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Balanced vs Non-Balanced XLR?

Hi All,

need some advice here. I am looking for an int amp with XLR input, I read that int amp with XLR input could be of true balance design or of not true balanced design.

I got a reply from a manufacturer on their amp design:
The balanced input is true balanced, in so far as the electronics inside the amp takes the balanced signal and converts it electronically to a single ended signal for amplification purposes in the correct manner. All our amplifiers are 'traditional' single ended designs, not fully balanced designs, so the balanced signal inputs and outputs are all electronically modified to suit the balanced cable and signal requirements.

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what does it means, in term of performance, to me as an end-user if i am using the XLR input of the amp? does it mean there will be no difference between XLR and RCA inputs for the amp?

Thank in advance
wyred

Showing 1 response by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,061 posts
 
It is not always true that your gain will double if you run balanced- that has to do with the design of the circuitry, even if it is differential.

Usually its to your advantage to use the balanced connection if the source is putting out a balanced signal and the input accepts it. If either are single-ended there usually is no advantage.

But once you hear what the advantage of balanced is all about, you won't want to go back :)
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