Question on 1/4" to XLR cables

MakoMan

MakoMan

Oct 17, 2011
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#1
So here is the situation: My band's mixer has XLR outputs for the mains, but only 1/4" outputs for the monitors. Our monitors are QSC K12s.
Simple question: Is there any advantage whatsoever in running a 1/4" to XLR cable to the K12s or are we just as well or maybe even better off to run just standard 1/4 inch cables? If it helps, the mixer is a Soundcraft EFX8 exactly like this one: Soundcraft EFX8
Modulusman... you're up :)
 
#2
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#5
modulusman said:
The monitor outs are balanced so the correct cable is a 1/4 inch with tip/ring/sleeve. I would buy some cables that have this on one end and a male xlr on the other for the monitors. A standard 1/4 inch cable is unbalanced and more prone to noise and IIRC a balanced signal is 6db louder.
Click to expand...

OK perfect answer... Thanks modulusman! I did not know that a 1/4 inch tip/ring/sleeve connection was also balanced (although I did do the appropriate Google searches!). Our rhythm guitarist was back this week after a 4 month trip of a lifetime to Australia and when we set up tonight he insisted on using his XLR to 1/4 inch tip/ring/sleeve cables for the monitors instead of the 1/4 inch to 1/4 inch cables we have been using in his absence and that I had already connected. I was thinking... and my body language probably said... 'dude, I don't think it makes a difference because you are limited in the signal by the 1/4 inch at one end anyway'. But because I am an understanding and non-drama oriented bandleader I just said out loud 'hey man, suit yourself'. In any case, I owe him a beer at the show tomorrow LOL!
 
#10
modulusman said:
If they have them sure. The reason I suggested the XLR to TRS is not all powered PA cabs have the combo jacks. On my Yamaha DXR and EAW Speakers you need an XLR input.
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Yep. Another alternative (if you already have plenty of XLR cords) is short adapter cables, I have a bunch of the one footers in both XLRM to TRS and XLRF to TRS:
MP-106 | Male XLR to 1/4" TRS Adapter Cable (for TRS auxes to active speakers or amps)
MP-105 | Female XLR to 1/4" TRS Adapter Cable (for DI's and such to TRS line inputs)
I also used the latter on mics to my XR12 mixer's eight TRS only inputs - but I just got in six of the 30 footer versions so I don't have to futz with the short adapter cables ever time :) .

BTW don't buy the common solid adapters, they stick out of your mixer and it's easy to bump them and bust up your mixer jacks :nailbiting:.
 
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#11
modulusman said:
The monitor outs are balanced so the correct cable is a 1/4 inch with tip/ring/sleeve. I would buy some cables that have this on one end and a male xlr on the other for the monitors. A standard 1/4 inch cable is unbalanced and more prone to noise and IIRC a balanced signal is 6db louder.
Click to expand...
Had this exact situation come up last weekend. We were getting a nasty buzz out of some EV powered wedges. After switching out a couple suspected bad cords we figured out we needed balanced.

Question though, is there a downside to using a TRS to TRS cable from the mixer aux out (TRS) to a TS input on our other particular powered monitors? (Behringer 204Ds, I know, don't laugh;))
My guess would be no, as they seem to work fine even with a TS cable. But that +6db would be nice.
 
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#12
samson3382 said:
Had this exact situation come up last weekend. We were getting a nasty buzz out of some EV powered wedges. After switching out a couple suspected bad cords we figured out we needed balanced.

Question though, is there a downside to using a TRS to TRS cable from the mixer aux out (TRS) to a TS input on our other particular powered monitors? (Behringer 204Ds, I know, don't laugh;))
My guess would be no, as they seem to work fine even with a TS cable. But that +6db would be nice.
Click to expand...
Not sure about the Behringer model doesn't come up on an internet search.
 
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#13
samson3382 said:
Question though, is there a downside to using a TRS to TRS cable from the mixer aux out (TRS) to a TS input on our other particular powered monitors? (Behringer 204Ds, I know, don't laugh;)).
Click to expand...

Technically, it's possible that the TS jack will short the Ring to the Sleeve (basically to ground). With modern equipment this should not be a problem. You'd know immediately if the mixer doesn't do well with this. It's unlikely to cause damage, however.
 
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#14
I've got TRS<->XLR barrel adapters in my kit for oddball hookup needs, but for connections that I make regularly I prefer to have adapter cables. Jacket colors help me keep track of which is which. I figure every time I connect or disconnect one of those barrel adapters, it takes a second out of my life that I'll never get back! After awhile they can add up! There's also the matter of every connection being a potential failure point, & barrel adapters hanging off the back of a mixer can get bumped & might weigh a little more than I'd like.
 
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#15
samson3382 said:
Question though, is there a downside to using a TRS to TRS cable from the mixer aux out (TRS) to a TS input on our other particular powered monitors? (Behringer 204Ds, I know, don't laugh;))
My guess would be no, as they seem to work fine even with a TS cable. But that +6db would be nice.
Click to expand...
If you are talking about B205D's they have no TS inputs - check the manual (they are TRS). And depending on the mixer most of them with TRS aux outputs are "impedance balanced" not "true" balanced and you won't get +6db going to TRS cables from TS cables.
 
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