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Gear / Technical Help => Cables => Topic started by: runonce on March 12, 2010, 10:39:26 AM

Title: XLR > RCA question
Post by: runonce on March 12, 2010, 10:39:26 AM

Note: this question refers to playback, not recording.

I want to modify an existing pair of RCA AV patch cords to take the XLR outputs from my Behringer A/D converter to a RCA Inputs on my Stereo's preamp.

The Behringer manual addresses this, and says to short pin 1 and 3 for unbalanced connections. I expected that.

When I opened the RCA patches, surprisingly, they were wired with 3 conductor cable. And they are wired with 1 and 3 connected to ground.

So - Should I just wire the XLR end as if it was balanced? (since I still have the 1+3 connection at the RCA)

Or - should I make the short at the XLR end as well?

thanks!

Title: Re: XLR > RCA question
Post by: H.A.V.E. on March 12, 2010, 04:40:01 PM

I'd suggest
Since the RCA has two conductors- pin and ring- you should treat the XLR the same way- ignore pin (edit-sorry, meant) three and leave it floating- the conductors soldered to the ring on the RCA should likewise go to pin 1 on the XLR

Title: Re: XLR > RCA question
Post by: runonce on March 12, 2010, 04:52:42 PM

Pin 2 is (+) ...so it cant float...

1 and 3 - according to the manual, have to be shorted.

The RCA cables Im modding are unusual in they have 3 conductors.  1 and 3 are on the ground side, 2 is hot.(unbalanced)

It would work either way, both seem electrically the same, I just wonder if its better to make the short at one end of the cable or the other.

Title: Re: XLR > RCA question
Post by: Shadow_7 on March 12, 2010, 06:57:15 PM

Or cheat and put a headphone preamp in the middle.  TS to RCA adapters on the end of an RCA cable.  XLR to TRS to the headphone preamp.  Monitor pass through or attenuated depending on the device.

Title: Re: XLR > RCA question
Post by: JackHenry on March 13, 2010, 06:13:40 AM

Have a look about half way down this page (http://www.rane.com/note110.html)