ONYX 400F by Mackie (?)

  • Thread starter Thread starter ThaArtist
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ThaArtist

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Just seen the Onyx 400F by Mackie... that looks perfect for my starting setup, but...

Why would they have 1/4" outputs for the studio monitors?

I was told that XLR is always better because its a balanced conection... does it matter? Is there much of a difference... I guess you could get 1/4" BALANCED wires right? Are you loosing any quality with 1/4" balanced then with XLR balanced?

Reason being, is if I'm going through all these extremes for acroustic handling ETC... I want to have the very best connections possible everywhere to created the best music possible within my small budget...

Anyone?

Thanks!
 
1/4" balanced connections are just fine - I'm doing that here in my studio. The cables are called "TRS" (tip, ring, sleeve) and as far as I know, balanced it balanced be it XLR or 1/4". I'm running 1/4" balanced cables from my Echo Layla into my Hafler amp and I'm getting low/no noise, no hum, great signal.

The outs on the Mackie are balanced/unbalanced which means the jacks can do either depending on what type of 1/4" cable you'd plug-in.
 
Oh... I see..

So as for my studio monitors they have XLR ins and 1/4" bal/unbal ins...

I guess you already answered my question but... in your opinion would you hook up XLR to 1/4" or 1/4" to 1/4"...

Aso... if I purchase a XLR to 1/4" cable is it always gonna be balanced do you know? I would think so since XLR is balanced, no point in converting to unbalanced right?

I guess all I have to do is look for the three sleves on the 1/4" right? (caught onto that when you said it... heh)
 
No reason to go from XLR to 1/4 or vice-versa. All you have to do is get TRS balanced 1/4" cables and you are all set. TRS balanced 1/4" cables usually have two black rings on the plug.

Seems that most powered monitors come with 1/4" balanced inputs and XLR, so just use 1/4". Also, from your other posts, it looks like the interfaces you are thinking about getting will have 1/4" outputs only - so bam, your all set.
 
Yeah I hope so...

I want to get the very best sound quality possible for the cheapest possible ya know...

It looks like the Firepod will be the best bet so far what I hear... I was also thinking about the Focusrite Saffire possibly because they are known for their preamps right?

But people seem to be making a buzz about the Mackie Onyx 400F as being the best out now (some say...) so its a tough one... :(
 
Is it just me or are these TRS cables hard to come by? I've only seen two brands that even sell them so far... Monster Cable and Hosa ...

hmmm
 
I wouldn't think so. They are used everywhere. I would have to say that it is just you. :p
 
ThaArtist said:
Is it just me or are these TRS cables hard to come by? I've only seen two brands that even sell them so far... Monster Cable and Hosa ...

hmmm
Click to expand...

It's just a 1/4" stereo cable.... Use "stereo" rather than "TRS" in your list of search terms and you should have a much easier time.
 
yeah i was gonna say...a stereo cable, to my knowledge, is the same thing...ha
 
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