Still confused on connections!!

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jpib7

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Hi all,

I've read a lot of threads on balanced/unbalanced connections, etc., but I'm still not sure on exactly what kind of cable to purchase. I will be using the cable to connect my POD to my Korg D16 as well as my DMP3 pre-amp into the D16. All three support balanced connections. The POD has an L and R output, but I will only use the L (the manual says this is okay). The pre-amp has only one output jack. To maximize the sound quality and to minimize any buzz, what kind of cable should I use? Since both the POD and pre-amp have 1/4" jacks and the D16 has XLR and 1/4" inputs available, I was thinking of using a 1/4" to XLR cable, or should I just use a 1/4" to 1/4" balanced cable? Which is my best bet?!?!

If you know of a good cable that will serve this purpose, could you please tell me the name of it and where I can buy it? Sorry for the long message, but I've been really confused on this topic!

Thanks!!
 
Use a 1/4" to 1/4" balanced cable, the less connections, the better.
 
thanks

thanks for the help! i actually went out earlier today and purchased a balanced 1/4" to XLR cable and it works very nicely!
 
It doesnt really matter what kind of cable connector it has on the end, all that matters is that the impedances match, and it does what you want it to do efficiently.
 
tyler675recpro said:
It doesnt really matter what kind of cable connector it has on the end, all that matters is that the impedances match, and it does what you want it to do efficiently.
Click to expand...

Geez Tyler, hate to pop your bubble but it sure does matter what kind of cable connectors you use especially if you have a long cable you will need balanced connectors
 
Where did you hear that the the POD has balanced output?

I have the manual in front of me and they don't claim that anywhere.

They say they "merrily" output to either format but don't provide any switch to determine the output signal level. My -10dB stuff will "merrily" output to +4dB input stuff but it will be awfully quiet.

My Delta 1010 has in/out switches to select between these formats. How is this handled by the POD?
 
tyler675recpro said:
It doesnt really matter what kind of cable connector it has on the end
Click to expand...
Boy, you are just FULL of useful information, aren't you?!?!?!

:rolleyes:

Bruce
 
POD manual

drstawl - attached is a section from the POD manual from their website...

Left & Right Output - Top left of POD illustration. These are
balanced 1/4" TRS connectors, and ready to rock with pro +4 dBu balanced
equipment. They will also work happily with unbalanced -10 dBV equipment and
standard guitar cables. If you are running POD mono, use the Left output. (POD is
smart; if it sees that only the left output and no headphones are connected, it will
switch to mono, summing the effects processing properly so you hear things like the
Rotary Speaker emulation correctly in mono. If you have headphones connected,
POD will always run stereo.)
 
I thought the Pod Pro had balanced but not the regular Pod, hmmm.
 
2.0

the above excerpt came from the 2.0 manual - which is the model i am using at home
 
Yes- that's in my manual and I've got the early POD.

And no, I've never even tried a balanced connect out of the POD because it seemed far too noisy to begin with to matter. I gather this from comparing the "apparent noise" in other equipment that has both sets of outputs. Other than the signal level there's not that much difference in the short runs I use.

They still don't really answer the question of what the output level is. They include two volume pots in series (Output Level and Channel Volume) in addition to the GAIN setting pot. I guess you set them where you like it and get what you get.
 
Blue bear, you really dont have a clue do you? A quarter inch, three conductor plug, on both ends, betweeon quarter inch 3 conductor balanced jacks is the same as and xlr cable between them. HINT: There is also unbalanced XLR!!!! Amazingly enough, you have absolutely no ******* clue what you're talking about, just like all the other people with bands, and they think they know so much about audio. I've been doing this since I was 8! I think I know what I'm talking about.
 
NYMorningstar said:


Geez Tyler, hate to pop your bubble but it sure does matter what kind of cable connectors you use especially if you have a long cable you will need balanced connectors
Click to expand...

My bubble aint popped yet. I said connector, and impedances. Just because a cable has XLR connectors, doesnt mean its balanced, and just because a cable is 1/4 inch, doesnt mean it isnt. There is such a thing as three conductor 1/4 inch to 3 conductor 1/4 inch cables. How do you think track recorders work?
 
tyler675recpro said:
Blue bear, you really dont have a clue do you?
Click to expand...
Yeah, young rookie... you're right - I was involved in audio while you were still suckling on your momma's teat but *I'm* the one with no clue........ :rolleyes:

holy fuck... where do these idiots come from???? :eek:

Bruce
 
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Okay, forget reason, You're the fucking idiot. So go to hell
 
Moron...

...a whole 8 years, eh??? Judging from the nature of your posts so far, you haven't been learning much........

I do think it's time for the rookie to learn a little respect.....

:rolleyes:
 
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tyler675recpro said:
Blue bear, you really dont have a clue do you? A quarter inch, three conductor plug, on both ends, betweeon quarter inch 3 conductor balanced jacks is the same as and xlr cable between them. HINT: There is also unbalanced XLR!!!! Amazingly enough, you have absolutely no ******* clue what you're talking about, just like all the other people with bands, and they think they know so much about audio. I've been doing this since I was 8! I think I know what I'm talking about.
Click to expand...

So how old are you now? 13? or are you an actor too!
 
Man, I really can't believe how nasty people get on these forums. It's a complete turn-off. You guys should all relax a little bit. Isn't life too short to argue about balanced and unbalanced connections?

What a drag...
 
Tyler before you make more of an ass of yourself Blue Bear is generall considered to be a very experienced and knowledgeable engineer.

We dont know you from a hole in the ground so your attitude and lack of respect is not backed up by much. Do you have any links to your work? Your original comment was a bit misleading as obviously the type of connector is of rather great import.

He was a little brash but what do you expect from a Bear with blue balls?
 
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