DA Converters for an LA-610 MKII

[ido1957]

So just daydreaming about an LA-610 MKII and was wondering how to connect it to my laptop.

It has XLR male line output. The only converter with XLR I have is a Lexicon U42S.

Any opinions on what would happen if I plugged it through the U42S - cause it's line level output into a Mic input.

Any single channel USB AD Converters that would be better suited for this purpose?

Or would converting from XLR to 1/4 inch be an alternative?

 

[ido1957]

Ebay has this HOSA Converter for example....

To run a low-impedance XLR terminated line (like a pro microphone) into a high-impedance 1/4" phone input (like a guitar-amp input), it's often necessary to use a line matching transformer like the MIT-435 or MIT-176.

Features:

Mic Transformer
XLR Female Lo-Z to 1/4" Male Hi-Z
"Pigtail" Design
Use to match 200R output impedance to 50K input impedance
A built in transformer minimizes signal reflections
Ideal for connecting microphones to Hi-Z inputs

 

[Ronan]

Your 610 is sending out XLR line level

If your interface has only 1/4 inputs for line input you just need an XLR to 1/4 inch-TRS adapter.

 

[bouldersoundguy]

Ebay has this HOSA Converter for example....

To run a low-impedance XLR terminated line (like a pro microphone) into a high-impedance 1/4" phone input (like a guitar-amp input), it's often necessary to use a line matching transformer like the MIT-435 or MIT-176.

Features:

Mic Transformer
XLR Female Lo-Z to 1/4" Male Hi-Z
"Pigtail" Design
Use to match 200R output impedance to 50K input impedance
A built in transformer minimizes signal reflections
Ideal for connecting microphones to Hi-Z inputs

Your interface appears to have low impedance line inputs on TRS jacks, not high impedance instrument inputs on TS jacks. If that's the case just use an XLR-TRS cable with no transformer.

 

[ido1957]

Your interface appears to have low impedance line inputs on TRS jacks, not high impedance instrument inputs on TS jacks. If that's the case just use an XLR-TRS cable with no transformer.

Sounds good. Wonder though why they have an XLR Line level output - is that so it is balanced? TRS is also balanced correct? Is XLR to TRS a normal for high end apps?
So what would happen if I sent it through an XLR to the MIC PRE on the U42S....
I'm just trying not to color the UA with the U42S

 

[timkroeger]

The LA-610 Mk II has a +4dBu line level input on the back. Just switch the input selector to "Line" if you want to use it. I used it as an effect successfully via my trusty old Delta 1010 card. Just make sure you converter features balanced I/O (TRS or XLR) and you should be fine. You might need to do some latency compensation later on of course.

Cheers
Tim

 

[ido1957]

The LA-610 Mk II has a +4dBu line level input on the back. Just switch the input selector to "Line" if you want to use it. I used it as an effect successfully via my trusty old Delta 1010 card. Just make sure you converter features balanced I/O (TRS or XLR) and you should be fine. You might need to do some latency compensation later on of course.

Cheers
Tim

Thanks Tim - I was planning on just a pre but the effect sounds cool if I had an insert (which I don't on my U42S)....may someday though.

 

[bouldersoundguy]

Sounds good. Wonder though why they have an XLR Line level output - is that so it is balanced? TRS is also balanced correct? Is XLR to TRS a normal for high end apps?
So what would happen if I sent it through an XLR to the MIC PRE on the U42S....
I'm just trying not to color the UA with the U42S

Balanced I/O is standard in most professional gear. Balanced line signals on XLR and TRS are electrically identical and only need a physical adapter to match up the contacts. TRS is used when space is limited or when compatibility with unbalanced 1/4" TS is needed.

Connecting with an XLR will work if you can turn the gain on the preamp down enough, or the preamp may overload. Line inputs are often just padded down and sent to the same preamp as the mic input, so you aren't necessarily bypassing the preamp, but the levels match up better.