FMR RNC Users...I got a question or two...

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kidvybes

kidvybes

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...I've been using my RNC patched into the "insert input" of my mixer with TRS cables but now I'd like to hook it directly between my mic pre and my interface input...I only need a single mono connection since I want to use it to track mono vocal sessions...but here's where I get lost...the Amek 9098 is balanced "out" (not transformer balanced out) and the RNC is unbalanced "in"...I've read that "transformer balanced" output can be connected to unbalanced input with a standard mic cable (XLR female to 1/4" male TS with pin 2 "hot" and pin 3 to sleeve)...but since the 9098 is not a transformer balanced output (does that make it an "electronically balanced" out?) I've read that the pin 3 has to be disconnected from the sleeve...read explanation below:
http://www.mediacollege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4916

...I don't want to try this until I know for sure the proper setup...I want to go from the 9098 (XLR balanced output but not "transformer" balanced) to the RNC (1/4" unbalanced input) and the from the RNC (1/4" unbalanced output) into my M-Audio Omni-Studio (1/4" balanced in)...sounds simple, but that pin 3 issue has got me real confused...help please...:confused:

***EDIT***
...I just read this in a review of the 9098:

"The rear panel carries an IEC mains socket with associated voltage selector and fuse holder. A pair of 4mm binding posts with supplied linking bar bring out the chassis earth and analogue ground connections. Microphone inputs and line-level outputs are catered for with 3-pin XLRs; the inputs are electronically balanced but the outputs incorporate substantial transformers."

...so does that mean I can use the "pin 3 to sleeve" configured cable?
 
...OK...I really didn't expect an onslaught of replies to my question, but since I discovered that the 9098 has "transformer balanced" output, I made the connections using the standard "pin 2 hot/pin 3 sleeve" type cables and all is well in the world...seems FMR wanted the RNC to be easily hooked up through the insert input of most mixing boards and decided to make the connections TRS "ONLY FOR INSERT CONNECTIONS", so we're relegated to using unbalanced TS cables for each channel (4 in total for stereo hookups) when hooking up to balanced sources (at least for transformer balanced sources)...it's that "electronically balanced" hookup that still leaves me uneasy...oh well, not my problem...at least for the time being..;)
 
kidvybes said:
...yes, saw that already but it doesn't address the differences between "transformer balanced" and "electronically balanced" outputs (my original question)...;)
Click to expand...

Electronically balanced output would hold up better under load if you feed it into an input with too low an input impedance.

On the flip side, direct electronic outputs are not necessarily safe to ground out entirely (though I would hope that they would have sufficient protection to not do damage, particularly given that most people use TS cables in TRS connectors, which by their nature, ground one side of the output).

Other than that, there's not much difference. It is just two different ways to achieve the same result.
 
i dunno man, i just run a TS cable from the pre to the RNC, and the same from the RNC to the interface/converter...there's really no sense in complicating matters beyond that
 
Well, Ironklad, sometimes simple is compicated. My Avalon AD2022 only has XLR outputs, no 1/4" of any kind, and there are no inserts. It took me a while to figure out how to patch up an RNC without buggering up the system. It's actually harder than I expected to find a *high quality* unbalanced female XLR to TS patch cable.-Richie
 
Richard Monroe said:
Well, Ironklad, sometimes simple is compicated. My Avalon AD2022 only has XLR outputs, no 1/4" of any kind, and there are no inserts. It took me a while to figure out how to patch up an RNC without buggering up the system. It's actually harder than I expected to find a *high quality* unbalanced female XLR to TS patch cable.-Richie
Click to expand...

...Amen...
 
if it's transformer output: solder a jumper (small piece of wire) between pin 3 (-) and pin 1 (G) jumper.

if it's electronically balanced: leave pin 3 open.

i don't undertsand the under the hood stuff well enough to explain it well...but i'll try - an electonically balanced output is sort of - correct me if i'm wrong - two unbalanced outputs out of phase with each other. this is why you leave one floating. there is a possibility of frying your output stage if you don't.

cables: all cables can be unbalanced with a bit of solder or a bit less solder. if you want someone to do it for you at good prices with excellent cable go to www.redcoaudio.com if you pay retail for cable you are getting ripped off.

Mike
 
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