Connecting monitors to an audio interface

[Xandeeno]

I didn't know what category to put this question in,
I am looking at getting a tascam us16x08 audio interface and some mackie cr3 studio monitors. I have looked up videos of how to connect however, I would like to connect them via 1/4 inch jack. The active mackie has 2 1/4 inch jack inputs, one labelled L and one labelled R. (The tascam audio interface has about 8!1/4 inch outputs so that's fine) which one do I use? Do I use both inputs in the monitors. This may be a little confusing.
Also, do audio interfaces even need monitors to work?
Thanks

 

[dystrust]

Re: Connecting monitors to an audio interface

You need to use both inputs on the monitors because one is for the left channel and the other is for the right. They're balanced connections, so you'll want to use a TRS cable for lowest noise, though a TS guitar cable will work in a pinch.

In terms of outputs, you can use any of the line outputs on the back of the 16x08. Most DAWs map the master out to 1 & 2, but you could change that if you wanted to use a different pair of outputs.

 

[Xandeeno]

Re: Connecting monitors to an audio interface

Okay thanks, I've found a simpler one now. However it is sold singularly, do I need to plug two in or is it okay with just the one?

 

[dystrust]

Re: Connecting monitors to an audio interface

Okay thanks, I've found a simpler one now. However it is sold singularly, do I need to plug two in or is it okay with just the one?

You'll need to run two cables since every monitor I've ever seen has separate inputs for the left and right channels instead of a single stereo input.

 

[Xandeeno]

Re: Connecting monitors to an audio interface

This one has a single stereo input, it's a tannoy reveal 402, what I meant was do I need two monitors connected to the audio interface or is one okay? Thanks for all the help btw

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: Connecting monitors to an audio interface

This one has a single stereo input, it's a tannoy reveal 402, what I meant was do I need two monitors connected to the audio interface or is one okay? Thanks for all the help btw

Usually you would connect two monitors, one to each of the outputs 1 & 2. If you can pick up another of the same Reveal 402, you'll get a lot more listening enjoyment that way (IMO)

That Tascam interface looks like the next version of the US-1641 that we've used a ton, and we've tried both 1/4" speaker cables and 1/4" to XLR on the monitors before. Go the dual monitor route and you won't be sorry!