XLR vs. 1/4" Connection

  • Thread starter Thread starter CudBucket
  • Start date Start date
C

CudBucket

New member
Is there any benefit to using the XLR inputs on my BX5a's versus the 1/4" inputs? I've been considering buying the XLR to RCA cables for them and wonder if it pays.

Thanks.

Dave
 
If the 1/4" connections are TRS --- 'tip ring sleeve' --- then they give the same balanced connection advantages as XLR connectors do.

If they are TS --- 'tip sleeve' --- like a regular instrument cable they are unbalanced and you won't gain anything by buying cables which convert RCA (unbalanced) to XLR.
 
The cables I have are Hosa 1/4" to RCA. I'm not sure if they are TRS or TS. I'll find out. But I'm still confused. Should I want unbalanced or balanced?

Thanks!

Dave
 
You should go balanced if at all possible. Make sure your monitors are set for balanced operation though (refer to your manual) and that the source signal is also leaving balanced. If both ends are not balanced (signal wise) it really will not matter if you make the switch to balanced, in which case you may as well stay with what you have. If you do go balanced, I would go XLR. Not because it sounds better than TRS, but because the connection is more solid and in my opinion less prone to failure (due to outside negligence, not necessarily build quality).
 
Should I want unbalanced or balanced?
Click to expand...
Any cable that has an RCA connector on either end is an unbalanced cable.

You can tell a balanced cable by looking at the plugs. If they look like headphone plugs --- 3 conductor --- then it's a balanced cable.

Balanced cables are usually the way to go, but with shorter cable runs you probably won't notice the diff.
 
as above mentioned RCA on either end is not balanced . balanced has to maintain three connections on either end (shield,phase,antiphase) If your scource only has rca outputs then the cable you should use would be rca to 1/4" ts . I believe that the 1/4" input would be a balanced/unbalanced input therefore it will see it as an unbalanced signal which would be closer to the correct impedence than if you were using a pin2 hot xlr termination on the monitor end.
 
Thanks. That really helps. The outs are RCA from my MAudio 2496 so I guess it's unbalanced. I'm going from there to MAudio BX5as.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top