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XLR Question

You won't see this one every day....

I've recently converted a listening room to dual use - listening and recording.  I'm trying to use the 2 channel system as a monitor for the recording studio.

The 2 channel pre-amp is an Onkyo 5508 pre-pro (stereo mode) which has a set of stereo xlr balanced inputs available.  So, I want to take the output of my PC audio interface (Pre Sonus  Audiobox) into the Onkyo.

The Audiobox allows the PC recording system to connect to a monitor via balanced 1/4 inch trs out (phone plug). I got a trs to xlr cable and it works perfectly into a pair of active m-audio studio monitors.  However, no signal is evident when I connect the same trs-xlr cable into the Onkyo

Other than a faulty input on the Onkyo, any idea what might cause the monitors to work but not the pre-pro?

thanks in advance
martykl
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
Also, Marty, an inexpensive potential solution you may want to consider would be an ART DTI Transformer/Isolator ($60 plus appropriate cabling). Manufacturer’s description here.

I’ve used one for non-critical voice recording applications, and for those purposes, at least, it seems to work well.

Best regards,
-- Al

martykl OP
3,578 posts
 
Many thanks to all

Ralph,

good diagnostic idea.  I'll have to dig up a balanced source and some xlr to xlr cables, but I'll try that first

Al,

if that fails, I'll try the transformer
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
5,389 posts
 
Page 17 has the pin outs of the Onkyo XLR input:

http://filedepot.onkyousa.com/Files/own_manuals/PR-SC5508_En_web.pdf

almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
Thanks, Mofi.  I had looked at that before posting, though, and it doesn't make clear how the input circuit treats what it describes as the "cold" input on XLR pin 3.

Best regards,
-- Al
 
martykl OP
3,578 posts
 
Al,

I have one further question re: the Art DTI.  Have you used "one in/two out".  In my case, that would be balanced via trs out from the Audiobox into the DTI and unbalanced via RCA to the Onkyo simultaneously with balanced via either trs or XLR (they accept both connections) to the M-Audio active monitors.

There's enough utility in that arrangement (if it works) to justify the purchase under any circumstance.

Thanks again
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