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Gear / Technical Help => Cables => Topic started by: achabloop5080 on September 03, 2009, 04:14:50 PM
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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
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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/note110.html)
http://www.rane.com/note151.html (http://www.rane.com/note151.html)
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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).