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output circuit. We strongly recommend that you refer
to your various equipment manuals to nd out what
is used in each case before hooking up to unbalanced
lines.
When connecting a balanced output to a balanced
input, however, you don’t need to know what kind
of balanced output you are dealing with. Simply
treat it generically.
PART 1: BALANCED OUT to BALANCED IN
OK for Microphones
Standard store-bought cable. Shield grounded at both ends.
Positives: Good for microphones.
Negatives: May cause ground loops through the shield grounds if used to
connect equipment together.
Preferred for Line Levels
Shield grounded at receiving end only.
Positives: Stops ground loops and reduces noise.
Negatives: None
OK
Standard store-bought cable. Shield is grounded at both ends.
Positives: Both ends are interchangeable.
Negatives: May cause ground loops through shield contacts.
BETTER
Custom cable. Shield is grounded at receiving end only.
Positives: Stops ground loops and reduces noise.
Negatives: Should be oriented so lifted shield is at sending end.
1/4” TRS Phone to 1/4” TRS Phone Balanced Cables
XLR to XLR
XLR to 1/4” TRS Phone Balanced Cables
Stereo Phone Plug
Female XLR
Male XLR
From an Output
No Connect
Stops Ground Loops
Stereo Phone Plug
To an Input
To an Input
From an Output
No Connect
No Connect
Stops Ground Loops
Appendix D