XLR Output (Balanced) to TS (Unbalanced) Converters

[obrienw]

I know when going from XLR out (balanced) to TS (unbalanced) for going into laptops, Bluetooth transmitters, etc, you need to use some sort of special converter, but the recommendations seem to fall into two categories:

1. A $20 whip/plug

2. A $80-$150 transformer/box

When do I actually need the 5x more expensive option? It's line-level out, not microphone, if that makes a difference...

[Hugh Robjohns]

The simple plug adapter will work most of the time. If you have problems with that, then go the transformer route!

[James Perrett]

To add to Hugh's explanation...

The simple cable will probably connect pin 1 and pin 3 together. This isn't a problem with transformer balanced outputs, impedance balanced outputs and certain designs of active balanced outputs. However, some gear with an actively driven pin 3 may not like having pin 3 shorted to pin 1. You may be able to disconnect pin 3 and just use pin 2 for signal and pin 1 as ground but you may also find that you need to send the balanced output to a transformer if pin 1 isn't used as the audio ground reference in the gear with the balanced output.

The best thing to do is to check the manual for the gear with the balanced output to see how the manufacturer recommends connecting it.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Thanks James!