Balanced/Unbalanced Monitor Inputs

[theletterq]

Quick little question. My DAW has unbalanced monitor outputs. My monitors have combination XLR/TRS (balanced?) inputs. Can I simply run an unbalanced cable from the DAW to the monitors with no problems (other than some signal loss)? I still get a little confused about the balanced/unbalanced thing. Thanks...

[StevenLindsey]

unbalanced will work fine as long as the cables aren't too long. If you get noise you might try using TRS cables but you probably won't. I use unbalanced lines and they work fine.

[SS454]

You have to solder the low(pin #3), to the ground (pin #1) on the unbalanced side of the cable. It's really easy to do.

[jake-owa]

Originally posted by theletterq
Quick little question. My DAW has unbalanced monitor outputs. My monitors have combination XLR/TRS (balanced?) inputs. Can I simply run an unbalanced cable from the DAW to the monitors with no problems (other than some signal loss)? I still get a little confused about the balanced/unbalanced thing. Thanks...

Most likely the trs is bal/unbal so it shouldn't matter if you want to use an unbalanced cable.

[StevenLindsey]

you don't need to solder anything. just get two instrument cables and plug them in. ( or two radio shack rca / 1/4" mono cables depending on the outputs of your daw. ) No need to get technical. If you want to get snazzy, you can get gold plated plugs.

[SS454]

Yeah, I'm dumb, I read the question wrong. Sorry about that letterq.