Balanced vs Unbalanced

[Lazarus1140]

Even after trying to educate myself online I really don't fully understand the applications for these cable types.

My specific question is this:

I am looking at an interface that has a few more inputs (and outputs) than the one I am currently using. One interface under consideration has RCA jacks for line outs. For short runs of cable will this be a noise issue? At first I will run the cables to auxillary inputs of an old Yamaha receiver I have so I can use my existing old school stereo speakers. Ultimately, though, I will want to simplify and improve the setup by running out of the interface into powered studio monitors.

Would balanced line outs be much more desireable? By the way, I'll have to drag that receiver out of storage to determine whether it has balanced line ins!

 

[SlyFoxx]

Re: Balanced vs Unbalanced

I doubt any receiver you have has balanced inputs.

Balanced lines let you run long lines without picking up noise. If you are running 20 feet or less you should be fine unless there's just a great deal of interference in your area.

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Balanced vs Unbalanced

No. It's definitely less than twenty feet ........ and probably interference free ....
thanks!

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Balanced vs Unbalanced

In the longer term, balanced connections will be desirable.

In the short to medium term, you can run balanced signals to unbalanced equipment by making up special cables. Essentially, the negative half of the balanced signal runs to the ground contact at the unbalanced end. Obviously, when using this sort of cable there is an accompanying level drop.

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Balanced vs Unbalanced

Thanks guys. I just bought the interface I have been considering and will be running unbalanced lines out a very short distance to unbalanced lines in on the old receiver.