Hooking up monitors

[cracked lid]

So I just got a pair of M-Audio BX-8 monitors and want to ensure I hook them up correctly.

My soundcard is an M-Audio Delta 44. My plan is to simply run 1/4" cable from the line out channels 3 and 4 on the Delta 44 breakout to the monitors (1 and 2 are being used by my headphones).

My question concerns balanced vs. unbalanced. I have no idea what this means. If my Delta 44 outputs are balanced I will need stereo 1/4" cables (TRS) and if not I'll go with mono 1/4" (TS) cables.

Anyone know what the difference between balanced and unbalanced outputs are and what type of cables I should get?

 

[SPINSTERWUN]

Hvae fun reading......

http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/articles18.htm

 

[cracked lid]

Thanks!

Since my card can handle both I'll be buying TRS cables.

 

[Massive Master]

Balanced is best. And for God's sake, start with the Acoustic Space switch at -4. If you have TOO much low end, THEN back it off to -2 or -0.

I know, it's weird. Even the manual is tricky about that...

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com

 

[prw]

Balanced vs. Unbalanced

It's always best to hook up equipment balanced if possible. If the output of the mixer is balanced and the input of the speaker amp is unbalanced, it will automatically unbalance the circuit. No big deal. Make sure the output impedence of your devise is low (below 1000 ohms) because the input of most stuff is relatively high which results in a low impedence line when hooked to a low imp out. Most equipment today has low imp outs except Fostex. If the output is high imp, never run cables longer than 10 feet. If you do, you will lose tons of high end in your audio.