Can RCA Connections be Converted to XLR Balanced?

[AU20K]

I have no idea how or why this thought came to me. One of the benefits of insomnia I guess. But, has anyone out there converted RCA connectors to balanced? If so, is it an easy, medium or difficult project?

Or mission impossible?

:music:

[whoaru99]

I have no idea how or why this thought came to me. One of the benefits of insomnia I guess. But, has anyone out there converted RCA connectors to balanced? If so, is it an easy, medium or difficult project?

Or mission impossible?

:music:

Circuits can be made (http://sound.westhost.com/project51.htm), or converters readily purchased (http://www.artproaudio.com/products.asp?id=77&cat=13&type=90).

But why?

Balanced is really only a benefit if you have a problem that balanced line can fix, such as certain types of noise problems.

[FalconEddy]

Depending on the application, a balanced line may be overkill.

Remember, a line that is TRUELY balanced generally has twice the signal level in it.

. . Falcon

[slow_jazz]

I had someone on this forum make me up some. I forget his name now. Been several years.

[AU20K]

No real reason why...Mostly wondering if it was possible and to what extent one would have to modify original circuitry. Im thinking that if one wanted balanced connections, the answer would be to buy units with balanced connections built in.

[Glen B]

What FalconEddy said. Plus, the additional circuitry/use of adapters may result in making the sound worse than if the connections were left single-ended. With this in mind, note that there's a lot of equipment built with balanced inputs and outputs that are really single-ended in design but with op-amp converters at the input/output to achieve the balanced connections.

[whoaru99]

With this in mind, note that there's a lot of equipment built with balanced inputs and outputs that are really single-ended in design but with op-amp converters at the input/output to achieve the balanced connections.

Most of it, actually, afaik.

[PakProtector]

hey-Hey!!!,
The balanced signal contains information a SE one lacks. Lacks is perhaps not the right term, but two signals in 180-degree opposition around a ground is different from a single signal v. ground. How one gets from one to another is a matter of high Art and Engineering. there is no single 'best' way to achieve the result of SE to Balanced conversion.
cheers,
Douglas

[Tom Blasing]

When I upgrade my IC's I plan on having the chosen manufacturer make up a couple pairs just as discussed. This is only because the EQ, which I'm in love with and will only take out of the system if Bob Crites' forthcoming crossovers negate the need, has only XLR, TRS (1/4") and barrier strip connections.

[westend]

I made a balanced XLR to RCA interconnect wire, if that's what you're asking. It was to access a pro amp from the LFE channel of a home theater receiver. Cut off one RCA end and soldered up a Speakon connection in it's place. Project difficulty = easy. If you're thinking of changing existing RCA jacks in your gear to XLR, fuggedaboudit. Not worth the trouble.

[Westy]

for instance would using dual xlr from cassette deck to sound card dual rca cables have a significant improvement then just using rca to rca?
Id really love to know this

[AU20K]

"If you're thinking of changing existing RCA jacks in your gear to XLR, fuggedaboudit. Not worth the trouble."

Yes I was thinking about this one. Not really thinking of actually doing it (right away) but jus contemplating the difficulty level.

Oh, well ok, I was thinking of taking this one on someday fairly soon, since the Sansui amps with balanced connections are kinda rare.

[whoaru99]

for instance would using dual xlr from cassette deck to sound card dual rca cables have a significant improvement then just using rca to rca?


No.

[KingBubba]

Here are diagrams for wiring various cables and adapters. RCA plugs are 2 conductor and because of that can not be balanced, but when wired properly can be used with a balanced system. See the diagrams for proper pin configurations.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j70/garank1/cablingdiagram2.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j70/garank1/cablingdiagram1.jpg

[whoaru99]

RCA plugs are 2 conductor and because of that can not be balanced, but when wired properly can be used with a balanced system. See the diagrams for proper pin configurations.

Yes. However, the potential benefits of the balanced line are completely lost when this is done.

[AU20K]

WOW, cool responses. This forum is such a learning experience!

Thanks to all!