unbalanced a/d out to balanced in on monitors

[brentmagstadt]

Greetings all!

Just acquired a new set of studio monitors, and they run balanced TRS inputs. My A/D converter at the moment is an Apogee Duet and it runs TS unbalanced outputs. Can I use a TS -> TS cable for these speaker connections?

Any risks? Other side affects?

Thanks!

[88keys]

Apogee Duet with unbalanced outs
I was a bit surprised by that so I Googled it...here's a thread from Recording.org :
http://recording.org/pro-recording-foru ... stion.html

[mazz]

Personally I would never connect my computer audio interface directly to my speakers. I am always concerned with a computer crash causing a full level digital signal to go out to my speakers before I could "catch it" and mute it with a switch or turn a knob all the way down.

I would recommend something like a Mackie Big Knob or similar as an interface between your speakers and your computer audio interface. It would also serve to make the electrical levels to your speakers match what they want to see, which means you wouldn't have to crank up the gain on your speakers, which would keep your noise floor low as well. And the benefits of a monitor controller also allow you to reach up and grab a knob instead of having to turn things up or down in the computer (although the Duet may have this feature, it still may not work in the event of a disaster) and of course, the "mute" button if something happens in your computer.

I used to have a little Samson unit that worked well, I have a Central Station that I don't use anymore (it has a remote and I would sell it for a good price ) and I use a Coleman Audio passive controller now. I make sure the output to my speakers is muted before I boot up or shut down my computer.

I know it's probably TMI for your thread, but I'm just concerned that you don't blow your speakers and/or your ears by relying on something that is merely software controlled. Call me old fashioned and/or anal, but I think it's important to think of these things.

Cheers!

Mazz

[brentmagstadt]

Mazz, you've made totally valid points. I'm looking into your thoughts, may ping you with further questions. I've been considering a controller anyways; I have an entire system upgrade planned in the not so distant future. I'll be reading up a bit more on the "make the electrical levels to your speakers match what they want to see" piece - I admit I don't have a good understanding of the electrical ins and outs of this specific stuff.

That presonus looks like a very nice unit, and I can certainly see the value of having one.
-- b