adat elco or 1/4 inputs?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jmorris
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jmorris

jmorris

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Hope this has not been covered but... anyone had experience with using an elco connection for adat to mixer instead of the
1/4 inputs? I think the elco is +4 db and 1/4" inputs are -10db. Someone correct me if Im wrong. Is there any better sound by going elco? Thanks
 
Elco - balanced, +4db.

RCA type connections (not 1/4"), unbalanced, -10dB.

If your mixer's inputs are -10dB then use the RCA jacks. If not, use the Elco, or if you are cheap use the RCAs. The only difference will be in wire quality, nominal level, and line noise if you can get that in a 10 foot unbalanced run.
 
The gain structure is different, the sound quality is not...

It will be a problem if you use the -10dbv outputs, but your board expects a +4dbU signal.... and vice-versa (you risk noise one way, and distortion the other way)

Other than that, and the fact that the RCA outs are unbalanced (again, possible noise source) are the things you need to consider.

Bruce
 
OK understood,but I have 3 old adat's. They are 1/4" in and out or the ELCO. no RCA at all. I did not think sound would really be any different but I thought I could get more gain with the ELCO,Jim
 
jmorris said:
OK understood,but I have 3 old adat's. They are 1/4" in and out or the ELCO. no RCA at all. I did not think sound would really be any different but I thought I could get more gain with the ELCO,Jim
Click to expand...

Sure ELCO's are great for a mere $300!
 
Yes... you'll get more gain, but can your board handle the +4 gain structure? If not, all you'll get is distortion!
 
If gain is an issue,my console has on each of the 36 inputs a -20db pad. I ask the question because I noticed that when I played some adat tapes of my band recorded at another studio last year it sounded louder,yet the led's on the channels did not at all seem to even come close to peaking. I was wonder why it seemed louder even though led's were in there usual position,Jim
 
I use the Elco and it cost me 120 new not 300.00. Just the conveniece of using
a cable with one plug on one end was worth it as far as I am concerned. I break my stuff down alot.
 
dragonworks said:
I use the Elco and it cost me 120 new not 300.00. Just the conveniece of using
a cable with one plug on one end was worth it as far as I am concerned. I break my stuff down alot.
Click to expand...

Im Jealous of you Dragon i want an ELCO connector real bad!!!

They seem to double in price after they cross the Pacific...DAMN!
 
Check out markertech? Its a mailorder house in Saugerties N.Y. thats where I bought mine.
 
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