Mixer question - KORG NTS-3, Vocals, Mackie 1202VLZ4

Treader · April 13, 2025, 11:18am

Greetings yall

I’m rather new to the world of audio routing, especially the confusing (to a newbie) subjects of mono>stereo inputs, TRS connections, aux sends/returns. Apologies in advance for the long winded post, wanted to provide enough info without muddying the waters too much (because they are certainly muddy to me…lol) I’m seeking a bit of guidance on what to order to get this routing to work, and generally to understand this topic more thoroughly. I don’t have a lot of cables or the FX unit in hand to do testing.

I have a Mackie 1202VLZ4. I currently only have one chain of instruments (Minifreak->OT) also coming through the mixer, not currently using any sends with that chain, so I have plenty of I/O to play with.

What I’m trying to accomplish:

1)Use one of the XLR mic inputs so I can put vocals through one of the channel 1-4 preamps.

2)Send the vocals to the KORG NTS-3

3)Return, either to a stereo channel (to take advantage of EQ on the channel), or a stereo return. Controlling the wet/dry of the vocal mix at the mixer is attractive to me.

From what I understand, the NTS-3 has stereo audio in/out 3.5mm TRS jacks. Reading online, it seems other folks havn’t been able to get it to take a mono signal to be converted to stereo at the out.

As I read the manual for the mixer, a couple things are confusing me, I’ll include some pics of the manual, as well as the mixer.

What I’m considering as of now:

-Use dual 1/4” TS cable to 3.5mm TRS to send from Aux 1/2, and come back on a stereo return. Havnt done this before but I’m sure with some testing I could figure out how to use the returns to mix.

Something that is confusing me is the mentioned “jack normalling” in picture below. Does this mean if I connect a TRS from L output, the mixer will send that signal to both L/R on the other side? Or is this just meant for mono input coming in? Does this mean I should send with TRS and come back with a Y cable from the FX, or take advantage of “jack normalling” by going TRS>TRS into L on my return?

In another pic from mixer manual, it seems to be telling me to “not attempt” using a Y cable to feed stereo inputs. This is probably what’s giving me the most pause.

Again, thanks. Pics include one from the manual for a chuckle

Affectionate-Bee-781 · April 15, 2025, 8:11pm

Hi the Mackie is a great mixer, lots of ways to make this happen

If that’s true, it’s a bit annoying. It’s really the only hiccup to make this happening easily.

This should work. Only downside is you’re taking up both aux sends and you have to turn both aux send knobs each time you want to adjust the send.

I think you could use an adapter like this from AuxSend 1 to double your sound to send to the NTS-3

Jack normalling is only for mono inputs. Doesn’t apply to your situation. You’re trying to take a mono output and convert it to stereo.

What you’re describing would be convenient. The actual case is there will only be signal on the Tip (left) side of the TRS cable.

Nope, check it again it’s telling you not to use a Y cable to combine stereo outputs from the mixer to a mono device.

Bonus option: Use Aux Send 1 to send vocals to an Octatrack Input. Apply Octatrack FX if desired. Cue Outs to NTS-3 before returning to the Mackie

Treader · April 18, 2025, 9:30am

Thanks for your help trying to clear this up for me!

Someone on Reddit who is using the NTS-3 pointed me to a spot in the manual I had missed, apparently it IS able to take a mono signal by changing a menu setting. So that should eliminate a hurdle I was anticipating.

I see now about what you’re saying on the Y connection. That was throwing me for a loop

I like the idea of using Cue in this situation. There’s definitely more than one way to go about this.

Thanks again!