Radial Engineering KL-8

RADIAL ENGINEERING's KL-8 is a Rack 38'' one-unit analog keyboard mixer equipped with 4 Stereo inputs. It allows full control of articulated keyboard setups, while also providing redundant USB connections for professional backing track playback systems, and MIDI In/Out ports for control of external equipment.

KL-8 Key Features

• Four stereo analog inputs for keyboards
• Redundant USB connections for soft-synth laptops
• Stereo aux send/receive controllable via footswitch (optional)
• Headphone outputs and Cue switches for silent monitoring
• Ability to connect multiple KL-8 devices for complex configurations

Mix control

KL-8 is a versatile keyboard mixer with a number of features that are very useful in any professional context. Up to 4 keyboards can be connected in mono or stereo, with level controls, Aux sends and LED indicators. For each channel there is inolte an Aux Send/Receive Stereo to connect and manage external effects such as reverbs, delays or others. KL-8 also has MIDI and USB connections that allow control of Virtual Instruments on a computer, and uses 24-bit / 192kHz digital converters for maximum audio quality. Finally, KL-8 has transformer-isolated XLR Main Outputs for PA System, XLR Monitor Out for on-stage listening, and 2 headphone outputs for local monitoring.

Redundant USB Inputs

In professional settings such as concerts or touring, it is not possible to interrupt the performance due to problems with the computer running backing music bases, which is why KL-8 allows 2 separate PCs to be connected in parallel: one main and the other backup with the possibility of immediate switching between one or the other, even by footswitching in case of an error.

Cueing and monitoring

KL-8 integrates a headphone amplifier and two 1/4 TRS outputs that offer the possibility to practice and record quietly without sending signals from the PA system. In fact, each input channel has a Cue switch that removes the signal from the main outputs and monitors, routing it directly to the headphones; a very useful function for checking settings on keyboards and checking playback via USB without affecting performance.

Main Applications of KL-8

Managing a Keyboard Setup

KL-8 allows you to mix up to 4 keyboards by sending a stereo/mono signal from the XLR outputs to the PA system. The 1/4 TRS insert connections allow you to connect a stereo Volume pedal on the general output, while the XLR monitor outputs and headphones send the signal for stage monitoring.

Integrating Virtual Instrument on stage

KL-8 can receive the MIDI output of a controller to play a Virtual Instrument on your laptop. The digital-to-analog converters used ensure the high quality of sound on the monitors and PA system.

Combining analog and digital on stage

You can mix the timbres of 4 keyboards with those produced by a laptop Virtual Instrument, making KL-8 the center of your performance. Auxiliary stereo send and return connections allow you to incorporate effects or pedals into the signal chain.

Create redundant playback systems

KL-8 is equipped with an auxiliary USB input, thanks to which you can immediately switch to the backup system in case of a problem with the main Computer, via a dedicated USB port selection switch on the front panel.

Integration of Foot Control

The optional JR-1L footswitch can be used to control the switching of USB ports or to turn the Aux on/off, allowing control of effects during a solo or quick switching to the backup laptop without engaging the hands.