyboard audio to appear at the Helix outputs (your monitors).

[rd2rk]

I don't have a Kronos, but had a quick look at the specs.

I THINK that if it sends audio over USB, then it would need to be the ASIO Device in your DAW.

That may be different with a MAC or you could set up an Aggregate Device.

I'm not really a MAC person so if you're using a MAC say so and someone from MAC World can help with that.

 

There's lots of ways to do this. Attached is an example of how I might set it up with my ancient Seiko DS-250 using Helix as AI.

NOTE - I have a Scarlett 18i20 for an AI, so this is just an example I set up for your use case.

 

Connected to a PC with Helix as your DAW's ASIO device I would connect the Kronos' 1/4" Stereo Outs to Returns 3/4.

Set Path 2's input to Returns 3/4 then split Path 2 and set the Output of 2A to XLR (assuming one or more FRFRs or a PA for Zero Latency Direct Monitoring).

Set Path 2B's Output to USB 3/4 for recording.

 

Use Path 1 for guitar with the Output of Path 1A set to 1/4" for a Guitar amp's Return or FRFRs or PA for Direct Monitoring.

Set Path 1B's Output to USB 1/2 for recording.

 

This configuration gives you stereo on both instruments, choice of Stereo or Mono for stage/direct monitoring and stereo into your DAW for recording.

 

Again, there's lots of ways to do this, the example preset attached is just what I came up with in a few minutes.

NOTE - the synth paths have a Gain Block because the output from my Seiko is weak.

You need something to split the paths but you likely won't need gain blocks set that high.

 

Anyway, questions, different configuration requirements?

 

Oh, almost forgot. In Windows Sound Panel just set the Default Playback Device to Helix and that gets all your streaming/backing tracks to the Helix Outputs. 

Note - if you want to record those along with the Guitar and synth you'll need to import the backing tracks into the DAW or bring in Streams using the Computer's Sound Card (Sound Panel Default Playback Device) and the computers HP Out into a separate Helix Path - IOW, the configuration I've described would be fine if importing backing tracks into the DAW, but to Record Streams would require a different configuration. 

 

Last word, FYI and FWIW - A multi I/O Audio Interface such as my Scarlett 18i20 makes all of this MUCH easier. Just sayin'...

Kronos.hlx

[rd2rk]

@silverhead beat me to the POST and said basically the same thing as me but with a lot less words!

[BerniceBerger]

 

  

On 2/12/2024 at 7:31 AM, rd2rk said:

I don't have a Kronos, but had a quick look at the specs.

I THINK that if it sends audio over USB, then it would need to be the ASIO Device in your DAW.

That may be different with a MAC or you could set up an Aggregate Device.

I'm not really a MAC person so if you're using a MAC say so and someone from MAC World can help with that.

 

There's lots of ways to do this. Attached is an example of how I might set it up with my ancient Seiko DS-250 using Helix as AI.

NOTE - I have a Scarlett 18i20 for an AI, so this is just an example I set up for your use case.

 

Connected to a PC with Helix as your DAW's ASIO device I would connect the Kronos' 1/4" Stereo Outs to Returns 3/4.

Set Path 2's input to Returns 3/4 then split Path 2 and set the Output of 2A to XLR (assuming one or more FRFRs or a PA for Zero Latency Direct Monitoring).

Set Path 2B's Output to USB 3/4 for recording.

 

Use Path 1 for guitar with the Output of Path 1A set to 1/4" for a Guitar amp's Return or FRFRs or PA for Direct Monitoring.

Set Path 1B's Output to USB 1/2 for recording.

 

This configuration gives you stereo on both instruments, choice of Stereo or Mono for stage/direct monitoring and stereo into your DAW for recording.

 

Again, there's lots of ways to do this, the example preset attached is just what I came up with in a few minutes.

NOTE - the synth paths have a Gain Block because the output from my Seiko is weak.

You need something to split the paths but you likely won't need gain blocks set that high.

 

Anyway, questions, different configuration requirements?

 

Oh, almost forgot. In Windows Sound Panel just set the Default Playback Device to Helix and that gets all your streaming/backing tracks to the Helix Outputs. 

Note - if you want to record those along with the Guitar and synth you'll need to import the backing tracks into the DAW or bring in Streams using the Computer's Sound Card (Sound Panel Default Playback Device) and the computers HP Out into a separate Helix Path - IOW, the configuration I've described would be fine if importing backing tracks into the DAW, but to Record Streams would require a different configuration. 

I don't have a Kronos, but after a quick look at the specs, it seems that if it sends audio over USB, it might need to be the ASIO device in my DAW. I'm not particularly familiar with Macs, so if I'm using one, I might need to set up an Aggregate Device for this. There are various ways to set this up. Here's an example of how I might configure it, using my old Seiko DS-250 and Helix as an example ASIO device (I usually use a Scarlett 18i20). Connecting the Kronos' 1/4" Stereo Outs to Helix Returns 3/4, I would set Path 2's input to Returns 3/4. Then, I'd split Path 2 and set the Output of 2A to XLR for direct monitoring and 2B's Output to USB 3/4 for recording. For my guitar, I'd use Path 1, with the Output of Path 1A set to 1/4" for a guitar amp's return or FRFRs, and 1B's Output to USB 1/2 for recording. This setup allows for stereo on both instruments, a choice of Stereo or Mono for stage/direct monitoring, and stereo into the DAW for recording. It's worth noting that this is just one example, and gain levels should be adjusted based on specific equipment and preferences. If considering debt relief programs to fund new gear that you can found here https://fitmymoney.com/best-debt-relief-programs/ , it's crucial to carefully assess financial situations and explore legitimate options. Debt relief programs are typically focused on managing existing debts rather than acquiring new equipment. If you have specific questions about these programs or financial assistance, feel free to ask.

Last word, FYI and FWIW - A multi I/O Audio Interface such as my Scarlett 18i20 makes all of this MUCH easier. Just sayin'...

Kronos.hlx 17.39 kB · 1 download

 

 

 

 

Yeah, it is the best way to connect keyboard. I will use it!

[datacommando]

On 2/11/2024 at 11:13 PM, BrokenGravity said:

Goal: Connect computer, helix, kronos keyboard to all output through my monitor speakers.

 

Setup:

• Computer outputs backing tracks / DAW.  
• Computer connected to helix via usb
• Computer outputs to helix
• Helix outputs through XLR to monitors.

I'd like to add a keyboard into this chain. 

Hi,

 

I don’t own a Kronos, which is quite an interesting piece of gear, but my very basic setup is very similar to what you wish to achieve.

 

First, my Helix floor has my powered 8” studio monitors connected to the rear XLR out. The Helix USB is connected to my iMac 5k Retina running Logic Pro X. The Helix sends fully processed stereo audio on USB 1&2, along with a dry mono signal on USB 7. All audio from Logic (or any other audio source) is sent back out to the Helix input set to Multi.

 

From the Owner’s Manual page 68 -USB Audio

 

“With the Helix default “Multi” Input and Output block settings in use, you’ll automatically hear audio software playback on USB 1/2 routed directly to the Helix XLR, 1/4" and Phones outputs. This lets you jam along with YouTube, iTunes, or your DAW tracks without hearing them through a bunch of amps and effects.
If you set your DAW software track to record from Helix USB 1/2, you’ll capture your Helix-processed input signal in the DAW track—with zero-latency monitoring, since you hear your input from the Helix hardware outputs before it is routed through your software.
The additional Helix USB Inputs and Outputs are available within the Helix Input and Output blocks, and within your DAW software track menus. You can utilize these USB ins and outs for numerous routing configurations, all without patching extra cables”.

 

As I stated earlier, this is the very basic hook up to get you up and running. Your Kronos has a bunch of 1/4” outputs that would need further consideration, but using the USB out it should be possible to create an aggregate device within the Audio/MIDI app on your Mac.
 

I also have an Arturia KeyLab 61 controller keyboard which handles all the Logic and other third party soft synths, sample and drum duties. I then have an X Touch Universal Control Surface that handles and fully automates all the mixer and channel strip options. I have a rack full of vintage synth/sampler modules from Roland, Yamaha, Akai and Kawai that can be accessed via MIDI from the Arturia or the Helix. 
 

Jump into the shallow end first, then see how deep you need to dive with this stuff.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

 

You might want to check this out.

https://line6.com/data/6/0a020a3f041b611d61cac763b/application/pdf/Helix 3.0 Owner's Manual - English .pdf

 

[DunedinDragon]

I have multiple keyboards along with my Helix connected to my computer all through USB connections.  The difference it I use a dedicated USB on my PC for the Helix to ensure I don't run into problems with firmware upgrades, but I also use it within my DAW for recording.  My studio monitors are run off of an audio interface as well. As far as keyboards I have one keyboard similar to the workstation you're talking about and can connect it through an audio interface using it's 1/4" line outs or USB through a USB hub for recording MIDI in my DAW.  The two other keyboards are MIDI controllers only so they're both connected to the hub as well but are only used for DAW input and their interfaces are defined in the DAW.  You'd have to look into the way the Kronos defines it's USB connections and if it acts in a similar way to the Helix in having certain channels as audio outputs.  In my experience most of the newer generation of keyboards tend to use WASAPI interfaces either shared or exclusive rather than ASIO.

[BrokenGravity]

Hello all,

 

Thank you for all the valuable input, it's really appreciated it!  It looks like I can run it was  @silverhead described.  If I can avoid an audio interface for the time being I'm going to try.

 

@rd2rk Thank you so much for setting up an example patch.  This makes things much clearer!