Using a Y Cord to record mono L/R outputs as a single input?

[zaynatsa]

Hiya,

This may be a silly question, sorry in advance.

Let's say I have a synth with two outputs, left and right. I could plug each output into my Scarlet 2i4 in channel one and two. My question is, would I lose any quality if I were to use a Y 1/4" TRS cable coming from the synth to a channel on my interface? Or would it just record as mono and not have the stereo effect (and just be better to record both channels and route ableton to record as stereo)?

I ask because I would rather have the other channel free for a mic.

Thank you in advance

[Winterpark]

A 1/4" TRS - 2x TS Y-cable configured the way you suggest is only going to record the left output of your synth. You may as well just use a normal TS - TS. 1"4 (guitar cable)

[zaynatsa]

Even if it is a 1/4" TS from left and right inputs to 1/4" TRS like this?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/STP202

If that is the case, then thank you for the reply

[Winterpark]

that's the one I was talking about. yes.

[Winterpark]

in fact, your sound may actually be worse when you use a cable like that, because it is expecting a balanced TRS input, but you're effectively giving it a stereo signal from 2xunbalanced cables.

[chrk]

in fact, your sound may actually be worse when you use a cable like that, because it is expecting a balanced TRS input, but you're effectively giving it a stereo signal from 2xunbalanced cables.

No, not may, but WILL...

... and here's Why Not Wye?

You're looking at something like this: Whirlwind PodDI | Sweetwater.com

[slatepipe]

in fact, your sound may actually be worse when you use a cable like that, because it is expecting a balanced TRS input, but you're effectively giving it a stereo signal from 2xunbalanced cables.

No, not may, but WILL...

... and here's Why Not Wye?

You're looking at something like this: Whirlwind PodDI | Sweetwater.com

i should know this, but i didn't. though now i do. THANKS

[savyurrecords]

It is perfectly acceptable to record you synth in mono. Most of the stereoness of the synth can be replicated and improved during mixing.

[zaynatsa]

in fact, your sound may actually be worse when you use a cable like that, because it is expecting a balanced TRS input, but you're effectively giving it a stereo signal from 2xunbalanced cables.

No, not may, but WILL...

... and here's Why Not Wye?

You're looking at something like this: Whirlwind PodDI | Sweetwater.com

Thank you very much for that informative answer, helps a lot