DMP3 > RNC > ProjectMix wiring / cabling question

[blakemcginnis]

Hi guys, quick question. I have a M-Audio DMP3 preamp and a FMR RNC compressor that I want to send into the ProjectMix. I'm just wandering what cabling I should use (unbalanced/balanced, etc). I will use XLR from the Mic to the DMP3, but then what? I know the DMP3 manual says the outputs can be unbalanced or balanced, and then the projectmix's manual says that the 1/4" line inputs are balanced, but the RNC in the middle is where I'm confused. From what I've read, it seems that the RNC likes unbalanced ins/outs... So does anyone have any ideas about how to wire these up? thanks,

Also, if anyone knows the proper way to set optimal levels without clipping with this setup, I would be grateful.


Mods: If this is in the wrong area, please move.

 

[guitar zero]

The RNC is unbalanced in & out. TS or TRS cables work fine

 

[blakemcginnis]

This is what confuses me, from the RNC Manual:

HOOK-UP
The RNC is designed to interface with unbalanced audio gear (nominal operating level = 0dBu) two distinct ways:

1) TRS Inserts —
The RNC can be hooked into Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) insert points
found on many consoles where: TIP = Console insert out, RING = Console insert in, SLEEVE = Ground reference. This means that each channel of the RNC can be hooked to a each channel of a TRS console insert with a single TRS cable. For example, on my Mackie 1604VLZ, the main out has left and right insert points so that my RNC can be put in the main out insert (Left and right) with only two TRS cables!

2) All Other Equipment —
Hooking up the RNC to gear other than TRS inserts must be done with a pair of TS (Tip-Sleeve) jacks for each RNC channel. Thus, the full stereo hook-up of an RNC must be done with four TS 1/4'' cables.

NOTE —
Hooking up the RNC to balanced lines with TRS 1/4'' plugs will not work! If
the equipment you are connecting the RNC to is balanced, you must first unbalance it and only connect into the RNC with TS 1/4'' plugs.

It sounds like I need to use unbalanced/TS cables for everything, except that the projectmix inputs are supposed to be balanced... Thanks for the help thus far.

 

[Whale Bone]

Using a TRS from the out of the RNC is fine, though it'll still be unbalanced and only have signal on the tip and the sleeve. But as above, from RNC, definitely do not use TRS on the in of the RNC unless it is from a compatibly wired insert jack.

IF, everything's a short run AND the Projectmix can handle an unbalanced signal (does it prefer TS or TRS, i.e. open ring or shorted-to-ground-ring?), then run it all unblanced. For short runs in a not terribly eletrically hostile environment, unbalanced is fine.

 

[Whale Bone]

please delete