Audio specialists, need help!

[dfvxc]

say I want to run my preamp into a Behringer Ultra G (DI box with cab simulation, with XLR balanced output), and then from that to either a mix console, or a computer for recording.

The mix console would be no problem as they take XLR balanced.

My question is, If I were to get an XLR to 1/8", and run the DI box XLR balanced signal into my sound card, would it work? I really don't know what a "balanced" signal means, so any light you can shed on this is much appreciated.

Thanks!

[nor]

Re: Audio specialists, need help!

Should work just fine. If you have a really cheap sound card, it may not be able to handle too hot of a signal - so start low.

[mm2002]

Re: Audio specialists, need help!

Another option would be to run the XLR from the DI box to the console, then use either the monitor outs or tape outs from the console to the computer. This is how I have mine set up and it works great. The monitor outs on mine are 1/4" and I just used a two 1/4" to 1/8" stereo cable.

[dfvxc]

Re: Audio specialists, need help!

Hmm, ok... so you guys are sure it'd work for the computer?
I just want to be sure before I put down 30 dollars...

[delt]

Re: Audio specialists, need help!

Balanced (XLR) signal transfer is a hum-cancelling principle pretty similar to how a humbucker pickup works.

You have two versions of the same signal, but one is DC-flipped (or phase-inverted, if you prefer) relative to the ground. So if the two signal conductors are running through the same cord, theoretically they're both picking up the same (or almost the same) interference. So at the other end, when you un-DC-flip the DC-flipped signal and mix it back with the unmodified signal, you're canceling out any parasite noise that got into the signal between the DC-flip and un-DC-flip points.

hope that makes sense....... [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[nor]

Re: Audio specialists, need help!

[ QUOTE ]
Hmm, ok... so you guys are sure it'd work for the computer?
I just want to be sure before I put down 30 dollars...

[/ QUOTE ]It should work just fine. But as I am not sitting at your computer, and know nothing about your computer or the quality of its components - I can't guarantee anything, bro.

YMMV.

[dfvxc]

Re: Audio specialists, need help!

It makes perfect sense delt. Thanks!
But I still don't know whether it would work on my computer.

Nor, I have a pretty high end computer, and the soundcard is creative SBLive. I really appreciate your help man! [img]/images/graemlins/headbang.gif[/img]