Best cable to plug in studio monitor to Audio Interface

[Jordy Beckers]

Hey!

Just bought myself a pair of Yamaha HS80M, but i'm still looking out for the proper cable to use for the connection between my studio monitor and audio interface (it's a Native Instruments Audio 4 DJ). I still had that interface laying around for DJ'ing, but I want to focus on producing. I want to use the XLR input on the monitor :)

Backside HS80M: http://www.electromusic.co.uk/images/D/HS80.jpg

Audio 4 DJ interface: http://www.nuloop.com/dj_equipement/Native_instruments/audio4dj_carac2.jpg

and on the front this one: http://www.djpro.ru/modules/shop/photogallery/ni_audio4dj_hardware_frontview.jpg

Is it possible/recommended to use a http://www.allekabels.nl/product_images/HQM-247_3.JPG cable? I thought of the Tulp because my audio interface doesn't has the JACK port.

Or can someone advice me what to do best (probably buy one that supports instruments and has monitor outputs, how about this one? http://www.bax-shop.nl/usb-geluidskaart/focusrite-scarlett-2i2-usb-audio-interface/product-details.html

[Danimal]

You want to use a TRS 1/4" to XLR to hook the monitors to the interface. The 1/4" will have 3 sections to it, TIP, RING, and SLEEVE

[Jordy Beckers]

You want to use a TRS 1/4" to XLR to hook the monitors to the interface. The 1/4" will have 3 sections to it, TIP, RING, and SLEEVE

Thanks for the reply.

I have bought this one now http://frames.ledsequipements.com/www.anmingli.com/www.anmingli.com/uploadpic/3.4773164534010.jpg with an 1/4" adapter with it if my interface doesn't support XLR... Was thinking of buying this interface: http://www.rolandce.com/eu/en/products/computer-music/audio-recording/ua-55/ so probably I wouldnt really need the adapter, but im not sure. Auto-sense button on the interface looks interesting

[Danimal]

I suggest these: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10244&cs_id=1024402&p_id=4761&seq=1&format=2

Really good price and high quality.

[Andrew B]

You want to use a TRS 1/4" to XLR to hook the monitors to the interface. The 1/4" will have 3 sections to it, TIP, RING, and SLEEVE

His interface doesn't have 1/4" outs.

[ampnation]

The Audio 4 DJ has unbalanced outputs and your monitor has balanced inputs. You could convert the interface's outputs to balanced with an ART DTI or get one of the interfaces you suggested. I don't know much about the rep of those particular items but Focusrite and Roland both have very good reps overall and if the money isn't a problem, I would look at those two. Check the specs for the highest bit rate and sample rate on the A/D and D/A converters. That isn't everything but it is an indicator of the quality of a given unit. I do like the combo inputs on the Roland (XLR/TRS).

I have an M-Audio MobilePre interface and it does make a big difference vs. using the 1/8" stereo headphone jack.

[Danimal]

I misunderstood the picture, I thought the grey jacks under the RCA's were 1/4", after closer inspection they are just more RCAs. Bummer.

[light-o-matic]

First of all, congrats on the new monitors.. nice choice :)

For at-home use, it does not matter that much whether your interface has just RCA outs, or if it has 1/4 inch (TRS) outs.. either one is going to work fine.

For use outside your house, eg at a club or with a bigger sound system.. it depends: IF you are connecting the interface into a DJ mixer, for example in a club this would be very normal.. then RCA is fine, in fact it's exactly what you need. If you are connecting directly into a sound system with no mixer, then TRS is what you want. But, if you only have RCA you can get a special balancing box such as the ART DTI to convert to XLR. So, in no sense will you be screwed by getting an RCA-only interface. But having 1/4 inch TRS outputs on your interface is def a nice plus if you intend to use it outside the house much and are not sure what your sound setup will be.

As far as your current situation with the Yamaha monitors.. yea, just two RCA to XLR (male) cables, or RCA to 1/4 inch cables will work fine.
If you get the sound interface with the TRS outs, then you would use two TRS to TRS cables, or TRS to XLR.

But personally I would go for XLR on the speaker end.. it will be the most useful in the future if you ever need to plug into other kinds of powered speakers.

[Jordy Beckers]

First of all, congrats on the new monitors.. nice choice :)

For at-home use, it does not matter that much whether your interface has just RCA outs, or if it has 1/4 inch (TRS) outs.. either one is going to work fine.

For use outside your house, eg at a club or with a bigger sound system.. it depends: IF you are connecting the interface into a DJ mixer, for example in a club this would be very normal.. then RCA is fine, in fact it's exactly what you need. If you are connecting directly into a sound system with no mixer, then TRS is what you want. But, if you only have RCA you can get a special balancing box such as the ART DTI to convert to XLR. So, in no sense will you be screwed by getting an RCA-only interface. But having 1/4 inch TRS outputs on your interface is def a nice plus if you intend to use it outside the house much and are not sure what your sound setup will be.

As far as your current situation with the Yamaha monitors.. yea, just two RCA to XLR (male) cables, or RCA to 1/4 inch cables will work fine.
If you get the sound interface with the TRS outs, then you would use two TRS to TRS cables, or TRS to XLR.

But personally I would go for XLR on the speaker end.. it will be the most useful in the future if you ever need to plug into other kinds of powered speakers.

Thanks for al the replies and explanation people!!

Thanks man! :D I was in the local Music store in my town, and they also complimented me on the purchase. He also had a couple of 'em standing there for sale, but I bought it on a website... He also got lot's of KRK monitors that were traded in because of defects...

Which monitors do you have?
I managed to buy the Roland interface by the way, it has combo inputs so that's a pro, with male/female XLR I've bought it will fit fine, plus I got it around 50$ cheaper as usual :)