Balanced out needs balanced in to mean anything. So use RCAs for the normal input.
A single channel of F4 cannot natively take a balanced (differential) signal, its input is single-ended. (RCA.) So for normal stereo use, wiring it up with RCA as the standard input is the way forward.
A factory F4 does have a single XLR input, this is for bridge balanced, where you take the stereo amp, run it a differential (XLR) signal, and make the stereo amp a bridge balanced monoblock. (That can make 100wpc into 8ohm if you have a preamp with enough voltage swing on the output.) Of course, this also means you’ll need a 2nd F4 for stereo if you run it as such.
A single channel of F4 cannot natively take a balanced (differential) signal, its input is single-ended. (RCA.) So for normal stereo use, wiring it up with RCA as the standard input is the way forward.
A factory F4 does have a single XLR input, this is for bridge balanced, where you take the stereo amp, run it a differential (XLR) signal, and make the stereo amp a bridge balanced monoblock. (That can make 100wpc into 8ohm if you have a preamp with enough voltage swing on the output.) Of course, this also means you’ll need a 2nd F4 for stereo if you run it as such.
Thanks 6L6 - I think the path forward is for me to just use the standard RCAs on this amp and save myself the drama of having things not working properly as I switch between preamps.
OK...on RCA, the tip is positive, no question there. As it relates to the Aleph J, do I want to connect the RCA sleeve to negative or ground on the amp board? I am going to assume negative, and the ground input on the amp board is reserved for a XLR if running mono (or just grounding in general)?
Thanks again!
OK...on RCA, the tip is positive, no question there. As it relates to the Aleph J, do I want to connect the RCA sleeve to negative or ground on the amp board? I am going to assume negative, and the ground input on the amp board is reserved for a XLR if running mono (or just grounding in general)?
Thanks again!
I’m an idiot.
This is the Aleph J thread. No idea how I got F4 in my head.
Yes, you can use XLR as the standard if you like, though I’d have RCAs mounted as well, and then when using the RCAs jumper pin 3 to 1 on the XLR, which is how they come wired from the factory.
This is the Aleph J thread. No idea how I got F4 in my head.
Yes, you can use XLR as the standard if you like, though I’d have RCAs mounted as well, and then when using the RCAs jumper pin 3 to 1 on the XLR, which is how they come wired from the factory.
XLR Pin 1 GND
XLR Pin 2 Positive phase
XLR Pin 3 Negative phase
RCA sleeve GND
RCA tip Positive phase
XLR Pin 2 Positive phase
XLR Pin 3 Negative phase
RCA sleeve GND
RCA tip Positive phase
6L6 and Zen Mod - thanks for that! Can I still use just the XLRs with balanced and unbalanced connections, or does the same issue arise if using a real balanced signal? Again, I am trying to find the most universal option to work with a range of preamps. I will ALWAYS have an option for unbalanced/RCA on any preamp I would use.
For the sake of getting this thing up and running (because I really need to get this across the finish line!!!), would I be better off just using RCA and I can go back later and do something like the dual input mod shown above?
Thanks!
For the sake of getting this thing up and running (because I really need to get this across the finish line!!!), would I be better off just using RCA and I can go back later and do something like the dual input mod shown above?
Thanks!
This being Aleph J, changes things. It HAS a differential input stage, so running balanced is actually the ‘normal’ way, and signal from RCAs need the jumper. Sure, you could make a dedicated cable that does that, but it’s better to just stuff the XLR jack with the little jumper and use standard cables every time.
So, install both XLR and RCA jacks. If feeding from balanced, use XLR. If feeding from RCA, use the RCA and jumper pin 1-3 on the XLR jack.
So, install both XLR and RCA jacks. If feeding from balanced, use XLR. If feeding from RCA, use the RCA and jumper pin 1-3 on the XLR jack.
Ohhhh, OK thank you.
For the sake of getting this build done sooner rather than later, I would like to proceed without the dual RCA/XLR connections (I can do that later). I hear you saying XLR is the 'right' way to do things and I am good with that.
I just to happen to have a set of these: https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/na2mpmm
3 pole XLR male – RCA / phono plug
Wired according to IEC 268-12:
Pin 2: signal
Pin 1 and 3: connected to ground
I believe that solve my issue when using RCA (if wiring XLR as it should be) - not only the actual cable itself, but needing to bridge pin 1 and 3.
Just so there is no confusion (and with everything we talked about), can you confirm how I should wire the XLR connectors? Even if its just referring to a prior post, I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing. And still true the 4th 'tab' is OK to just connect to the chassis/ground with a short wire?
Thanks!
For the sake of getting this build done sooner rather than later, I would like to proceed without the dual RCA/XLR connections (I can do that later). I hear you saying XLR is the 'right' way to do things and I am good with that.
I just to happen to have a set of these: https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/na2mpmm
3 pole XLR male – RCA / phono plug
Wired according to IEC 268-12:
Pin 2: signal
Pin 1 and 3: connected to ground
I believe that solve my issue when using RCA (if wiring XLR as it should be) - not only the actual cable itself, but needing to bridge pin 1 and 3.
Just so there is no confusion (and with everything we talked about), can you confirm how I should wire the XLR connectors? Even if its just referring to a prior post, I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing. And still true the 4th 'tab' is OK to just connect to the chassis/ground with a short wire?
Thanks!
if feeding Aleph with Bal signal/pre, just use regular XLR to XLR cable
if feeding Aleph with SE signal/pre, use custom made RCA to XLR cable , where pins 1 and 3 are shorted in XLR cable jack itself
4th tab, do whatever you want, in this case - leave it floating or tie to chassis
if feeding Aleph with SE signal/pre, use custom made RCA to XLR cable , where pins 1 and 3 are shorted in XLR cable jack itself
4th tab, do whatever you want, in this case - leave it floating or tie to chassis
Thanks Zen Mod.
Got it on a XLR-XLR cable. I think the adapter I listed above (when used with a standard RCA cable) effectively does that, correct me if I'm wrong.
Would love a final nudge on confirming how I should wire the XLR input to the amp board. Just follow the logic of the 3 pins are connected to the amp board as their names suggest (pin 1 to ground, pin 2 to positive, pin 3 to negative)?
Got it on a XLR-XLR cable. I think the adapter I listed above (when used with a standard RCA cable) effectively does that, correct me if I'm wrong.
Would love a final nudge on confirming how I should wire the XLR input to the amp board. Just follow the logic of the 3 pins are connected to the amp board as their names suggest (pin 1 to ground, pin 2 to positive, pin 3 to negative)?
Aside that the particular one you posted has the wrong gender RCA from standard, yes.
Yes.
First, sounds good on the wiring, I'll heat up the ol' soldering iron and get it moving along.
Well lucky for my crass consumerism made me buy the other version, too!
https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/na2mpmf
So with this connected, pins 1 and 3 are connected/shorted.
Well lucky for my crass consumerism made me buy the other version, too!
https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/na2mpmf
So with this connected, pins 1 and 3 are connected/shorted.
Just finished up building and testing the power supply for the Aleph J according to this guide, and I'm getting a very stable 31V, which seems high. I used the AnTek AS-3222 (22V) transformer. Any thoughts on how I can get this closer to the recommended 26V?
It's not. That's expected. Why'd you use a 22V secondary transformer? The guide you say you're following notes 18 (recommended) or 20 in the transformer section.
I'd have whomever recommended that transformer for this application provide guidance. They may have had something specific in mind, or they may tell you to just leave it alone depending on some other factors.
Well....that person is me. The 18V and 20V transformers have been out of stock at AnTek for months and I went with the 22V.