Which Motif shows 1/4" TRS? The Motif XF shows unbalanced outputs. The Motif XS shows unbalanced outputs. The Motif ES shows unbalanced outputs. The Motif (Classic) shows unbalanced outputs. I believe the racks all have unbalanced outputs too (I spot checked the classic and XS racks - I'm sure the ES follows suit).

The Montage does have balanced outputs. It's not a Motif - but it's the closest to it with balanced outputs.

If you have a Motif, use unbalanced short runs.

Your audio interface should have connections that accept unbalanced. If this is not true you could use a DI box to get from unbalanced to balanced. This would be a very uncommon requirement.

EDIT: I now notice you said TRS was about the interface. "The interface manual says ..." not Motif.

The response is still valid in its conclusion.

Well I'm glad I asked. So many times I think I've got something figured out and it turns out I don't.

If I wasn't clear,
Motif is going to a pre-Sonus audio interface.

From the pre-Sonus manual:
Mic / Line Inputs (STUDIO1824c only). The combo connections on the rear panel of the STUDIO1824c can be used for both microphones and line-level devices. Use the XLR connections for microphones and D.I. boxes and the 1/4-inch TRS inputs for line-level signals up to +18 dBFS. The trim control on the front panel provides gain for both input types.

So as far as I can tell, the pre-Sonus has balanced inputs only. And it looks like they're making the same recommendation that you guys are, to use a direct box.
I wonder, with short cables, do you think it will make a difference?

Thank you both for your helpful responses.

First - WHY do you think you've been usnig the wrong cables?

I take it you're asking if I am hearing a problem?
Well no, it's not that. It's just that I started looking at the tangled mess of cables in my studio, and started thinking that some of them are much longer than they need to be, which started me thinking about replacing some of them, and so I started reading up on cables. I determined that the pre-Sonus has TRS inputs, but I wasn't sure about the motif, which is why I asked. Plus I thought there might be other considerations which I am not aware of.

You may say if I don't hear a problem, what does it matter if they are the "wrong cables?"
For one, I would just like to know. The more I understand about how things work, the better. Also, I might not hear a problem, but that doesn't mean that things couldn't sound better.

Finally, I may have said it partly in jest. A fuller, more accurate expression of the sentiment would be: I haven't really thought much about cables until today. Suddenly I realize I might be using less than optimal cables, not only with my motif, but others as well. (btw, I do have some buzz and hum in my monitors, sometimes but I don't think that has anything to do with the motif connection.)

Hope that clarifies.

The combo jacks on the front of the 1824c accept unbalanced inputs. They are labeled "Mic/Inst/Line". It's the "Inst" (Instrument" input) that tips off unbalanced. If you look at the manual you see the spec for instrument inputs shows unbalanced. Hook up standard 1/4" TS cables between your keyboard and each of these two inputs for stereo.

There's language about configuring these ports as Instrument inputs - so there may be some setting somewhere for that.

It would be easier to connect this way straight in with relatively inexpensive (short) cables. Not low quality - just TS is less wire material than TRS. Short can mean what you want - less than 25ft although there's no reason to go longer than you need. Mostly what this shorter length "buys" you is less potential to cross over high power aggressors that may impact your sound.

If you want to use balanced - you can certainly do that (although not necessary). 5-6foot TS cables should be plenty long enough to reach from the keyboard to the floor where your DI boxes can be - then route back to your audio interface with XLR from the DIs. If you have longer (than 5-6ft) TS cables - use them. Should be fine. I just "coil" the excess around my DI box and don't run power over/under this.

Thanks Bill.
Regarding the hum, I suspected as much, but it's good to hear confirmed by someone who knows more than I do. For one thing I'm pretty sure the cables going from the Interface to my main monitors are unbalanced. And I'll have to look into the things you mentioned.
I drew a color-coded diagram of all my connections, to see if I can make sense of it. I should post it here. It might get a good laugh.

Thanks, Jason.

I did see the front Jacks labeled "Instrument" but I wasn't sure if that automatically meant it was unbalanced/ts. Thanks for confirming that for me, and for going to the trouble of checking out the pre-Sonus literature. And for general good advice.
Dave

OK thanks for clarifying.
My monitors are hs series like yours.
So I'll have to look into the interface.