What does Balanced Analog Inputs mean?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Neonlite
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Neonlite

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I was reading the specs on the Echo Mia sound card and it says the 1/4 inch jacks are balanced analog input. What does this mean? What is the alternative, unbalanced? Why is balanced good? How do I connect my guitars to those balanced analog jacks to get the best use of them?

Thanks! Sorry for the barrage of questions, but at least its in the newbie section. :)
 
The balanced inputs that you reference will use a TRS 1/4" plug.

Balanced are quieter and have better noise rejection than unbalanced lines. You can also run the cables longer distances.

You will have to use a DI box to get the unbalanced guitar signal to the balanced input of the sound card. Look for a DI box that has a TRS output jack. Many only have XLR out's to go to a recording console.
 
Thanks for the reply. What does DI stand for? I am not familiar with this at all.

If I plug my electric guitar into a Korg pandora 4 personal effects box, and want to record from the pandora's line out into the Echo Mia's balanced analog input, would I still need a DI box? Is it a bad idea to use the pandora at all for recording? It sounds excellent and gives a broad range of cabinet/amp combo effects as well as the standard echo/reverb/distortion/compression/phaser/flanger/chorus/etc.
 
I don't know anything about the Korg. If it a balanced line out you can go right into the sound card.

If not, you will need a Direct Injection box to change the unbalanced signal to a balanced one.
 
Thanks again for the help, Sennheiser! John, the link is quite useful and explained it very scientifically. Now I need to go home and read my Pandora manuel and see if the output is balanced and low impedance. I doubt it since it is intended for headphones. :(

But I will look into getting a DI Box. Any recommendations?

One final question (I hope), based on the link from John, it looks like I could plug a microphone (vocal) directly into the Echo Mia balanced input jack? Or should I use a mixer?

As you can tell I am a complete newbie to recording. I appreciate all of your assitance! Perhaps I can upload some of my music once I get going. :)
 
Thank you once again. I guess I have a big shopping list, now:

Echo Mia
DI Box
Mic Pre-Amp

Then I can record some clean sounding tracks!

-Scott
 
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