unbalanced to balanced audio

[glennjarrett]

Hi
looking for a unbalanced to balanced audio converter (with a gain of 1 ) for a B&O ice amplifier which needs balanced input
I am currently using a DRV134 chip which does the job well but has a gain of 2
how do I get a unity gain converter ?
either transformers or op-amp

 

[scottjoplin]

Hi
looking for a unbalanced to balanced audio converter (with a gain of 1 ) for a B&O ice amplifier which needs balanced input

Just incase you don't know, it doesn't need a balanced input, you can connect an unbalanced output

 

[glennjarrett]

Hi Scott
the amp is a B&O 50ASX2 which has been converted to a BTL version as far as I can find out it needs a balanced input or am I wrong ?
https://static.qobuz.com/info/IMG/pdf/icepower50asx2.pdf

 

[scottjoplin]

What I mean to say is that you can connect an unbalanced output to a balanced input (and vice versa) I didn't mean that amp specifically. This Rane note is very informative Sound System Interconnection

 

[anti]

For an intermediate measure, you can insert an -6dB (halving) attenuator before the DRV134.

 

[aparatusonitus]

I am currently using a DRV134 chip which does the job well but has a gain of 2
how do I get a unity gain converter ?

Could you xplane why do you need unity gain at all?

 

[asuslover]

try this: THAT Driver

 

[georgehifi]

Wouldn't this work and give unity gain.

http://au.element14.com/mcm/27-4150...QYBCABEgI-m_D_BwE&CAWELAID=120185580001720575

Cheers George

 

[rmaudio]

Wouldn't this work and give unity gain.

http://au.element14.com/mcm/27-4150...QYBCABEgI-m_D_BwE&CAWELAID=120185580001720575

Cheers George

Yes if the OP needs the signal on an XLR connector.
Guessing Pin 3 is connected to Pin 1.
Could just wire an XLR connector to the cable if that is simpler than getting the adaptor.

 

[xrk971]

THAT1646 is unity gain

 

[MAAC0]

SparkFun THAT 1646 OutSmarts Breakout - BOB-14003 - SparkFun Electronics

 

[29285]

What I mean to say is that you can connect an unbalanced output to a balanced input (and vice versa) I didn't mean that amp specifically. This Rane note is very informative Sound System Interconnection

This general rule is not applicable to TPA32xx working in BTL and the likes because these are to separate half-bridge amp stages with independent inputs.
In other words, this is not a true symmetrical input.
And there are some rumours that ice-power now use TI-chips....

 

[glennjarrett]

...

 

[glennjarrett]

according to spec sheet its +6db gain which is double the input or am I getting confused !?

 

[glennjarrett]

THAT1646 is unity gain

its +6db

 

[xrk971]

Oh sorry - in configuration I am using it as (driver for Class A headphone amp) it has 0dB but that’s because it’s being used in unorthodox way.

 

[Speedskater]

• You can always connect an unbalanced output to a balanced input (although the voltage levels may be different).

• But connecting a balanced output to an unbalanced input can be tricky. There is no universal solution that fits all situations

 

[scottjoplin]

As far as I'm aware you only need to know the kind of driver, which then dictates how to connect the cold output?

 

[Speedskater]

Balanced output to unbalanced input. There are 3 & ½ types of balanced output stages.
1] Transformer. Use pins 2 & 3.
2] Passive/impedance output. Probably pins 2 & 1 but maybe pins 3 & 1.
3a] Active/powered (that can't have pins 2 or 3 shorted to ground) Use pins 2 & 1.
3b] Active/powered (with short-able outputs) any of the above.