Beta22 dumb but important question, help!

[pageman99]

Just got my beta22 from my builder. Unfortunately due to a miscommunication on my part, he didn't send the cable connecting the power supply to the amp. Now he's asleep for the next 10 hours or so and I want to listen now, right away, I can't stand it! You know what I mean.

Anyhow, he used xlr connectors between the power supply (3 pin female to male) and the amp. I can get the cables locally (I think), but do I want balanced or unbalanced? Can I use a microphone cable or does it have to be heavier duty. Sorry for the dumb questions, but I've no idea.

Thanks, for any help you can give.

 

[naamanf]

Get the XLRs that have the same amount of pins as the jacks on the amp/powersupply.

The only problem with off the shelf XLR cables is the wire is going to be to small. You probably could use the shortest one you can find in a pinch but you should really make one with the correct size power wire.

 

[FallenAngel]

Whatever you do, just make sure you don't mix the power cable with the inputs/outputs. There's a reason people like to use different connector types for power than anything else, unless of course it's a single ended B22, then you're fine.

 

[Pars]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pageman99 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just got my beta22 from my builder. Unfortunately due to a miscommunication on my part, he didn't send the cable connecting the power supply to the amp. Now he's asleep for the next 10 hours or so and I want to listen now, right away, I can't stand it! You know what I mean. Anyhow, he used xlr connectors between the power supply (3 pin female to male) and the amp. I can get the cables locally (I think), but do I want balanced or unbalanced? Can I use a microphone cable or does it have to be heavier duty. Sorry for the dumb questions, but I've no idea. Thanks, for any help you can give.

Bad choice of connector type, for starters if they are XLRs. You should never use a common audio type connector for power. Not that the connector can't handle it... it can. It however increases the risk that someone down the line will plug something into it that shouldn't be. Regarding using a standard ausio or pro audio cable for this... how do you know what the pin out at each end is? The builder could have wired it anyway he wanted to...

 

[pageman99]

For those of you trying to help, thank you.

Using XLR cables for power applications is common practice in the photography world. I'm just not familiar with how it's usually done, whether with balanced or unbalanced, I don't know, it's not my field.

And yes to make the connectors idiot proof one wouldn't normally use xlr cables. However this is a top of the line DIY amp and not for the average user, so when the builder suggested the xlr power connects, I agreed, especially since it fit my particular space limitations so well. So blame me if you feel like being a Mrs. Grundy.

However, no answers from anyone who has done this previously, so I guess I'm out of luck for now.

 

[threEchelon]

Powercon connectors would've used up the same amount of space.

 

[Pars]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pageman99 /img/forum/go_quote.gif For those of you trying to help, thank you. Using XLR cables for power applications is common practice in the photography world. I'm just not familiar with how it's usually done, whether with balanced or unbalanced, I don't know, it's not my field. And yes to make the connectors idiot proof one wouldn't normally use xlr cables. However this is a top of the line DIY amp and not for the average user, so when the builder suggested the xlr power connects, I agreed, especially since it fit my particular space limitations so well. So blame me if you feel like being a Mrs. Grundy. However, no answers from anyone who has done this previously, so I guess I'm out of luck for now.

Whatever.

For a B22, with three conductors, there would be V+, V- and ground. Not sure what a B22 runs on for rails... 30Vdc? No balanced or unbalanced about it... all three conductors must be used. All you need to do is figure out which is which... the boards (amp and PSU) should be marked on the terminal blocks. Then whether or not a commercial XLR cable has a) heavy enough gauge (I would think 22ga would be heavy enough if not overly long), and b) if the end to end connections are correct. A DMM (multimeter) or continuity tester would be most helpful.

 

[pageman99]

Well, my builder is awake. It just takes a standard male to female xlr microphone cable.

Thanks, everyone.

BTW, the power xlr connection on the amp is the only male connector on the box, is on the rear, is clearly marked power, and has the on/off switch right below it. Just to clear that up.

 

[eddiewalker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pageman99 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, my builder is awake. It just takes a standard male to female xlr microphone cable. Thanks, everyone. BTW, the power xlr connection on the amp is the only male connector on the box, is on the rear, is clearly marked power, and has the on/off switch right below it. Just to clear that up.

All anyone was saying that in the future, its a better practice to use a connector not usually used for signal when dealing with power. Swapping male/female doesn't always stop stupid mistakes.

For instance, in my work I often run powered (30vdc) RTS intercom down the same audio snakes as mics and feeds. Sure, all the RTS equipment is gender-swapped, but I've still got a pile of dead distribution amps from people mixing up cables or misconfiguring equipment.