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    Building, troubleshooting and testing of these amplifiers should only be
    performed by someone who is thoroughly familiar with
    the safety precautions around high voltages.

XLR to 1/4" TRS?

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Kaiowas

Member
Joined 2004
Hi all!

Here's the thing...

I want to make a tube mic (Balanced XLR) preamp to use it with my souncard (Audigy 2 Platinum) but it doesn't have a XLR input, just 1/4" TRS (Stereo) or RCA (Stereo).

That makes aa XLR input in the preamp and a TRS output.

Is is possible to find something like this?

Thanks in advance!
 
B

Burnedfingers

Member
Joined 2002
Quote:I want to make a tube mic (Balanced XLR) preamp to use it with my souncard (Audigy 2 Platinum) but it doesn't have a XLR input, just 1/4" TRS (Stereo) or RCA (Stereo).

So if I understand you correctly you need an adapter that will take you from TRS on the soundcard to a XLR connector. Is this correct? If so there are adapters that can be purchased that will go from 1/4" to XLR female or 1/4" to XLR male connector. The major manufacturers of these adaptors are Switchcraft,Neutrix,and Cliff. They can be found in XLR male or female ot 1/4" male or female.

I must admit that I have never seen 1/4" on a soundcard only 1/8" connectors or RCA's. If this is the case and you need to adapt from 1/8 to 1/4 " there are parts available to do this.

Joe
 
imix500

imix500

Member
Joined 2004
It can easily be done, but the 1/4 trs is probably a high z input, while the preamps output will be low z. You will just need an impedance matching transformer to keep everything happy and then a "y" to split the new high z signal between the two channels of the 1/4 trs input.
 
B

Burnedfingers

Member
Joined 2002
Ok, I overlooked (too early in the morning) the fact the preamp was low Z out and the sound card was Hi Z in. Yup, you should use a matching transformer like a 600 ohm to 15K. It might drive it fine without the transformer and I would surely try it first before dropping around $90. for a good transformer. On the other hand you will probably need it for issolation as a nasty hum will most surely result without it.

I would recommend checking the web for a used Altec transformer or a Sescom. I could provide the numbers if needed. they should be able to be picked up for around $40 used.
 
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