Mono vs. stereo

[Koudy]

Hello,
when performing live with only Genos 2, with a microphone connected to the keyboard, 2 speakers, do you use mono or stereo? What is beter?

[DrakeM]

Mono is better of course. You only have to carry and lift half as much equipment.  

[overover]

Hello,
when performing live with only Genos 2, with a microphone connected to the keyboard, 2 speakers, do you use mono or stereo? What is beter?

Hi @Koudy,

If you have a two-speaker system, it is strongly recommended that you operate it in stereo, i.e. use both main out jacks. All voices and effects are designed for stereo operation. If you use mono (only main out jack "L/L+R" connected or the signals from both main out jacks summed externally to mono), many voices will sound significantly worse. You should only use mono if only 1 speaker is actually being used.

By the way, what was said also applies to stage performances with large PAs. Normally all PAs these days are stereo and keyboards are usually always fed into the mixer in stereo.


Best regards,
Chris

[Koudy]

Hello,
when performing live with only Genos 2, with a microphone connected to the keyboard, 2 speakers, do you use mono or stereo? What is beter?

Hi @Koudy,

If you have a two-speaker system, it is strongly recommended that you operate it in stereo, i.e. use both main out jacks. All voices and effects are designed for stereo operation. If you use mono (only main out jack "L/L+R" connected or the signals from both main out jacks summed externally to mono), many voices will sound significantly worse. You should only use mono if only 1 speaker is actually being used.

By the way, what was said also applies to stage performances with large PAs. Normally all PAs these days are stereo and keyboards are usually always fed into the mixer in stereo.


Best regards,
Chris

Thanks

[overover]

Thanks

Thanks for your feedback, @Koudy!

I hope my comments have helped you.


Best regards,
Chris

[Alex Mercer]

@Koudy,

Choosing between Mono and Stereo connections depends on your specific situation, including the venue size, the audience, and the overall setup. Let me share some examples from my experience as a performer to help you make an decision.

For large concerts with audiences of 1000 or more, where there's a full band: drums, bass, guitars, percussion, and so on, each musician typically has their own monitor, and the venue uses a powerful PA system to cover the crowd. In these cases, I always connect my keyboard using a single mono cable to the L/L+R output. Mono signals tend to integrate better into the overall mix in such large setups. Additionally, stereo imaging can sometimes create uneven results for audience members who aren't seated centrally.

In contrast, when I'm playing in smaller venues or more intimate events with up to 100-200 people, the approach changes. If I'm performing solo or with a small group, and the setup includes just two speakers or perhaps two speakers and a subwoofer, I connect my keyboard to a stereo using two mono cables: one for the left channel and one for the right. Many mixers have dedicated stereo channels, which are ideal since they handle stereo signals more accurately than two separate mono channels. If no stereo channel is available, I use two mono channels and pan them left and right on the mixer to achieve a balanced stereo sound.

In the studio, it's almost always better to go with a stereo connection. This allows you to capture the full richness of sounds, especially for things like pianos, pads, or effects-heavy patches that rely on stereo depth. For example, when I'm recording a cinematic-style track with layered sounds and wide reverbs, a stereo connection is essential to get that immersive feel. But when mixing and mastering a track, I always switch between mono and stereo audio to make sure the mix sounds right in both. This step is important to ensure that the final track translates well across different listening environments, whether it's on headphones, car speakers, or mono sound systems.

Ultimately, it all comes down to the context. For big stages, mono is usually the way to go. For smaller setups or personal performances, stereo brings out the best in your sound.

I hope these examples help you decide what works best for your situation.

Feel free to ask if you have any more questions. I'd be happy to share more!

Best regards,
Alex