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View Full Version : Unbalanced vs balanced for a powered sub???



Jrnybiz
02-29-2012, 04:39 PM
I have searched many forums and I can't find a simple answer. My mixer is a Cortex Mix-r1u. I have a set of balanced xlr outputs and an unbalanced set of aux 1/4" outputs. My question is would it be better/safer to use a Y splitter for one of the balanced outputs to send a signal to the sub or should I use one of the 1/4 unbalanced jacks which would leave the other unbalanced jack/output "empty or unused"? Forgive me if this is a dumb question or if I posted this in the wrong forum but the suspense is killing me. I use the balanced xlr outputs for the main output...FYI.

Jason Cerna
02-29-2012, 04:48 PM
what model sub?

Subprime
02-29-2012, 04:55 PM
You should go through the sub and the daisy chain onto your other speakers.

KLH
02-29-2012, 05:08 PM
You should go through the sub and the daisy chain onto your other speakers.
+1 This is the best answer.

Mixer (Balanced outputs) -> Sub (high-pass filter outputs) -> Tops

Still, to answer your explicit question, balanced cables are used to resist interference from "creeping" into long cable runs (usually >12'). If your sub is <12' away from your mixer, then you should be fine regardless. If your sub is 20'+ away, I'd say use only balanced outputs.

-KLH

Jrnybiz
02-29-2012, 05:35 PM
what model sub?

Peavey pv118d

KLH
02-29-2012, 05:40 PM
The Peavey sub (http://peavey.com/products/proaudio/loudspeakers/pv/index.cfm/item/116926/PV%26nbsp%3B118D.html) supports outputs with HPF, so please follow what I described.

Doing so should allow your total setup to be louder than what you were originally trying to do.

-KLH

Jrnybiz
02-29-2012, 05:58 PM
Awesome! Thanks!!! Eventually I'll get an eq or a crossover with a sub output but until then I'll just use the balanced output.

BillESC
02-29-2012, 07:57 PM
Balanced cables are always the way to go.