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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Cable Confusion

Posted by: Static Dec 10 2008, 07:38 PM

I've been planning to buy a http://www.roland.com/products/en/SPD-20/index.html, which is a small percussion pad, and it has two 3.5 mm output jacks (L/mono,R), I'm planning to connect them to a small mixer. I've been wondering what cable to use for that: two TRS jacks (balanced) or two TS jacks (unbalanced). I've checked the manual and googled like crazy , but I can't seem to find a decent answer.

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Dec 10 2008, 07:46 PM

As far as I can see mate the device has 6.3mm mono L&R outs in the back. Check out the picture:

WHat mixer do you have mate? I think all you need is one cable with mono 6.3mm jacks on one side, and XLR male on the other to input to mixer.

Posted by: Static Dec 10 2008, 07:54 PM

You're right, they are 6.3mm jacks, my mistake.
I don't have a mixer yet, but I'm probably buying this one:

I was thinking of using channel 5/6 or 7/8 and they only have 6.3mm inputs .

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Dec 10 2008, 07:58 PM

Yea mate you're right, 5/6 or 7/8 are the way to go. In that case you need 2 cables that have mono 6.3mm jacks on both sides, like this:

Posted by: Static Dec 10 2008, 08:09 PM

Thanks Ivan .
A problem I've been trying to solve for two days and here it get's solved in 20 minutes. Damn, I love this community .

Just wondering, how did you know, because I couldn't find any information anywhere on this. Why not use a TRS balanced cable like this?

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Dec 10 2008, 08:57 PM

You can use this (stereo) cable as well, for example plug it in phones out of your Roland device, and then plug it in LINE IN on the mixer in any of the first 4 channels.

Since you Roland pad has balanced line outs and it has a preamp withing, you really don't need to spend precious preamp channels (1-4) on the mixer, but you can do it no problem nevertheless.