Unbalanced inserts into balanced compressor

[Vic]

Hi All,

I wonder if someone can enlighten me?

I need to hook up a stereo balanced compressor to a Phoenix Audio Nicerizer (Mk I). The Nicerizer has unbalanced inserts on the master buss,

I need to hook up a balanced stereo compressor (xlr's) . Can someone shed some light on how to make up this cable ?

From the manual it says :
There are two TRS Jacks marked Insert L and R. These are unbalanced inserts to allow you to insert outboard equipment across the busses (such as a compressor). The inserts can be used as unbalanced or balanced inserts, providing the correct cable is used.

The wiring info given for the inserts is :

1/4” (6.35mm) TRS Bus Insert Jack Sockets:
Tip – Send,
Ring – Return,
Sleeve – Common.

[wez]

You'll need to make up some Y-leads (one for each channel).

You'll need a TRS connector, and a two XLRs. The tip (send) will go to pin 2 on the male XLR, the ring (return) to pin 3 on the female. Tie the two shields together at the TRS and solder to pin 1 on each XLR. You'll then need to solder in a jumper between pins 1 and 3 on each XLR.

The TRS connector will be a bit crowded, and you probably won't get the boot back on (I just use heatshrink or tape). You could alternatively split the shield at the XLR end (and use a single balanced cable instead of two unbalanced ones) but I find that a bit untidy at the XLR end, and less flexible (XLRs end up too close together).

I have a rack of balanced comps hooked up to my unbalanced insert console, works fine (MOST of the time!) Other than high end consoles, very few desks actually have 'balanced' inserts (or rather separate send and return points), so it's a pretty common set up.

Hope this makes sense.

[Senad]

What he said.. The middle diagram.

[Vic]

Thanks so much both of you. Really helpful and clear.

And again, Turtlerock to the rescue.

Thanks heaps.

Vic