A client was having a problem recording his Behringer Odyssey synth into Cubase. The Odyssey was connected to his Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 but only very faint sound could be heard on the input channel.
I asked my client to run a few tests. First we checked that the synth was definitely powering on and generating sound. We plugged a pair of headphones into the synth and my client reported that he could hear the notes being played back loud and clear when he pressed the keys. This told us that the synth was working correctly.
Next we checked the input of the audio interface by connecting a different synth to the Scarlett 18i20. We could hear the other synth fine. This confirmed that the Focusrite input and the cable were working.
Behringer Odyssey cable jack
I asked my client to check the cable and we noticed it was a TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve) type jack plug. Also known as a stereo or balanced jack. Checked the manual for the Odyssey and confirmed this was the problem. The Odyssey is designed to use a TS (Tip Ring) type jack plug. Also known as a mono or unbalanced jack.
By running an unbalanced signal via a balanced cable into a balanced input we were cancelling out the sound of the synth via phase reversing two signals.
More info about Balanced and Unbalanced audio here:
I showed my client the right cable to order from Amazon. We connected again a few days later and he confirmed the synth was now playing back fine and able to be recorded in Cubase.
About the Author
I’m the owner and lead technician for Audio Support, a small company based in London, UK that connects remotely with clients worldwide to help them with their music technology issues. I’ve run Audio Support since 2005 and in that time I’ve seen and solved thousands of recording studio problems.
Outside of Audio Support, I run music workshops at a local school, play bass in a 90s tribute function band and perform modular synth jams with friends on Twitch.
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