Balanced Inputs

Ceruleance · 02-04-2003, 01:49 PM

What are balanced and unbalanced inputs, and what do I need to know about them, specifically in regards to using an amp with XLR inputs (and most likely using an RCA to XLR patch cable)

rskarvan · 02-04-2003, 07:41 PM

There is really no such thing as an RCA patch cable. A balanced input needs a "shorting device" to trick a balanced input into acting like an RCA input. This is what the cable you are referring to does.

Balanced inputs lower the noise level 6db. Thats a bunch.
Having a balanced amp is a VERY good thing. To do it justice, you need a balanced preamp and preferable a balanced source (cd player).

What balanced inputs do is cancel any noise that is picked up in the transmission cables.

A balanced 2-channel amp has twice the circuitry that a normal amp has. You should do it justice by respecting the XLR inputs and use them if at all possible. Balanced amps are a treasure.
But, you need a balanced pre-amp to enjoy them - at minimum.

Pro-audio is XLR. Here is the heirarchy:
Lowest: Receiver.
Mid-low: Receiver + external amp.
Mid-High: Preamp + Amp.
Hi: Balanced Preamp + Balanced Amp
Very High: Balanced CD + Balanced Preamp + Balanced Amp

Enjoy your amp. What brand is it?

Tour2ma · 02-05-2003, 05:09 AM

I did not know that...

Thanks rskarvan...

Ceruleance · 02-05-2003, 01:41 PM

Thanks for the info, I haven't bought my amp yet, but I am looking at used Carver Pro series amps. Not sure I have the dough for a balanced preamp so I will probably be using the amp with unbalanced inputs for the time being.

02-04-2003, 01:49 PM	#1
Ceruleance Polkazoid Member Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 973	Balanced Inputs What are balanced and unbalanced inputs, and what do I need to know about them, specifically in regards to using an amp with XLR inputs (and most likely using an RCA to XLR patch cable)

02-05-2003, 05:09 AM	#3
Tour2ma Old School Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: SE Texas Posts: 9,025	I did not know that... Thanks rskarvan... __________________ More later, Tour... SOPA-PIAS Taste Good "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul" - Dennis Gardner "Life's been good to me so far" - J. Walsh Stripped down system flooded by Ike (thanks alot motherf----r) ... SDA CRS+ (floaters) - Carver C4 Pre (anchor) - Carver M4.0 (survivor by ~1")

02-04-2003, 07:41 PM	#2
rskarvan Banned Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 2,454	There is really no such thing as an RCA patch cable. A balanced input needs a "shorting device" to trick a balanced input into acting like an RCA input. This is what the cable you are referring to does. Balanced inputs lower the noise level 6db. Thats a bunch. Having a balanced amp is a VERY good thing. To do it justice, you need a balanced preamp and preferable a balanced source (cd player). What balanced inputs do is cancel any noise that is picked up in the transmission cables. A balanced 2-channel amp has twice the circuitry that a normal amp has. You should do it justice by respecting the XLR inputs and use them if at all possible. Balanced amps are a treasure. But, you need a balanced pre-amp to enjoy them - at minimum. Pro-audio is XLR. Here is the heirarchy: Lowest: Receiver. Mid-low: Receiver + external amp. Mid-High: Preamp + Amp. Hi: Balanced Preamp + Balanced Amp Very High: Balanced CD + Balanced Preamp + Balanced Amp Enjoy your amp. What brand is it?

02-05-2003, 01:41 PM	#4
Ceruleance Polkazoid Member Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 973	Thanks for the info, I haven't bought my amp yet, but I am looking at used Carver Pro series amps. Not sure I have the dough for a balanced preamp so I will probably be using the amp with unbalanced inputs for the time being.

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