The Blues Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 I have a reel to reel tape deck with balanced connections and an amp with unbalanced connections. I assume that an XLR to RCA cable will be unbalanced. The reason I ask the question is because of the diagram below. If I get a standard XLR to RCA cable will it be wired in the unbalanced way as shown below? The above diagram is from an Otari MX 5050 manual. Thanks, Any advice is welcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krispy Audio Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 Definitely not. Early '80s (I believe 1983 from memory), was when they standardised the XLR pin configuration so that Pin 2 was hot. Prior to this, there was no standard and so Pin 2 and 3 were used for hot depending on the country of manufacture. If you buy a new cable they'll be Pin 2 hot unless specified, and may or may not be bridged for cold to ground. You may be able to ask for one made as per your diagram depending on who's making it up for you. I can offer this if you're interested. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LogicprObe Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 25 minutes ago, Krispy Audio said: Definitely not. Early '80s (I believe 1983 from memory), was when they standardised the XLR pin configuration so that Pin 2 was hot. Prior to this, there was no standard and so Pin 2 and 3 were used for hot depending on the country of manufacture. If you buy a new cable they'll be Pin 2 hot unless specified, and may or may not be bridged for cold to ground. You may be able to ask for one made as per your diagram depending on who's making it up for you. I can offer this if you're interested. That's for sure............you nearly always had to test every cable before plugging it in! Especially in hire gear. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob181 Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 @The Blues...Krispy has given you wise advice so that you don't Krisp" your RTR... He has modded a number of cables for me (and is just about to get some more)... Very reasonably priced & quality workmanship...'nough said... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Blues Posted January 7, 2018 Author Share Posted January 7, 2018 Thanks for the replies. I'm glad I asked. I'll pm you Krispy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 yes i wouldn't chance it on an off the shelf. my current model luxman also uses pin3 hot. so not uncommon. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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