Audiophile advice sought! - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

02/04/2010 02:57:35 PM · #1

I just picked up a used Yamaha MO-8 which I am planning on putting through to some powered monitor speakers. The speakers take XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs (that's just a headphone jack right?). THe MO-8 looks to output with just 1/4" TRS. Is there any reason in the world to go from 1/4" TRS to XLR?

Apple iPhone 5

02/04/2010 03:10:15 PM · #2

I've only ever seen/used XLR connections in recording studios. But afaik it gives you exactly the same connection as a TRS - It's a more robust design for studios that are constantly plugging/unplugging (e.g. mics)

There should be no difference in the sound quality.

ETA: When I used to drag my roland u-20 around to gigs, I never had a problem with TRS plugs.

Message edited by author 2010-02-04 15:12:38.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

02/04/2010 03:14:11 PM · #3

Thanks JH. I did see the XLR is considered more robust, but I am not heading out on the gig circuit anytime soon. :) This will be for home use and, as such, I guess TRS will be just fine.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

02/04/2010 03:20:53 PM · #4

XLR plugs are usually used for low-impedance connections, while the 1/4" phone plugs are usually used with high-impedance connections. The other difference is that an XLR-outfitted microphone cable contains shielding which protects it from stray RF interferance, allowing the use of a longer cable without picking up signals from wireless phones, passing taxis, etc.

I recently bought some converters/transformers allowing me to plug an XLR mic cable into a 1/4" socket for around $18 (you can get ones which convert in the "other direction" as well). If your cables will only run 10-12 feet, then you can probably get away with just using a cable with 1/4" phone plugs, i.e. an electric guitar cord, but to be certain you should check whether your outputs are low- or high-impedance and match that to the appropriate input on the speakers.

Message edited by author 2010-02-04 15:22:12.

smardaz

02/04/2010 03:51:42 PM · #5

Originally posted by GeneralE:

thats all well and good but just make sure you have the proper shielding on the flux capacitor

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

02/04/2010 04:21:31 PM · #6

Originally posted by smardaz:

Originally posted by GeneralE:
XLR plugs are usually used for low-impedance connections, while the 1/4" phone plugs are usually used with high-impedance connections. The other difference is that an XLR-outfitted microphone cable contains shielding which protects it from stray RF interferance, allowing the use of a longer cable without picking up signals from wireless phones, passing taxis, etc.

I recently bought some converters/transformers allowing me to plug an XLR mic cable into a 1/4" socket for around $18 (you can get ones which convert in the "other direction" as well). If your cables will only run 10-12 feet, then you can probably get away with just using a cable with 1/4" phone plugs, i.e. an electric guitar cord, but to be certain you should check whether your outputs are low- or high-impedance and match that to the appropriate input on the speakers.

thats all well and good but just make sure you have the proper shielding on the flux capacitor

Dude. The last thing I want is 1.21 gigawatts coursing through my fingers while I pound out some Dandy Warhols! Advice to heed!

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

02/04/2010 04:54:48 PM · #7

Since the output of the Mo8 is at line level, I doubt very much that, in a home environment, there is much if anything to be gained by using the XLR (balanced) inputs on the powered speakers. In fact, you'd need to determine if the conversion itself would do more harm than good.
Given that the output is from an instrument, not a full-range audio source, there's little less concern over subtleties of signal integrity. You should be well served with the 1/4-inch jacks.