Monitor outs - A question of quality

[bubbleboy]

but maybe not a quality question...so i'm putting it in newbies.

The multitracker I'm getting, korg d1200mkII (returning the d1600mkII for this smaller version cuz I'm basically just recording vox and guitar--don't need so much in a box) has RCA/phono outs for the monitors.

Should I be concerned about this from an impedance/fidelity standpoint? The d1600 has balanced TRS outs for monitors and master outs. I have not encountered RCA outs for monitors before. I can afford some quality monitors (i.e. wharfedales, or even the cheaper mackies) now that I'm getting a less expensive multitracker, and am questioning whether RCA outs are likely to be compatible with nice monitors like mackies, etc.

It seems like most monitors take balanced and/or line level XLR or 1/4" inputs. So am I right in assuming that with these RCA monitor outs, I would need to go to radio shack and get RCA-->TRS or 1/4" adaptors.. And if i'm on the right track w/that, am I degrading fidelity each time i have to use adaptors like this?

thanks to anyone who cares to reply

 

[mshilarious]

And if i'm on the right track w/that, am I degrading fidelity each time i have to use adaptors like this?

thanks to anyone who cares to reply

Well unless you are using a crappy cable, it shouldn't be too bad. For a long cable run, it's nice to have a balanced connection to reduce interference, but unbalanced should be OK for this. Definitely use a quality cable (you're better off buying a good RCA-1/4" cable rather than Radio Shack cable +adaptor), and keep the run as short as possible, ideally less than 10'.

 

[tedluk]

It's all relative. For most of us with home studios, there are so many holes in our setup that the quality of the connectors should be far down the list or worries. Unless your room has been treated, and you're using great mics, and have top quality instruments that are properly maintained, and great mic pre's, and you've got clean, regulated power and, etc, etc... You get the point.

Of course, better cable will be better, but given your equipment, it's unlikely that you'll notice a significant difference. By moving down from the 1600 to the 1200 you're moving to a less pro oriented recorder and you give up certain features.

Can you still make good recordings on it? Of course! Compared to what we had only a few years ago, the tools today allow you to achieve remarkable results. As I said, it's all relative!

Ted

 

[bubbleboy]

ted and ms, thanks for your replies. i was definitely looking into the best cables possible for this more amateurish setup...

i know i'm forfeiting some stuff by moving down to the d1200, but i actually really hated the 1600's touch screen. perhaps i'll hate the 1200's navigation scheme even more...but that's what those return policies are good for.

BUT, i started looking at monitors, and some appear to have speakon inputs only (like wharfedales). even though i've been tinkering with audio gear for years, i aint never seen an RCA-->speakon cable and don't know if that's even possible. actually, i have never really understood what a speakon input is vs. xlr