routing issue

[blinkrocker3]

I was wondering how I could connect stereo headphones to one output on my Tascam US-1641 interface without making it mono. It says the outputs are 1/4" balanced, which I thought meant it could be stereo. When I edit the VST Connections in Cubase it wont allow me to send the left and right signals to the same output. First of all I was wondering how I could listen to stereo with one output, and if I can't, what kind of adapter do I need to convert 2 mono signals to 1 stereo signal.
thanks

[brandondrury]

I was wondering how I could connect stereo headphones to one output on my Tascam US-1641 interface without making it mono.

By default, if you are using just one signal, it must be mono. To have stereo, you'd have to use both outputs. There is no other way.

It says the outputs are 1/4" balanced, which I thought meant it could be stereo.

No, that means there is an extra wire in there who'd sole job is to cancel out noise. You can't run an additional signal through it.

When I edit the VST Connections in Cubase it wont allow me to send the left and right signals to the same output.

This is correct.

what kind of adapter do I need to convert 2 mono signals to 1 stereo signal.

Theoretically, you don't need an adapter. All cables that are stereo have 2 physical, individual cables. Take a look at an RCA cable. The two individual cables are glued together but you can tear them apart or use 2 mono cables.

Now, for your specific headphones, you probably have an 1/8" or 1/4" stereo plug. You can buy cables (like the ones designed for "inserts" on mixers) that will allow you to split that male 1/4" cable from the headphones into two individual 1/4" female connectors. This would allow you to easily connect to 1/4" mono cables to the outs of your audio interface and use your headphones.

Brandon

[blinkrocker3]

Ok thanks, so basically if you monitor through headphones its going to be mono, right?

[Jayers]

Originally Posted by blinkrocker3

Ok thanks, so basically if you monitor through headphones its going to be mono, right?

No. If you plug your head phones into a single channel output of your interface it WILL be mono. Either you need to take a Y connector of some sort that brings both sides into one stereo connector or monitor your signal through a more traditional headphone output somewhere in your chain.

[brandondrury]

Not at all. Re-read my previous post one more time. There is no reason why you should have to run your headphones in mono. All headphone mixes in my studio are stereo these days.

Brandon