Unbalanced into balanced.

  • Thread starter Thread starter davidcatpi
  • Start date Start date
D

davidcatpi

New member
Hi.

I want to connect my Focusrite 2i2 to my Radial X-Amp unit. The 2i2 has unbalanced 1/4 outputs while the Radial unit has a XLR balanced input.

What cable should I use? XLR to TRS or XLR to 1/4 mono or are they both good for the job?

Thx.
 
I just purchased a Radial X-Amp myself, and I am not sure I know the correct answer either. The ring connection would be the inverted one, but I am not sure how that would affect the input to the Radial if not present from a TS to XLR cable. Does it even matter? I'm guessing not, but that is a good question.

I await some educated responses myself. Thanx for asking! :)
 
The only issue might be some potential for noise....otherwise it should still work fine.
I connect unbalanced to balanced all the time....not a big deal. As long as you get the Pos to Tip and Ground to Sleeve...the Ring/Pin 3 will just go to ground when there's a TS at the other end.
 
miroslav said:
The Focusrite 2i2 has balanced TRS outputs....

Specifications | Focusrite
Click to expand...

Holy crap, you are right! I'm dragging this thing for so long and I always thought it had unbalanced jacks, which is good and bad news, good news because that makes my life easier, bad news because it clearly shows my lack of knowledge on the very thing I use so regularly. (never tried to output audio from the interface, in my defense).

So yeah, a regular XLR to TRS cable should be fine.

Now, while searching I found this and it looks interesting.

Switchcraft 318 Mini AudioStix

But I'm not sure if going though my soundcard >> Switchcraft thingy >> X-Amp is redundant and/or audio quality degrading.
 
Yeah, I agree that is typical. I am just curious in the build of the Radial X box, if there could be something of issue as to how it corrects (or changes) the line level to high Z output for reamping. I have really no knowledge of how that works, so I ask the question.

In the past, I have had some luck performing this task with a few adapters. Not having variable output level, made it hit or miss.

Again, I have balanced outs so it doesn't matter to me. But I am curious if there could be anything detrimental if someone did not. Say reamping through Radial X with a Lexicon Alpha. RCA outputs.
 
This is the definitive answer to all such questions as the OP. After RTFM, anyway.:rolleyes:
 
This question comes up from time to time and it is always made to look more confusing than it is.

When plugging a balanced TRS plug into an unbalanced socket, the tip makes the usual contact + the ring and the sleeve both make contact with the sleeve of the socket, thus the connection is converted to an unbalanced connection.

If you look at wiring diagrams for making a balanced to unbalanced lead, you connect the + through, and at the unbalanced end you join the shield and the negative connection. When you plug a TRS plug into a TS socket this is exactly what happens.

It will work fine.

Alan.
 
ashcat_lt said:
This is the definitive answer to all such questions as the OP. After RTFM, anyway.:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

+1

The Rane technical notes are a treasure trove of good practical information. It is definitely worth the effort to browse Rane's library.
 
those are trs jacks in the back.

so the standard TRS to XLR cable will work. if you get a hum, lift pin 1's of the XLRs (thats if your to using the non isolated jack).
 
Last edited:
There are two (common) forms of balanced output.

One that everyone THINKS they all are! Two amplifiers driving the tip and ring (or XLR 2&3) in anti-phase.

And then the increasingly common "impedance" balanced output. This has but one "hot" signal on the tip (or XLR2) but a resistive tie back on the ring to the common sleeve. This resistance is ideally equal to the output impedance or the hot line, usually around 100 Ohms.

One advantage of "Z" balancing is if you should get a wire swop you get no signal, not an easily missed phase reversal.

Dave.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top