RNC / Avalon M5 / Swissonic AD24 balancing question

[Simmons]

In my current signal chain I am using a Swissonic AD24 converter. It ONLY has XLR balanced inputs. I also have an RNC, which is an unbalanced compressor. If I bought the Avalon M5 mic pre and used the RNC for compression during tracking, how would I balance the RNC so I could use it with the Swissonic without compromising the signal? There are no XRL connectors on the RNC and there is no insert on the Avalon M5. What problems might I encounter? Would I damage the Swissonic unit if I went in with an unbalanced connection?

Thanks in advance,
Simmons

[acorec]

Originally posted by Simmons
In my current signal chain I am using a Swissonic AD24 converter. It ONLY has XLR balanced inputs. I also have an RNC, which is an unbalanced compressor. If I bought the Avalon M5 mic pre and used the RNC for compression during tracking, how would I balance the RNC so I could use it with the Swissonic without compromising the signal? There are no XRL connectors on the RNC and there is no insert on the Avalon M5. What problems might I encounter? Would I damage the Swissonic unit if I went in with an unbalanced connection?

Thanks in advance,
Simmons

No. You won't hurt a thing. But, you do have to set the gain structure so that there is no clipping through the chain. I *assume* that the RNC has an output gain control. If it does, you are all set. Balanced and Un-balanced lines are not criticle and are essentially the same (with respect to noise) IF the cables are short AND your environment is free of RF interference. Almost every piece of equipment is unbalanced inside. The conversion to balanced is at the input and output. Balanced circuitry is great for low noise in long cable runs/RF noisy environment, but Un-balanced circuitry is great for *better* sound because of the minimal signal path. The shorter the signal path, and the fewer the active components, the more "pure" the sound.

[acorec]

Go to the FMR website. They show you and have HOSA part #s for the cables you are looking for.

[Simmons]

cool...thanks man.

[Richard Monroe]

As Acorec pointed out, it will work. I have the same issue with my Avalon AD2022 and RNC. As Acorec pointed out, there are 1/4" to XLR unbalanced HOSA cables available. The problem is getting *good* cables. Monster used to make them, but discontinued the model. Find somebody who's good with a soldering iron and make them. There's nothing quite as half-assed as an Avalon connected with a HOSA cable. I can tell you from personal experience though, the setup will work.-Richie

[Simmons]

Hey Richard,
How do you like your Avalon? I understand the M5 is comparable to the AD2022 in sound quality. I would like to know thoughts on it's stengths and weaknesses.

Thanks,
Simmons

[Richard Monroe]

Yep, it's the same pre, I just have 2 of them in one box. Main weakness? As you have already found, no inserts, no 1/4" outs. Otherwise, it's just simply a kickass clean pre. When I find another weakness, I'll let you know. LOL. Congrats.-Richie