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This question is directed to those who have and use external equalisers in their PA systems.

I won't mention the brand name but I have this external professional audio equilizer with standard features that I hook up between my mixer and amp. The mixer(AA Q2221) unfortunately just has line level unbalanced outputs. The EQ has both unbalanced and balanced inputs and of course corresponding outputs. If I hook up the mixer to the EQs unbalanced input, can I connect the outputs via the balanced outputs of the EQ and in that would the signal now be a balanced signal?

In other words can I use my EQ as a line type converter from unbalanced to balanced? Now keep in mind this is a general question about EQs, not brand specific. Anyone?

ROQ out.
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I run an EQ in the same location, I don't think it does what you would like it to do. I have balanced and unbalanced inputs as well and i use the balanced side but since i run everything in mono I don't think it makes a difference. So to answer your question. I don't think so but somebody else surely knows more than I.
DJ ROQ the answer is no. The eq nor any other piece of processing gear will do what you think.

Balanced inputs & outputs really only are useful if you are running your whole system balanced.

Balanced is basically sending a stereo signal to each channel of your equipment. Also if your cables that you are using to connect equipment arenot balanced then you defeat the whole purpose of a balanced system.

Advantages of running your system balanced:
-Reduced chances of interference from electronics and hums in your system
-can be Louder
-uses the full power of mixers, eq's, etc.

Advantages of running your system unbalanced:
-Cables are cheaper
-you really dont have to give a hoot about the balanced outputs and inputs on the back of your equipment as long as the stuff works

I could tell you some more but I dont know how much you really want to know.
quote:
Originally posted by McGyver:
[qb]

Balanced is basically sending a stereo signal to each channel of your equipment. Also if your cables that you are using to connect equipment arenot balanced then you defeat the whole purpose of a balanced system.

Advantages of running your system balanced:
-Reduced chances of interference from electronics and hums in your system
-can be Louder
-uses the full power of mixers, eq's, etc.[/qb]
A system need not be ran stereo for a balanced signal...nor is it neccessarily any louder...full power as well...

Simply put, if the outputs, balanced or unbalanced offer enough voltage there is no real advantage here either way. Balanced lines should always be used for long runs of over 50' or so, but in most mobile DJ racks, there really isn't any sonic advantage.

Bob Dietrich
quote:
Originally posted by Bob Dietrich:
[qb]
quote:
Originally posted by McGyver:
[qb]

Balanced is basically sending a stereo signal to each channel of your equipment. Also if your cables that you are using to connect equipment arenot balanced then you defeat the whole purpose of a balanced system.

Advantages of running your system balanced:
-Reduced chances of interference from electronics and hums in your system
-can be Louder
-uses the full power of mixers, eq's, etc.[/qb]
A system need not be ran stereo for a balanced signal...nor is it neccessarily any louder...full power as well...

Simply put, if the outputs, balanced or unbalanced offer enough voltage there is no real advantage here either way. Balanced lines should always be used for long runs of over 50' or so, but in most mobile DJ racks, there really isn't any sonic advantage.

Bob Dietrich [/qb]
ok bob my arch nemesis lol how is it goin??

now bob i didnt say you have to run your system in stereo but rather run a stereo signal (with the use of a balanced cable sometimes referred to as a stereo cable) to the channel you are using.

Now some equipment depending on the manufacturer specify unity gain 0dB on volume faders. Some times this spec is based on the balanced or stereo operation of the channel. That being said if you run mono on that channel at unity gain you end up with half the specified power so you are not really at unity gain 0dB. Now the key word in my post is "can" i said it "can be louder" doesnt mean it necessarily is.

And as i said before the balanced cables can help reduce signal interference especially with all this RF technology we have these days and from some equipment that may be in the system if your concerned with this.

until next time bob Cool

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