XLR to 1/4" jack cable - help!

[Skol303]

I work pretty much exclusively 'inside the box' using software, so I'm a total dunce when it comes to wiring up anything in the real world... hence this call for help

Ok, so I have a new combo amp that features a balanced XLR output socket (male: with three prongs). I want to use this to connect the amp to my audio interface - a Tascam US144-mkII, which features standard 1/4 inch jack input sockets.

So... my question is, can I use a standard microphone cable to connect the XLR output on the amp to the jack input on the interface? I.e. a female XLR to 1/4" jack lead, [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stagg-SMC3XP-3m-XLR-Jack-Microphone-Cable-10ft-/331066708844?pt=UK_Musical_Cables_Leads_Connectors&hash=item4d151d136c"]like this one.[/url]

Or do I need some other kind of XLR to jack cable?

Cheers!

[andydye]

that'll do fine matey

[Skol303]

Cheers Andy! And thanks for the quick reply

[andydye]

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1385132190' post='2284832']
Cheers Andy! And thanks for the quick reply
[/quote]

No prob buddy, I know how these questions feel from the other side so speedy reassurance is a welcome thing

One caveat / 'thing to watch' (that I've just thought of) would be to ensure that the input on your tascam is a mono jack (I presume this is the case) and not a stereo one just to make sure the signal is getting to the right bit of the jack to suit it...

[Skol303]

[quote name='andydye' timestamp='1385133536' post='2284852']One caveat / 'thing to watch' (that I've just thought of) would be to ensure that the input on your tascam is a mono jack (I presume this is the case) and not a stereo one just to make sure the signal is getting to the right bit of the jack to suit it...[/quote]

Good call!

I've checked the specs for the [url="http://tascam.com/product/us-144mkii/specifications/"]Tascam[/url] and the line-in sockets are designed for TRS-jack (balanced), so I'm guessing that's a stereo jack lead.

In which case [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Livewire-3M-Stereo-Jack-To-Female-XLR-Cable-Balanced-Jack-To-XLR-Mic-Lead-/200949257499?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Cables_Leads_Connectors&hash=item2ec982551b"]this cable[/url] should do the job - ?

Cheers,

Paul

Edited November 22, 2013 by Skol303

[andydye]

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1385136706' post='2284908']
Good call!
I've checked the specs for the [url="http://tascam.com/product/us-144mkii/specifications/"]Tascam[/url] and the line-in sockets are designed for TRS-jack (balanced), so I'm guessing that's a stereo jack lead.
In which case [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Livewire-3M-Stereo-Jack-To-Female-XLR-Cable-Balanced-Jack-To-XLR-Mic-Lead-/200949257499?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Cables_Leads_Connectors&hash=item2ec982551b"]this cable[/url] should do the job - ?
Cheers,
Paul
[/quote]

We're skirting the edge of my knowledge here now but it certainly looks like the right thing from their descriptions matey...

Edited November 22, 2013 by andydye

[Skol303]

Cheers dude. I'll take the plunge and order one... I'm sure it'll be alright - and I won't blame you if not! Much

[andydye]

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1385140186' post='2284965']
I'm sure it'll be alright - and I won't blame you if not! Much
[/quote]

[BigRedX]

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1385136706' post='2284908']
Good call!

I've checked the specs for the [url="http://tascam.com/product/us-144mkii/specifications/"]Tascam[/url] and the line-in sockets are designed for TRS-jack (balanced), so I'm guessing that's a stereo jack lead.

In which case [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Livewire-3M-Stereo-Jack-To-Female-XLR-Cable-Balanced-Jack-To-XLR-Mic-Lead-/200949257499?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Cables_Leads_Connectors&hash=item2ec982551b"]this cable[/url] should do the job - ?

Cheers,

Paul
[/quote]

That should be exactly what you need.

[Zenitram]

Stupid question: just because something takes, or sends out on, an XLR cable, doesn't mean that it's mic level, does it.

Or does it?

[andydye]

[quote name='Zenitram' timestamp='1385146949' post='2285078']
Stupid question: just because something takes, or sends out on, an XLR cable, doesn't mean that it's mic level, does it.

Or does it?
[/quote]

Not necessarily matey, it may be a balanced signal but still might have more or less than the input will like. I prefer to have a level knob on any di send so I can make sure the desk gets the right line level signal

[BigRedX]

Any decent desk will have input gain controls and pad switches rendering a level control on the DI redundant.

[Zenitram]

[quote name='andydye' timestamp='1385148335' post='2285108']
Not necessarily matey, it may be a balanced signal but still might have more or less than the input will like. I prefer to have a level knob on any di send so I can make sure the desk gets the right line level signal
[/quote]

I don't quite know if that answered my question or not.

[obbm]

[quote name='Zenitram' timestamp='1385146949' post='2285078']
Stupid question: just because something takes, or sends out on, an XLR cable, doesn't mean that it's mic level, does it.

Or does it?
[/quote]

XLRs are used for many different signal levels.

What you need is balanced cable, not a stereo.

TRS jacks are used for balanced mono and unbalanced stereo, however the cable type is different for each.

[Zenitram]

[quote name='obbm' timestamp='1385151202' post='2285159']
XLRs are used for many different signal levels.
[/quote]

Right, yes, as I suspected. Thanks.


[quote name='obbm' timestamp='1385151202' post='2285159']
What you need is balanced cable, not a stereo.
[/quote]

Need for what? I don't follow.


[quote name='obbm' timestamp='1385151202' post='2285159']
TRS jacks are used for balanced mono and unbalanced stereo, however the cable type is different for each.
[/quote]

Blimey. How can they be told apart?

[obbm]

[quote name='Zenitram' timestamp='1385151762' post='2285169']
Right, yes, as I suspected. Thanks.


1. Need for what? I don't follow.




2. Blimey. How can they be told apart?
[/quote]

1. Not you, the OP.

2. Take the jack apart and have a look. A true stereo cable should be two separately screened co-axes. The balanced is a single screened pair or screened quad connected as pairs.