Do you lose any quality converting XLR-->1/4"?

[PaLiC]

I have a question,

In the past I used a simple Tascam 4 track to record vocals with a dynamic Audio Technica Hi Energy mic (no phantom needed). so i just plugged it straight into the machine.

but I decided to get a AT4033 condenser and have a Joe Meek VC3 with phatom power and preamp capabilities. The VC3 has XLR inputs but only 1/4" outputs.

I don't have any experience with this, and I was just wondering if you lose any quality of sound or any side effects by converting from XLR to 1/4".

any advice or comments?

thanks

tony

 

[drstawl]

Kepp the 1/4" runs short and unexposed to funky electric fields and you shouldn't have any problems. The balanced configuration only protects against electromagnetic interference impinging on the signal that could make it through the shielding on the 1/4" cable.

 

[Recording Engineer]

I Think...

Doesn't the VC3 have balanced 1/4" TRS outputs? This means there's no impedence conversion, which equals no signal loss. It just means that instead of having a female XLR connector, you'll have a male 1/4" TRS connector.

 

[PaLiC]

thanks

thanks guys..

actually,

i was looking to get a Roland VS-880EX, and I just figured it had XLR inputs on the machine (given that it's pretty expensive)....

but it doesn't! it only has 6 1/4 inputs. that's strange. so i guess I HAVE TO convert to 1/4" anyways, huh?

tony

 

[Recording Engineer]

It's Not Strange

It's a space-saver; same quality. Although I admit it's a lot easier for me to solder XLR connectors than it is for me to solder 1/4" TRS connectors.

 

[Stan Williams]

balance

Most electronics that has balanced in's are either transformer or ic balanced at the input and when it passes that stage it is unbalanced the rest of the way through to the output. So you can use a outboard pre with XLR and phantom power with 1/4 " unbalanced out. The trick is to use the shortest 1/4 possible, a few inches, less than 12. I have not had any problems with this method.