Notes on the Sennheiser MKE 400 and the Røde VXLR adapters. The Røde VXLR does not convert phantom power to plugin power, and it does not convert the unbalanced signal to a balanced signal. The Røde VXLR+ does convert phantom power to plugin power, but it does not convert the unbalanced signal to a balanced signal. The Røde WXLR PRO does convert phantom power to plugin power as well as convert the unbalanced signal to a balanced signal. So if a balanced signal is important, ONLY the VXLR PRO will work. There are two generations of the MKE 400, but they both run on AAA battery power, so plugin power is normally not needed. I don't know if it can even work on plugin power alone, but if mounted on a camera, which is what the microphone is designed for, you'll certainly want the extra boost that the batteries can supply. When connected to a mixing board I don't know what difference the battery power will make, or if it even might disturb the connection. Nor do I know what part the plugin power might play.
For balanced to unbalanced stereo conversion I sometimes use a Tascam DR60D-MKII that accepts balanced connection on one side and offers simultaneous line level and microphone level outputs with camera out (high) and camera out (low) 3.5mm stereo unbalanced jack outputs. It works great!
To switch the audio signals from balanced to unbalanced I recently also discovered some small passive transformers from Neutrik of the NA2 series (such as the Neutrik NA2 F-D0B-TX, the Neutrik NA2 M-D2B-TX and so on). They work wonderfully and require no power supply
Important note: when using the reverse DI, it MUST be a passive (transformer only) DI. It cannot be an active DI that has electronics that drive/buffer (or amplify) the signals.
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 02:57 *🎙️ Today's session discusses the differences between balanced and unbalanced audio connections and how to interconnect them effectively.* 05:21 *📡 Balanced audio is better at handling and rejecting noise, such as RF and electromagnetic interference, compared to unbalanced audio.* 08:40 *🔊 Balanced audio uses a clever polarity inversion technique to cancel out noise, resulting in a cleaner signal.* 12:54 *🔄 Achieving a balanced signal from different equipment can be done using transformers, differential amps, or integrated circuits, each with its own benefits.* 14:47 *🔉 Line levels can differ between consumer-level and pro-level gear, with balanced outputs typically at +4 dBu and unbalanced at -10 dBV.* 17:23 *❌ Incorrect wiring of cables can result in inverted polarity and degraded audio quality when converting between balanced and unbalanced signals.* 20:46 *💡 Using dedicated devices like the ART Clean Box Pro or DI boxes can properly convert between balanced and unbalanced signals without signal degradation.* 24:26 *🎛️ DI boxes can be used in reverse to convert balanced outputs to unbalanced inputs, providing flexibility in signal routing.* 25:15 *🔊 When converting from a balanced output to an unbalanced input, boosting the signal may be necessary due to differences in dB levels.* 26:25 *🔄 The ART CleanBox Pro facilitates conversion between balanced (+4 dBu) and unbalanced (-10 dBV) signals, providing amplification to adjust levels accordingly.* 28:52 *🎚️ Using devices like the ART CleanBox Pro allows for audio conversion from balanced to unbalanced, enabling compatibility between different equipment.* 29:48 *💰 While more expensive, products like the ART CleanBox Pro offer superior solutions for balancing and unbalancing audio signals compared to cheaper alternatives like a DI box.* 30:15 *🎤 When dealing with audio conversions, careful consideration of signal levels and amplification is necessary to achieve desired sound quality.* 34:18 *📏 Understanding impedance and signal types is crucial when troubleshooting audio compatibility issues between different devices.* 42:57 *🔌 Using a DI box can resolve compatibility issues between devices with unbalanced stereo outputs and equipment expecting balanced inputs, improving audio quality.* 46:38 *🔊 Balanced and unbalanced audio outputs can be switched using different connectors: TS quarter-inch for unbalanced and TRS three-pole quarter-inch for balanced.* 48:23 *🎤 Using a splitter, it's possible to input an external mic and timecode into the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, but audio inputs need to be switched accordingly.* 50:04 *🎙️ When recording loud sounds like F1 cars, use microphones with high SPL handling and ensure the recorder's pre-amplifier can handle the intensity without clipping.* 51:45 *🔄 Understanding how pads are implemented in audio equipment is crucial, as some implementations may not effectively prevent clipping.* 53:35 *📚 Courses on Zoom F8 and MixPre series have been updated, covering the latest firmware and product versions.* 54:19 *🎙️ No attenuator should be necessary to connect a Sennheiser XSW-D receiver to the mic inputs of a Zoom PodTrak P4.* 59:02 *🎚️ MixPre outputs cannot simultaneously output linear timecode and audio; it's either one or the other.* Made with HARPA AI
Hi Curtis, from Roland's question at 42:00 , on sending a signal from MixPre 6's 3.5 to the UAD Apollo, will a "3.5 to 2 (left and right) XLR" splitter cable also work instead of investing in a DI-Box? Without knowing anything, I had a failed experience of sending a signal to a live mixing board with a single "3.5 to XLR" cable. I ended up saved by a set of SONY UWP Wireless set. Still not sure how, is it one of those Balance/Unbalance things? Thank you very much for your time!~
Seeing that it only takes three wires to make a balanced signal, couldn’t a stereo trs 3.5mm do it if the input jacks and circuits were configured to do so? They have three wires as well with left right ground. If so, why is this not a thing?
In theory, yes, however, one practical matter and one tradition. From a practical standpoint, 3.5mm cables were originally designed for consumer level equipment and typically do not include the level of shielding that TRS cables with 1/4" connectors designed for balanced connections include. Also, professional level equipment has long used the 1/4" jacks and connectors which are simply more physically robust and durable.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Well it would be cool if some people got together and made a better 3.5mm cable. I mean, wouldn't it be great if you could get a balanced signal with those small connectors? Seeing as the equipment is getting smaller and smaller, I think it would be game changing. Oh well.
Notes on the Sennheiser MKE 400 and the Røde VXLR adapters.
The Røde VXLR does not convert phantom power to plugin power, and it does not convert the unbalanced signal to a balanced signal.
The Røde VXLR+ does convert phantom power to plugin power, but it does not convert the unbalanced signal to a balanced signal.
The Røde WXLR PRO does convert phantom power to plugin power as well as convert the unbalanced signal to a balanced signal.
So if a balanced signal is important, ONLY the VXLR PRO will work.
There are two generations of the MKE 400, but they both run on AAA battery power, so plugin power is normally not needed. I don't know if it can even work on plugin power alone, but if mounted on a camera, which is what the microphone is designed for, you'll certainly want the extra boost that the batteries can supply. When connected to a mixing board I don't know what difference the battery power will make, or if it even might disturb the connection. Nor do I know what part the plugin power might play.
Thanks for the note, Lau.
For balanced to unbalanced stereo conversion I sometimes use a Tascam DR60D-MKII that accepts balanced connection on one side and offers simultaneous line level and microphone level outputs with camera out (high) and camera out (low) 3.5mm stereo unbalanced jack outputs. It works great!
Clever idea.
To switch the audio signals from balanced to unbalanced I recently also discovered some small passive transformers from Neutrik of the NA2 series (such as the Neutrik NA2 F-D0B-TX, the Neutrik NA2 M-D2B-TX and so on). They work wonderfully and require no power supply
Thank you Curtis for the help with my MKE400 . Kevin
You're most welcome and happy recording!
Important note: when using the reverse DI, it MUST be a passive (transformer only) DI. It cannot be an active DI that has electronics that drive/buffer (or amplify) the signals.
Right you are, thanks for pointing that out, Randy. 👍
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
02:57 *🎙️ Today's session discusses the differences between balanced and unbalanced audio connections and how to interconnect them effectively.*
05:21 *📡 Balanced audio is better at handling and rejecting noise, such as RF and electromagnetic interference, compared to unbalanced audio.*
08:40 *🔊 Balanced audio uses a clever polarity inversion technique to cancel out noise, resulting in a cleaner signal.*
12:54 *🔄 Achieving a balanced signal from different equipment can be done using transformers, differential amps, or integrated circuits, each with its own benefits.*
14:47 *🔉 Line levels can differ between consumer-level and pro-level gear, with balanced outputs typically at +4 dBu and unbalanced at -10 dBV.*
17:23 *❌ Incorrect wiring of cables can result in inverted polarity and degraded audio quality when converting between balanced and unbalanced signals.*
20:46 *💡 Using dedicated devices like the ART Clean Box Pro or DI boxes can properly convert between balanced and unbalanced signals without signal degradation.*
24:26 *🎛️ DI boxes can be used in reverse to convert balanced outputs to unbalanced inputs, providing flexibility in signal routing.*
25:15 *🔊 When converting from a balanced output to an unbalanced input, boosting the signal may be necessary due to differences in dB levels.*
26:25 *🔄 The ART CleanBox Pro facilitates conversion between balanced (+4 dBu) and unbalanced (-10 dBV) signals, providing amplification to adjust levels accordingly.*
28:52 *🎚️ Using devices like the ART CleanBox Pro allows for audio conversion from balanced to unbalanced, enabling compatibility between different equipment.*
29:48 *💰 While more expensive, products like the ART CleanBox Pro offer superior solutions for balancing and unbalancing audio signals compared to cheaper alternatives like a DI box.*
30:15 *🎤 When dealing with audio conversions, careful consideration of signal levels and amplification is necessary to achieve desired sound quality.*
34:18 *📏 Understanding impedance and signal types is crucial when troubleshooting audio compatibility issues between different devices.*
42:57 *🔌 Using a DI box can resolve compatibility issues between devices with unbalanced stereo outputs and equipment expecting balanced inputs, improving audio quality.*
46:38 *🔊 Balanced and unbalanced audio outputs can be switched using different connectors: TS quarter-inch for unbalanced and TRS three-pole quarter-inch for balanced.*
48:23 *🎤 Using a splitter, it's possible to input an external mic and timecode into the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, but audio inputs need to be switched accordingly.*
50:04 *🎙️ When recording loud sounds like F1 cars, use microphones with high SPL handling and ensure the recorder's pre-amplifier can handle the intensity without clipping.*
51:45 *🔄 Understanding how pads are implemented in audio equipment is crucial, as some implementations may not effectively prevent clipping.*
53:35 *📚 Courses on Zoom F8 and MixPre series have been updated, covering the latest firmware and product versions.*
54:19 *🎙️ No attenuator should be necessary to connect a Sennheiser XSW-D receiver to the mic inputs of a Zoom PodTrak P4.*
59:02 *🎚️ MixPre outputs cannot simultaneously output linear timecode and audio; it's either one or the other.*
Made with HARPA AI
Hi Curtis,
from Roland's question at 42:00 ,
on sending a signal from MixPre 6's 3.5 to the UAD Apollo,
will a "3.5 to 2 (left and right) XLR" splitter cable also work instead of investing in a DI-Box?
Without knowing anything, I had a failed experience of sending a signal to a live mixing board with a single "3.5 to XLR" cable.
I ended up saved by a set of SONY UWP Wireless set. Still not sure how,
is it one of those Balance/Unbalance things?
Thank you very much for your time!~
That could be. Would need more details, but very possibly yes.
Perfect
👍
Seeing that it only takes three wires to make a balanced signal, couldn’t a stereo trs 3.5mm do it if the input jacks and circuits were configured to do so? They have three wires as well with left right ground. If so, why is this not a thing?
In theory, yes, however, one practical matter and one tradition. From a practical standpoint, 3.5mm cables were originally designed for consumer level equipment and typically do not include the level of shielding that TRS cables with 1/4" connectors designed for balanced connections include. Also, professional level equipment has long used the 1/4" jacks and connectors which are simply more physically robust and durable.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Well it would be cool if some people got together and made a better 3.5mm cable. I mean, wouldn't it be great if you could get a balanced signal with those small connectors? Seeing as the equipment is getting smaller and smaller, I think it would be game changing. Oh well.