XLR inputs vs. standard RCA

[sokrman14]

What is the benefit of using a balanced XLR input vs a standard RCA? Does it really make that much of a difference? I noticed that more expensive equipment have balanced inputs, but not sure as to what the benefit is. Thanks in advance for the responses.

 

[markw]

XLR really comes into play when you have long, long runs of a low level, low impedance signal such as a long microphone run in a noise prone area. We use these for 75' microphone runs in the church.

For home use they will work but, except in rare circumstances, they are overkill. Most likely, there will not be any audible benefits in a home environment.

 

[mulester7]

For home use they will work but, except in rare circumstances, they are overkill. Most likely, there will not be any audible benefits in a home environment.

.....humble agreement, O most worthy Samurai designate, but for six and three foot XLR cables for around 10 bucks, why not eliminate the chance of falling into that category of "rare circumstance?"....Buddy, if anyone would end up falling neck-deep into that category and get bit, it would be me.....

http://www.av-cables.net/pro-audio/pro-audio-7.html

.....edit....you can even get Y XLR's....second and third ones down....

http://www.globalsoundandimage.com/specialtycables.html

 

[highfihoney]

i prefer to use xlr in everything,i like the connection much better & they are cheaper than quality rca's.

 

[markw]

If ya got 'em, use 'em if they save money.

But, many agonize over this when they don't have the option. They just read about 'em, think they are missing out, and then wanna go the adaptor route. ...waste...

 

[sokrman14]

I would never get an adapter for them, that seems to defeat the purpose. But what is the actual benefit of them? I have read they are balanced, what does that actually mean?

 

[jaxvon]

If an interconnect is truly balanced (which is not possible without an active RCA-XLR converter), there are two signals sent in the twisted pair. One is the exact inverse of the other, thus cancelling the field emitted the pair. This twisted pair is then shielded to further reduce noise getting in or out.

 

[racquetman]

I would never get an adapter for them, that seems to defeat the purpose. But what is the actual benefit of them? I have read they are balanced, what does that actually mean?

Here is a quote and a link to the article I took it from that I think sums it up well:

"Single-ended interfaces use a "common" conductor (shield, ground or instrument chassis) as a signal return path. Balanced lines, on the other hand, use two dedicated conductors to provide forward and return paths for signal."

http://www.balanced.com/faq/balanced.html

 

[Josuah]

My pre-amp and amp are right next to each other, but I do have better noise rejection with XLR interconnects. So for whatever reason, in my situation, XLR interconnects are necessary for improved quality.

Since a single XLR cable can cost the same as an RCA cable, I see no reason not to use XLR interconnects.