Connecting four-track to audio interface

  • Thread starter Thread starter the fez
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the fez

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Hi

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

I would like to transfer some of my four-track recordings onto my computer sequencer. So I am trying to decide on the best way to connect the four-track to my audio interface.

The output on the four-track is phono, and the audio interface inputs are either XLR or jack. I'm assuming that if I go into the XLR I will get a better quality transfer? Is this correct, or will there be no difference? Is it even possible? (I've never seen a phono-XLR cable...)

Thanks!
 
Your 4-track outs will already be line level, you dont need the preamps on the interface. Just use 4 standard 1/4" instrument cables from the 4 4-track outs to 4 inputs on the interface.
 
the fez said:
Hi

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

I would like to transfer some of my four-track recordings onto my computer sequencer. So I am trying to decide on the best way to connect the four-track to my audio interface.

The output on the four-track is phono, and the audio interface inputs are either XLR or jack. I'm assuming that if I go into the XLR I will get a better quality transfer? Is this correct, or will there be no difference? Is it even possible? (I've never seen a phono-XLR cable...)

Thanks!
Click to expand...
If you start out with an unbalanced signal which is what you have with an RCA plug, terminating the other end with a different plug will have no effect on the signal quality.
 
suprstar said:
Your 4-track outs will already be line level, you dont need the preamps on the interface. Just use 4 standard 1/4" instrument cables from the 4 4-track outs to 4 inputs on the interface.
Click to expand...
Not all 4-tracks have 1/4" outs for each track or even for the main mix. Not all audio interfaces have more than two inputs.
 
drstawl said:
Not all 4-tracks have 1/4" outs for each track or even for the main mix. Not all audio interfaces have more than two inputs.
Click to expand...

Fair enough, that's true.

Fez, you can get rca -> 1/4" TS cords and/or converters to get the proper physical connections you need on each end. It's all the same signal, the physical ends are irrelevant. And if you can't make 4 connections at once, you'll have to play and record tracks 1 and 2, then play and record tracks 3 and 4.
 
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