unbalanced inputs to X32 gear

[Steve Schow]

Yes I understand the drawbacks of unbalanced gear. but I don't want to run all my keyboards through DI's at home, that is the only reason for the question.

I was under the understanding that the pres on the X32 are robust enough to handle line level signal. The only question was about what happens when an unbalanced signal comes into it. The downside is that the signal has to go through an actual mic pre too I suppose, but if the pre is robust enough to handle the line level, then its not a big deal, other then having to make some special cables or perhaps I will wire up a snake of some kind for this.

[Jürgen Kirkovits]

The only question was about what happens when an unbalanced signal comes into it. The downside is that the signal has to go through an actual mic pre too I suppose, but if the pre is robust enough to handle the line level, then its not a big deal, other then having to make some special cables or perhaps I will wire up a snake of some kind for this.

Same as with a balanced signal, except 6dB's lower. You can run a TS (instrument) cable directly into your Aux inputs.

[Glenn Slater]

Hi Steve,


For keyboards, passive (non-powered) DI's like the DI400P are a great way to go:


http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/DI400P.aspx


It may seem like a hassle to obtain and use several DI's, but they are the best way to handle an unbalanced signal.

I hope that this is helpful.

Best,

[Bob Nafzinger]

I like having a DI for the gnd lift too.

[Glenn Slater]

Hi Bob,

Yes, the ground lift! It is the safe way to eliminate a hum or buzz. Some people still lift the power ground, not good.

Best,

[Peter van Gils]

Another reason to use a DI: shield your keyboards from the possible phantom power on the mic input. Not all line outputs handle phantom power without damage...

[Simeon Amburgey]

We also had a lot of gear that needed to go into the X32 such as DVD player, computer, CD recorder audio, etc. using RCA outputs.
I made up some adapter cables and they are working just fine.

Peter,
One of the nice things about the X32 is that you can toggle the Phantom power for each channel.

The X32 is amazing.

[Peter van Gils]

One of the nice things about the X32 is that you can toggle the Phantom power for each channel.

That does not protect your expensive gear from "operator errors". My opinion: use a DI if you're not 100% sure the output can handle phantom power... (Yes, I do not have female jack to male xlr adapters in my toolkit ;-) )

I know the X32 is amazing for it's price. I bought one ;-)

[Jürgen Kirkovits]

Peter,
One of the nice things about the X32 is that you can toggle the Phantom power for each channel.

He wanted to say that you could fry your keyboard (or any other instrument) if you accidentally apply phantom power on its channel when connecting it directly. Using a DI box would isolate your instrument from the X32 and therefore damage would, if at all, happen to your DI box.