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Single-Ended Source -> Balanced Amp

post #1 of 3
11/9/11 at 9:16pm
Thread Starter 

A source has only RCA output.

The amp has only XLR input.

 

I know you can't use an adaptor.

 

I know you can use a transformer.  Those cost a lot, from what I understand.

 

Can I:

1.) Put a mixer with RCA input and XLR output between the two?

2.) Use a DI Box/Direct Box?

 

Thanks in advance!

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post #2 of 3
11/10/11 at 12:06am
The cheapest way is to use RCA to XLR cables. It won't be truly balanced, but you'll get the signal through and it should sound fine.

IIRC, Jensen makes transformer boxes that you can plug RCA jacks into and get XLR outputs.

Still, that defeats part of the reason to go balanced. If there's some crosstalk in the single-ended source, it'll be sent to both channels in the balanced amp.

The only real solution is to use a balanced source.

And that's assuming the amp is truly balanced and doesn't have a shared ground inside. Some do.
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post #3 of 3
11/10/11 at 6:08am
Thread Starter 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik View Post

The cheapest way is to use RCA to XLR cables. It won't be truly balanced, but you'll get the signal through and it should sound fine.
IIRC, Jensen makes transformer boxes that you can plug RCA jacks into and get XLR outputs.
Still, that defeats part of the reason to go balanced. If there's some crosstalk in the single-ended source, it'll be sent to both channels in the balanced amp.
The only real solution is to use a balanced source.
And that's assuming the amp is truly balanced and doesn't have a shared ground inside. Some do.


Thanks UE!

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