1

What is the best practice for connecting a balanced, line level signal to a balanced, microphone input?

I have a source with balanced, line level, +4dBu outputs (XLR) which I want to connect to the balanced microphone inputs (XLR) on a mixer.

My concern is that the line level would be too high for the microphone input and could lead to distortion/clipping. If I was using a source with an unbalanced line level output, I'd use a DI to convert the signal to a balanaced, mic level signal - dropping the level and matching the impedance - no problems with this.

My initial thought was to use a DI or a pad - both of these should reduce the level to something more appropriate for the microphone input? Would there be any issues with impedance?

2
  • "My initial thought was to use a DI or a pad" Well did you try it? What where the results? You can't break anything so just test it :) Apr 27, 2014 at 9:21
  • I don't have my hands on the equipment yet (I will soon, at an upcoming event). I'll be sure to try it out then though!
    – jleft
    Apr 29, 2014 at 18:04

1 Answer 1

2

If you want to keep things technically 'correct' you'd need a dedicated DI box for exactly this, such as the Art's Dual RDB or the Avedis line PAD-Z.

A pad will work (although you will be looking at a healthy attention - possibly more than what some pad switches offer). But the impedance matching won't be technically ideal. However, this may actually colour the sound in a pleasing way - so it really depends on the equipment and whether you're after purity or experimenting with sound.

I have in the past connected a line output (from API pres) straight into mic input (of an SSL desk). Although nearly all gain stages were nearly as low as possible (which is generally not a good practice), the sound was much more exciting than a technically correct signal chain (we were recording drum overhead).

1
  • Thanks for the info. I actually have a Dual RDB, but thought it was suited to lower level inputs (consumer (−10 dBV) line level/instrument level), I'll definitely give it a try though!
    – jleft
    Apr 29, 2014 at 18:11

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.