I'm building my first preamp and I'm just coming to the output stage. I'm new to this, so I'm trying to work out the best approach. The end goal is to have balanced end-to-end, but currently my power amps are single-ended so I need the flexibility to have both outputs.
Is it better to use a simple XLR>RCA convertor (that connects pin 3 to pin 1), or would it be better to integrate a balanced>SE stage at the end of the preamp that allows for both balanced and SE output? I've seen very conflicting information, but most of that comes when conversion isn't possible (i.e., someone is buying pre-built components)
I'm assuming that I could simply put the balanced output to the XLR connectors then tap into those connections (on a PCB) as the inputs for a conversion stage, maybe something like the Project 87 opamp-based balanced>SE stage.
I'm just wondering if I'm over-engineering this due to my enthusiasm 🙂
Is it better to use a simple XLR>RCA convertor (that connects pin 3 to pin 1), or would it be better to integrate a balanced>SE stage at the end of the preamp that allows for both balanced and SE output? I've seen very conflicting information, but most of that comes when conversion isn't possible (i.e., someone is buying pre-built components)
I'm assuming that I could simply put the balanced output to the XLR connectors then tap into those connections (on a PCB) as the inputs for a conversion stage, maybe something like the Project 87 opamp-based balanced>SE stage.
I'm just wondering if I'm over-engineering this due to my enthusiasm 🙂
Last edited:
No. Wire The RCA in parallel and leave Cold floating, unless You plan to use both XLR & RCA outputs at the same time.
Connecting pin 3 to ground is shorting the cold signal & depends how the output circuit is implemented. Probably no harm, but could lead to distortion at high signals.
So you're suggesting just taking pins 1 and 2 and wiring them directly to the RCA?
This is *very* easy to do for me due to my PCB design so it's an ideal result. I guess the downside would be that you can only use RCA *or* XLR. That doesn't bother me though since I don't need both at the same time.
This is *very* easy to do for me due to my PCB design so it's an ideal result. I guess the downside would be that you can only use RCA *or* XLR. That doesn't bother me though since I don't need both at the same time.
Thanks wineds,
I actually put this together, it's the same principle but uses the TL072 instead. This would allow the use of both outputs but doesn't interrupt the, allowing for a completely passive design:
I just wasn't sure if this was better/worse than just using pins 1+2 from the XLR in terms of sound quality.
I actually put this together, it's the same principle but uses the TL072 instead. This would allow the use of both outputs but doesn't interrupt the, allowing for a completely passive design:
I just wasn't sure if this was better/worse than just using pins 1+2 from the XLR in terms of sound quality.
The BTSB Buffer takes SE/Bal and converts to SE & Bal (simultaneous) with choice of 0dB, 6dB, 14dB, 20dB gain. Very handy.
Adds no noise or measurable distortion.
Adds no noise or measurable distortion.
Some of my cables are made this way. You could use both outputs but depends on the gear You connect & there will be some interference between both when connecting / disconnecting things.
The Outsmarts work very good. I have made a box with two ins's / out's for converting Balanced / Single ended both ways. They don't use XLR's, but it's a matter of using a stereo jack (for balanced) or a mono jack (for single ended) since the mono jack shorts pin 1 & 3, and they don't suffer from the short distortion problem. I believe there are also switched XLR's and You could wire them with pin 1 &3 connected when no XLR plug connected.