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XLR to RCA to XLR

I decided to try the KUBE (KEF's equalizer) with KEF R104.2s in a balanced system. By careful routing of cables my system is silent to an ear at the speaker. But the KUBE has only RCA connectors, and adding it to my system introduced a sizzle, a kind of HF hum. I removed the KUBE, and silence returned. Is there any way of going from XLR to RCA that might avoid the noise?

Balanced lines (about 15') run from a Cary 11a processor to a Proceed Amp 3 that sits near the R104.2s. The third line to the center speaker did not run through the KUBE and thus remained balanced.

db
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almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
01-21-13: Rdeckard
Will these work if mixing consumer audio (-10dBV) and pro audio (+4dBu) gear? In other words, do they provide any level-matching?
The PI models will function in that situation, but they will only provide a very slight amount of attenuation (corresponding to their "insertion loss," which under the test conditions shown in the datasheet is 1.6 db typical, 2.0 db max).

Assuming that what you want to do is to reduce the signal level, what you would probably want is their model PC2-XR, which provides about 14 db of attenuation. A phone call to them would be a good idea, though, to confirm its suitability to your specific application.

Also, at a considerably higher price point Steve McCormack of SMc Audio offers a transformer-based product called Flex-Connect, which provides 12 db of attenuation, together with various other features. I have no specific knowledge of it, but I know that his VRE-1 preamplifier, which utilizes coupling transformers, has an exceptionally good reputation.

Regards,
-- Al
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dbphd OP
1,628 posts
 
I now have Jensen transformers for the 107/2 and 102 KUBEs, plus a spare. I found that sound quality was better with XLR outputs from the transformers to the amps. Since my May '12 post, I've replaced the Proceed Amp 2 & 3 with Proceed HPA 2 & 3 (500 watts peer channel into 4 ohms).
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jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
Hi Al

Thanks for posting about SMc Audio's Flex-Connect. I believe they called it the Interocitor before. For mixing consumer and pro audio what about the Rane Balance Buddy 44x?

http://www.rane.com/pdf/bb44xdat.pdf

Not the prettiest looking piece of gear but could be available used at a decent price.
rdeckard
9 posts
 
Thanks Tvad and Almarg for the info. I've since looked into it a bit more with regards to the input and output voltages I'm dealing with and I may be OK just using XLR to RCA cables with the shields floating at the RCA ends. If that doesn't yield the results I want, I will pick up some transformers.
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