As a gigging keyboard player in multiple bands, I find myself thrown into lots of unexpected situations. My trusty “bag of tricks” often makes the difference between a great show and a worrisome gig. Here are some of the “what if” items I never gig without:
Extra Audio Cables
This one is obvious; I’ve never been bummed that I brought extra 1/4″ cables. But I also bring a few insert cables that have a single 1/4″ TRS connector on one end and separate left and right 1/4″ TS (mono) connectors on the other end. These can be used to connect the headphone output of a keyboard or a module to another stereo input. And you’ll keep finding more uses for these cables once you have them. I also pack a really long earbud extension cable with 1/8″ TRS male and 1/8″ TRS female ends. Using various adapters, I can connect almost anything in stereo, with a 20′-30′ reach, using a cable that fits in the palm of my hand.
Adapters
You need several 1/4″ female to RCA male adapters. These will let you plug into a PA’s tape input when all other channels are full. Be sure to include a few 1/4″ female to 1/4″ female adapters. These will let you join two audio cables to make one long one. You’ll also need 1/4″ female TRS to 1/8″ male TRS as well as 1/8″ female TRS to 1/4″ male TRS adapters. These will let you go into an aux input designed for MP3 players when no other inputs are available.
Extra Power Cables
If your gear requires the standard IEC three-pronged AC power cable, make sure you bring extras. If possible, find ones that have an extra socket on the back of the end that plugs into the wall. They’re a lifesaver when there are no outlets left. Try to find some short IEC extension cables that have male IEC on one end and female IEC on the other. These allow you to connect two regular IEC cables to make an extra-long one.
Hum Eliminators
It’s inevitable that you’ll someday find your equipment making unacceptable amounts of hum. The problem can almost always be solved with isolation transformers. I use the ART CLEANBoxPro because it solves many problems at once. Not only does it effectively remove hum from a pair of signals, but it also converts the signal from balanced to unbalanced (or vice versa). As if that weren’t enough, it also has XLR, 1/8″, and RCA connectins on both ends, making it the ultimate adapter – and one that can fit in your pocket.
Finally, think about getting an inexpensive backup keyboard that you can leave in your trunk, such as the Roland JUNO Di, the E-MU LONGboard 61, the Yamaha Mini Mo, or the Korg PS60. It’s awful to watch your band struggle without you.