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Gear / Technical Help => Cables => Topic started by: Argitoth on February 20, 2015, 02:20:52 PM

Title: need to go from mini jack 1/8" stereo to 1/4" jack stereo split(dual?) mono
Post by: Argitoth on February 20, 2015, 02:20:52 PM
I am going to record an ensemble of 2 voices 3 instruments.

I have:
CA-14 powered by Ugly 2 (will put the 2 cardioids on the 2 voices)
MicrophoneMadness Binaural mics powered by Sony PCM-M10 (will capture the instruments with this)

It's all minijack stereo output, and I want to send all of this to my MOTU Ultralite MK3 which has mono 1/4 jacks.

should I get this junk?: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/CMP159 or something more expensive?
Title: Re: need to go from mini jack 1/8" stereo to 1/4" jack stereo split(dual?) mono
Post by: Cobiwan on February 20, 2015, 02:31:51 PM
I'd go with 1/8" TRS to dual 1/4" TRS for balanced outputs. 1/4" mono's won't be balanced. You may not need it now but you'll be glad you got it later, instead of having to buy another set that is balanced. It shouldn't cost that much more, if at all.
Title: Re: need to go from mini jack 1/8" stereo to 1/4" jack stereo split(dual?) mono
Post by: darktrain on February 20, 2015, 03:03:17 PM
I'd go with 1/8" TRS to dual 1/4" TRS for balanced outputs. 1/4" mono's won't be balanced. You may not need it now but you'll be glad you got it later, instead of having to buy another set that is balanced. It shouldn't cost that much more, if at all.

It doesnt matter it will still be unbalanced, wether its to trs or ts it the same split, ground, signal, signal, when u use a trs plug only the tips are signal just like ts and the ring is grounded as well so then the trs plug essentially becomes a ts plug anyway, so no reason for a trs plug in this application so to the OP that cable you linked is what you are looking for or if you want a higher quality build I or Ted can do that
Title: Re: need to go from mini jack 1/8" stereo to 1/4" jack stereo split(dual?) mono
Post by: MIQ on February 20, 2015, 03:26:15 PM
Hi Argitoth,

Like darktrain wrote while I was typing this, the cable you linked to is what you will want.  The 1/8" TRS Stereo output of the Ugly and the M10 is by its nature an unbalanced set up.  There is no way to wire a single unbalanced stereo TRS jack to two balanced TRS jacks without additional circuitry.  A balanced connection requires 3 wires (+, -, and Shield).  The unbalanced sources you are using only have R+, L+, and shield.  To have a truly balanced "differential" signal you need the L- and R- signals.

Beyond the scope of this discussion, if you know the output impedance of the unbalanced M10 and Ugly circuits, you can make a passive impedance balanced cable that could help reject noise on the cable, but it's a custom made item and not worth the effort IMO.  The signals would still be single ended (not differential) but the impedance would be balanced which is important for rejecting noise.

The MOTU will accept unbalanced TS inputs just fine and the cable you linked to has the correct color code.  Tip = Left = Black, Ring = Right = Red.  I'd go with the 3' model if it works in your rig.  That way you keep the unbalanced runs as short as possible.  Ted and darktrain make high quality custom stuff at any length you specify. 

I love my Ultralite mk3!

Miq
Title: Re: need to go from mini jack 1/8" stereo to 1/4" jack stereo split(dual?) mono
Post by: Cobiwan on February 20, 2015, 03:36:46 PM
I stand corrected.
See, this is why I leave cable making to Ted and Robb, as I really dont have a clue what I'm talking about when it comes to these things! :P
Title: Re: need to go from mini jack 1/8" stereo to 1/4" jack stereo split(dual?) mono
Post by: Argitoth on February 20, 2015, 03:39:27 PM
I'll buy the sweetwater junk, test it before the band arrives, see my setup will work out. If not, maybe some custom cables? Will get back when I've done a test.