Hooking up synthesizers together... suggestions?

[ericpdx84]

I have a Vintage Roland Juno 6 and a Korg R3 synthesizer. I'm trying to set up a good live situation for them just in my room at the moment and eventually for live, but don't know much about it. I currently just have some little M-Audio (av40) studio speakers. Can they both be played at the same time through those? Do I need to have one be a master and one a slave and buy a MIDI converter for the Juno 6? Should I invest in a mixer, amp, and speakers for live sound?
Just trying to figure out how to get them playing together and get a good live sound. Thanks for any help!

[fh991586]

There is no midi converter for the Juno 6, because this synth has no built-in system to fully control it externally (pre-DCB and pre-midi built). Therefore, you'll need to install a full retro-fit midi kit if you want to play with it only using the Korg R3. But do you really need that? Just put them on a 2 levels stand and play one hand on each synth, like good old times...

As for the sound, you will definitely need a mixer if you want to hear both synths from a single source [speaker(s)]. For indoor use, small monitors can be ok, but some amps would be mandatory for live use in almost any venue.

[ericpdx84]

Thank you! The set-up you suggested was actually what I had in mind. Any suggestions on mixers that I would be able to put a drum machine, microphone, and maybe even recording options into? How do I go about getting a good live set-up amp and speaker-wise? I also tried plugging my Juno 6 into the small speakers I have and barely got sound out of them... ?

[fh991586]

You don't need a big mixer right now, so a simple thing like the Tapco Mix series would do. It's the underdog of the Mackie Design company, and can be found easily on the second hand market for less than $100. Here's a picture:
http://profile.ultimate-guitar.com/AfoH ... 487/543824
Concerning your monitors, they should work with the Juno 6, but I can't tell what's wrong with the info you provided. Just make sure that the front panel volume control is not too low on both the synth and the main speaker. If one is turned on less than 5%, don't expect a big noise even if the other is at full volume!
But basically, if you plugged 2x ¼" trs cable to join the outputs of the Juno 6 to the inputs of the Left monitor, everything should be ok.

As for the live set-up, I'm afraid it's out of my league. I only play for fun in my bedroom without recording, so I don't have the knowledge to point you in a better direction than I already have. I can only suggest you stay far away from anything labeled Behringer...

[pflosi]

Low sound on Juno: make sure the level switch at the rear is on "high"...

Crucial for live with a Juno 6 / 60 IMO is a sustain pedal and a drummachine with a trigger out to clock the arp. Instant fun

[fh991586]

Low sound on Juno: make sure the level switch at the rear is on "high"...

+1!