Delta 1010 connections to mixer

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RedHeffer

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Hi. I recently ordered my new computer along with a delta 1010. I currently have a Soundcraft SX mixer with which I want to connect the direct outs or inserts to the delta. From reading the user guide at the soundcraft site, I've found out that both the direct outs and inserts are unbalanced. So would I be correct in saying that I would need a 1/4"-1/4" TS snake to connect my mixer to the delta?

Also, what kind of snake would you guys recommend. I'm on a pretty tight budget, so while many people here really don't like Hosa and those other cheap cables, I may have to settle for that. I'm not too good with soldering and stuff like that, so making my own cables is kind of out of the question at this point. Hopefully I'll learn how make my own cables soon. I would appreciate it if anyone could lead me in the right direction.

Brian
 
Brian,
I may get my chops busted for saying this, but if your run from your Delta to the mixer is only 5 to 10 feet you can get by with an unbalanced 1/4 to 1/4 snake. The delta takes both balanced and unbalanced inputs. It is important to use the best cabling you can afford. If your set up is stationary without a lot of cable pulling / switching etc the Hosa snake will work fine to start. I would then replace each cable one by one with a better quality as you can afford it. Try not to make your audio runs near power cords. I have made a few albums worth of work with the set up you are looking at (my mixer is a mackie) with very good results.
I do concede there is much to be said about the quality of every component in you audio stream. It is equally important for you to get started making some music and honing your skills. Eventually this will make the most difference.

tmix
 
Thanks for the reply.

I know that I'll eventually have to upgrade the snake to better cables, but I'm a student, so I really don't have too much money. My setup should be fairly stationary seeing that I'll be in school. For the most part I was wondering if what I assumed about the unbalanced connection was correct. So the direct outs and inserts in the mixer are unbalanced. Does that mean I have to use unbalanced cables to connect the mixer to the delta? Or is it fine to use a balanced snake through either the direct outs or inserts into the delta? I understand that the delta accepts both balanced and unbalanced connections, but I guess I mostly need to know if its okay to use a balanced cable in an unbalanced input.

Brian
 
if your run from your Delta to the mixer is only 5 to 10 feet you can get by with an unbalanced 1/4 to 1/4 snake
Click to expand...

I second this opinion. My mixer (Mackie 1202) is about a foot away from my Delta-1010. I go out the inserts with 1/4" cables and they're unbalanced. I go out the Delta with balanced 1/4's to my monitors, however.
Also, my mixer will take either balanced or unblanced in the inserts and OUTS.
BTW you're gonna love the Delta!
 
Same here, My mixer and Delta are basically in the same rack and Ihave not issues with unbalanced 1/4". I think you may have to set the +4/-10db buttons correctly, but I'm not sure :)
 
Thanks for the information guys. This may be a dumb question, but I'm still wondering... is it okay to use a balanced cable into an unbalanced input or vice versa?
 
Yes, 9 times out of ten that's just fine, especially going from unbalanced to balanced. You won't get any balancing, but it's also probably not very necessary in your situation.

The only concern I would have is that a lot of balanced gear outputs at +4, and if you run that into a -10 input (which is what a lot of unbalanced gear might be), you'll have to be very careful with your levels (you won't do physical damage or anything like that though, don't worry).

Slackmaster 2000
 
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