I am currently trying to read up on this subject. My audio interface accepts either balanced or unbalanced 1/4" jacks into its inputs, and out of its outputs.

Hello,

I bought a refurbished Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 (with full manufacturer's warranty), and I'm running into a problem (maybe with my brain). Here goes:

When I insert an XLR cable into any of the 8 inputs, the signal is fine...and angels fly. However, when I insert an unbalanced 1/4" cable (either a mic cable or from a preamp), the signal is so low it's unusable.

Low impedance inputs that are wired with two lines plus a ground and are specifically designed to accept a signal from a balanced source.

Hi folks, This is my first post and also wanted to say thanks for the great music information and site! I am more of a musician than an engineer so I appreciate all levels of feedback.

I have been browsing around and reading quite a bit but did not see anything specific to my topic so I thought I better post my question.

The PCI interface card I'm looking at buying (the RME Digi96/8 PAD) has only UNBALANCED analog inputs. Almost all the threads I've read here talk about the advantage of going all balanced. Should I drop it from consideration or is the lack of balanced inputs not a problem?