Topic: Right cable for balanced to unbalanced connection

[achabloop5080]

Hi guys,
I want to connect some hi-ned mic pres such as Millennia, Neve Portico 5012 or A-Designs Pacifica(usually have balanced XLR outs) to unbalanced RCA ins on my dedicated recorder, a Marantz PMD671.
Is this configuration possible and what cables do I need?
Do the balanced/unbalanced connection degrade the signal or could damage my equipment?
Thank you

[notlance]

Most of the time a cable connecting XLR pin 1 to RCA shield and XLR pin 2 to XLR center will work without generating too much noise.  Keep the cable short, less than a few feet long.  Does the balanced/unbalanced connection degrade the signal?  Yes, but usually not by much so it's often not a big deal.  Will it damage your equipment?  No.

If you really want to get down and dirty into the whole unbalanced/balanced mud, here's a good place to start:

http://www.rane.com/note110.html
http://www.rane.com/note151.html

[theslygoose]

Most of the time a cable connecting XLR pin 1 to RCA shield and XLR pin 2 to XLR center will work without generating too much noise.  Keep the cable short, less than a few feet long. 

Exactly, you could go longer than a 1' but it is best to keep it short in general.  Also if you are worried about any unwanted noise just get a cable with good shielding (95% or higher).