XLR to 1/4" TRS?

Kaiowas · 10th June 2004, 02:08 AM

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!

Original Burnedfingers · 10th June 2004, 10:53 AM

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 · 11th June 2004, 03:01 AM

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.

Original Burnedfingers · 11th June 2004, 11:07 AM

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.

Kaiowas · 12th June 2004, 05:32 AM

Well....Thanks for all the answers guys!!

I also found a PDF explaining this kind of conversions...
Sound Systems Interconnection (HTML)
Sound Systems Interconnection (PDF)

Hope that helps in the future!

Thanks again!

10th June 2004, 02:08 AM	#1
Kaiowas diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bogotá	XLR to 1/4" TRS? 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!

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10th June 2004, 10:53 AM	#2
Original Burnedfingers diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 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

11th June 2004, 03:01 AM	#3
imix500 Proud Union Member diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Nashville, TN	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.

11th June 2004, 11:07 AM	#4
Original Burnedfingers diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 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.

12th June 2004, 05:32 AM	#5
Kaiowas diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bogotá	Well....Thanks for all the answers guys!! I also found a PDF explaining this kind of conversions... Sound Systems Interconnection (HTML) Sound Systems Interconnection (PDF) Hope that helps in the future! Thanks again!