the problem isn't really balanced vs unbalanced, but impedance
If this is a 1 shot install run at least 2 x balanced (2 core & shield) mic cable, then you have options later, maybe run a cat cable as well.
Alan
Right.
You don't want to pull cabling twice with such a difficult situation, so run extra and run for possible future upgrade.
I would use all balanced audio cabling, which you can easily adapt for unbalanced use...but if you run unbalanced cabling, and later things change to balanced, you would have to run more cabling.
PRO SIGNAL - PSG08200 - STEREO AUDIO OVER CAT5 | CPC UK
I have two of these and the sister boxes that also send CVBS down CAT5e they are pretty good for the money.
Yes, the OPZ of the send device needs to be low but it would be a pretty crap AI these days that was not around 100 Ohms or less. If it IS that crap, use the headphone output.
The big advantage is, CAT cable is very cheap, even free if you talk to a network installer nicely.
Dave.
I am a network installer and no one ever threw me free quality cable, maybe I should find friends to talk to.
In any event I am going to run two Cat6 cables full copper (one I need for the network), and two balanced lines.
I am going to test from there and see what more gadgets you people have suggested will be necessary.
I spoke to a local audio guy who has tons of experience in performances, equipment and such and he said using balanced cable even if you aren't using the shielding in its real capacity still serves enough for interference, this is after all for an announcement and musical bell system
I will post back with results.
You people have been extremely helpful.
skipped
I was a test bed and project builder for a network company for 10 years and they skipped at least a 100kg of cable a year. My whole house is wired, several times over, all for free!
And no, if the source Z is low enough and the balance good shielding is often not needed.
Dave.
I too spent many years running cable and installing networks, companies don't just "skip" cable for nothing, they charge the customer for it in some fashion.