balanced and unbalanced XLR cables?
- Thread starter m.salah
- Start date
GaryNattrass
Veteran
If you have a balanced output and wish to interface it with a balanced input then you need a balanced cable.
Most XLR cables are balanced and you will generally find that if a device has an XLR then it will be balanced.
Read the spec of your kit and choose the right cable for use with it.
Most XLR cables are balanced and you will generally find that if a device has an XLR then it will be balanced.
Read the spec of your kit and choose the right cable for use with it.
recordingwhiz
Well-known member
What Gary said is completely correct.
and to add, being a balanced XLR connection does NOT make it the same, there are basically 3 different audio signals that use XLR balanced cables.
1. Balanced line level which is commonly run at +4 db (fairly hot) keep in mind that this level of signal is also output out of many consoles as a TRS (tip, Ring, Sleeve or as some folks call it "stereo" 1/4" but in fact its a balanced mono signal), this output is compatible with 'Line' level XLR is wired properly.
2. Balanced Microphone level, which tends to run around -30db (give or take depending on mic)
3. AES/EBU digital signal which carries a completely digital signal and you are not likely to run into this situation with a camera.
so, an important thing is to match the signal types with the settings in your gear.
More than likely if you are getting a signal from a feed panel or a console output that is XLR, it is probably set to output 'Line' level which will be way too hot and introduce a ton of distortion if your camera is set to receive 'Mic' level. so matching the level type on camera will be very important (your camera should allow the switching of type)
hope this help a little bit.
Cheers
GG
and to add, being a balanced XLR connection does NOT make it the same, there are basically 3 different audio signals that use XLR balanced cables.
1. Balanced line level which is commonly run at +4 db (fairly hot) keep in mind that this level of signal is also output out of many consoles as a TRS (tip, Ring, Sleeve or as some folks call it "stereo" 1/4" but in fact its a balanced mono signal), this output is compatible with 'Line' level XLR is wired properly.
2. Balanced Microphone level, which tends to run around -30db (give or take depending on mic)
3. AES/EBU digital signal which carries a completely digital signal and you are not likely to run into this situation with a camera.
so, an important thing is to match the signal types with the settings in your gear.
More than likely if you are getting a signal from a feed panel or a console output that is XLR, it is probably set to output 'Line' level which will be way too hot and introduce a ton of distortion if your camera is set to receive 'Mic' level. so matching the level type on camera will be very important (your camera should allow the switching of type)
hope this help a little bit.
Cheers
GG