Hello Motif users,

I will connect a mixer to my Motif XF A/D inputs. I have a choice of sending, to the Motif, a mixer signal from unbalanced AUX output jacks or from balanced GROUP out jacks. From the following posts I’ve confirmed the XF’s A/D inputs are unbalanced. I am aware that it’s recommended these A/D inputs receive a signal from a TS cable.

Does it matter whether or not the mixer source is from the unbalanced AUX outs or from the balanced GROUP outs as long as I use TS cables in either scenario? Or moreso, which do you recommend?

As always, thank goodness for this forum!!

dsetto

http://www.motifator.com/index.php/forum/viewthread/476305/
http://www.motifator.com/index.php/forum/viewthread/472212/
http://www.motifator.com/index.php/forum/viewthread/472212/P0/

Your usage of the mixer has a lot to do with whether a Group or Aux output connection is more appropriate. I’ll assume for your situation that either is acceptable, and that your question strictly relates to use of a TS cable on either a balanced or unbalanced output.

When a TS cable is connected to a balanced output jack, the signal “-” (minus), which normally would get connected to the Ring of a TRS plug, instead gets grounded by being connected to the Sleeve. Most balanced output circuits are tolerant of that. Those that aren’t typically won’t be damaged, but there may be some noise and/or distortion introduced. A special cable can be used in order to minimize any chance of problems. See cable 9 or 11 (depending on output circuit design) here: http://www.rane.com/note110.html

Otherwise, using a TS cable on an unbalanced Aux output is probably the better way to go.

(Just curious - did the discussion over at KC raise this issue?)

And as always, thank you. It makes sense that mixer function take precedence. As I can use either output path, I’ll feed the XF A/D input from an unbalanced AUX. Thanks to your explanation, I know what to look out for and where to look if down the road I prefer the balanced outs path.

The prompting of my question results from making some new connections in my studio and is coincidental and unrelated to the KC discussion of a similar name.

You’re welcome. I hope you get the studio set up as you want.