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#1
03-17-2018, 05:39 AM
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XLR or 1/4” output from Pre-Amp to PA
When connecting to a house PA, is there an advantage to using the XLR output from a Pre-Amp instead of the 1/4” output?
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#2
03-17-2018, 05:49 AM
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a balanced xlr output allows for longer cable runs
without signal loss. unbalanced 1/4 loses signal after 12 feet or so. also the xlr is usually a lower impedance more in line with what the board will accept. the 1/4 output of preamps is usually designed to go to an amp or a tuner.
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#3
03-17-2018, 05:51 AM
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The quick answer is that you can use a longer cable with an XLR connection. I'm sure someone else will chime in with a complete technical explanation...but that's basically the size of it.
Also, try both ways to connect and see if there's a noticable difference in the quality of sound you end up with. Hope this helps.
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....Julian Mount Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Entertainer. http://www.circusunlimited.com/julianmount.htm https://JulianMount.bandcamp.com https://soundcloud.com/JulianMount https://tiny.cc/JulianMountMusic
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#4
03-17-2018, 01:52 PM
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They are quieter too.
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2007 Martin D 35 Custom 1970 Guild D 35 1965 Epiphone Texan 2011 Santa Cruz D P/W Pono OP 30 D parlor Pono OP12-30 Pono MT uke Goldtone Paul Beard squareneck resophonic Fluke tenor ukulele Boatload of home rolled telecasters "Shut up and play ur guitar" Frank Zappa
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#6
03-27-2018, 10:02 PM
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XLR is balanced. Some 1/4" outputs and inputs are TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve), which are also balanced. On a high impedance 1/4" TS (Tip, Sleeve) output, high frequency diminishes greatly with length and so does signal strength. XLR and TRS will afford better signal to noise ratios and broader frequency bandwidth over long runs. Ric
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#7
03-27-2018, 10:21 PM
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Note that high frequency does not diminish over long runs with low impedance outputs (balanced or unbalanced) because the capacitive load of the cable is negligible when compared with the output impedance.
As the output (or source) impedance climbs, the capacitive load becomes a greater issue. The capacitive load of he cable is the pF/ft x the number of feet in the run. The problem with long runs is the lack of common mode rejection of an unbalanced input and the greater likelihood of ground loops.
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#8
03-28-2018, 06:45 AM
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Depending on the mixer/PA you are plugging into, the XLR may be going into a MIC preamp, which could present a gainstage issue (2 preamps). Some 1/4" mixer inputs are set to bypass the mic preamp, some just put a pad on the input.
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