[sdiy] Balanced/unbalanced inputs?

[Byron G. Jacquot]

>So If my instruments have unbalanced output, I can't use them with a mixer
>that has balanced inputs unless I 1) modify the cable or 2) buy an adapter?

It often works well enough to just patch 'em together.  On smaller mixers,
the 1/4" inputs are often unbalanced, though the XLR will be balanced.

>How can I tell what type of output my instruments have? I assume they're all
>unbalanced, but I don't know how to check. It's not it the manuals...

Most instruments will have unbalanced outputs.  A few high-end synths have
balanced outputs (Roland Juputer-8 and Kurzweil 2500), but they'll make a
big deal out of it in the manuals.  Balanced outputs are often on XLR jacks,
though occasionally they're on TRS 1/4"s.

A sneaky way to tell of the 1/4" is balanced: plug an unbalanced cable into
it about 1/2 way.  The cable will sorta click there, and you'll be able to
hear output...bingo, you've found the negative side of a balanced pair.

Byron Jacquot