Any point running an XLR to RCA cable
- Thread starter mjw21a
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Using an adaptor defeats the purpose of XLR cables, just use good RCA cable, unless it was a case you had to and you don't.
lini
just me...
mjw: You wouldn't happen to have a schematic for that thingy, would you? Because imo your question can only be properly answered after checking, how exactly Gustard has implemented either type of output.
And then it would also depend a bit on the circumstances. For example, if the source would sport transformer-coupled balanced outputs and there'd be a hum problem with the RCA outs, a pair of custom cables with two inner conductors plus shield each could help - configured so that hot/+ would go to the RCA centre contact and cold/- to the RCA outer contact, while the shield would only be connected to the chassis ground on the balanced output.
Greetings from Munich!
Manfred / lini
And then it would also depend a bit on the circumstances. For example, if the source would sport transformer-coupled balanced outputs and there'd be a hum problem with the RCA outs, a pair of custom cables with two inner conductors plus shield each could help - configured so that hot/+ would go to the RCA centre contact and cold/- to the RCA outer contact, while the shield would only be connected to the chassis ground on the balanced output.
Greetings from Munich!
Manfred / lini
mfrench
Addicted Member
Hell yeah!
I run lots of configurations in recording. One of them is a means of converting a single XLR cable run into a single XLR cable as a stereo cable (Canare Star-Quad cable, L4E6S).
I built these custom cable ends to meet that need. They are specific to a particular preamp that I use that has a 3.5mm / 1/8" stereo putput jack (at least the connector wth the mini-TRS end)..
An XLR cable fits in between the connectors. It works perfectly, and has been used for up to a 50' run thus far.
I run lots of configurations in recording. One of them is a means of converting a single XLR cable run into a single XLR cable as a stereo cable (Canare Star-Quad cable, L4E6S).
I built these custom cable ends to meet that need. They are specific to a particular preamp that I use that has a 3.5mm / 1/8" stereo putput jack (at least the connector wth the mini-TRS end)..
An XLR cable fits in between the connectors. It works perfectly, and has been used for up to a 50' run thus far.
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mfrench
Addicted Member
I also have some XLR to RCA connectors (home brew). I use these cables when I access feeds from mixing consoles. Sometimes those balanced feeds are too hot. An XLR/RCA adaptor drops that signal heat by 6dB, which makes it more friendly to some recorders that don't want the fully balanced hotter signal.
Frank Sol
Lunatic Member
Freds.Bands
Live Music Listener
Balanced output to balanced input plus good chassis ground, otherwise just use good RAC unbalanced cables.
whoaru99
Epic Member
Hell yeah!
I run lots of configurations in recording. One of them is a means of converting a single XLR cable run into a single XLR cable as a stereo cable (Canare Star-Quad cable, L4E6S).
I built these custom cable ends to meet that need. They are specific to a particular preamp that I use that has a 3.5mm / 1/8" stereo putput jack (at least the connector wth the mini-TRS end)..
An XLR cable fits in between the connectors. It works perfectly, and has been used for up to a 50' run thus far.
While interesting, this is a whole different thing than what the OP was asking about.
mfrench
Addicted Member
The topic title is what my response was directed towards. I can keep coming up with custom XLR to RCA adaptors that I use, all day long.
Turntable plinth, rigged for two tonearms, each outputting to an XLR connector, and, XLR to RCA cables.
Why?
The connection point is buried within a shielded-drained XLR as another point for a bit of shielding before the signal is sent to the preamp via an unbalanced, shielded lead that terminates to RCA. The whole copper plate thing is included in the shielding.
Turntable plinth, rigged for two tonearms, each outputting to an XLR connector, and, XLR to RCA cables.
Why?
The connection point is buried within a shielded-drained XLR as another point for a bit of shielding before the signal is sent to the preamp via an unbalanced, shielded lead that terminates to RCA. The whole copper plate thing is included in the shielding.
whoaru99
Epic Member
Oh, my mistake. I thought the point was to answer what the post was asking, not just respond to the title.
You need to try. I have found at least one case when use of XLR outputs with adapter results in LOWER noise/hum level than straight RCA connection for DAC.
whoaru99
Epic Member
I may just give it a try and see if there's an audible difference
It's not unusual for the playback volume to change by up to 6dB at a given volume setting when comparing XLR connection to RCA connection, or a mix thereof. So, an audible change purely in regard to volume is not entirely unexpected.
A qualitative change is what to look for rather than simply quantitative. That's probably what you mean, but just clarifying that a change in level would not/should not necessarily be a surprise.