Topic... and why?

Shouldn't I be ok as long as all my equipment is plugged into the same power source (which it is)?

...

I've got to run a preamp into an umbalanced reel-to-reel recorder that has XLR ins and outs. The preamp has a balanced out, but it also has an unblanced 1/4" TRS out. What am I better off doing, getting some sort of DI box/transformer, or just getting a 1/4" to XLR unbalanced adapter? I don't really get much of this, I'm new to all this.

I have the following components in my studio:
*) Yamaha digital piano and various synth modules (unbalanced outs - RCA/phone jack)
*) Nakamichi tape deck (unbalanced ins/outs - RCA/phone jack)
*) MOTU 828mkII audio interface (balanced ins/outs - TRS - says to also accept unbalanced)

I should already know this, but . .

Is there a simple test to check if my outboard gear is wired correctly...if the signal is balanced or not?. without checking every cable individually?
Would it be apparent sonicly?

Kev, this may be one for you.. you seem like an electronicsy type guy.

I'm building a monitor switch so a can choose between input from a CD player or DAW, and output to either Monitors (powered) or headphone amp...

I have just purchased a second hand Laxicon Lxp-1 which is my first external processor. I have a soundcard with 8 ins & 8 outs (balanced).
The Lxp-1 is unbalanced. All inputs/outputs are jack leads

What is the difference in unbalanced & balanced and are there unbalanced/balanced leads, or does this just mean stereo or mono jack leads.

Hi all,
I'm wondering about the old Sennheiser MKH-110 (omni). On paper it has an astonishing bass reponse, and I've heard it on some nature recordings and it appears to sound pretty good (but not as good as MKH20 in the same setting).

Sorry if this is not the best place to post this one, but it seemed the most relavent.

I have a budget mic, which uses a mono (unbalanced) jack connector.

It's a PZM mic with a battery compartment.

Hi,

I'm looking at the Tascam RW-750 and the HHB CDR-830 for recording a send from my mixer - both units have unbalanced RCA inputs. The recorder will sit right next to the mixer so the cable run will only be short. I was wondering if it is worth spending the extra money to get a unit with balanced inputs...

Any comments/advice would be appreciated.

Ian.