Sonic Studio 302 (aka Metric Halo ULN-2)

[grawk]

sure, individual rca cables are mono too

[shellylh]

Oh yeah.

[luvdunhill]

Actually, I believe you want TRS to XLR cables.

Anyone tried the transformer upgrade?

[morphsci]

Actually, I believe you want TRS to XLR cables.

Anyone tried the transformer upgrade?

I think Marc is correct. I'm not sure TS cables would work. I do know for a fact that TRS-->XLR cables work.

Mine does not have the Jensen transformers.

[luvdunhill]

Will a GS-X fit on that desk?

[grawk]

trs->xlr cables won't do much good to a GS-1

You can also construct a special cable with a TRS connector and a TS connector. In this cable, you just let the ring of the TRS connector float:

TRS to TS unbalanced cable

Alternatively, the TS connector can be replaced with an RCA connector for interfacing with gear that has RCA unbalanced interconnects.

From the manual.

So you want a TRS to RCA cable, with the ring not connected.

[Augsburger]

Why not a TS to RCA cable? Is there any sonic benefit to using a TRS with the ring disconnected versus the TS connector?This configuration seems to work fine for my application (which is a tube amp with RCA inputs not a GS-1)

[morphsci]

I just wasn't sure a TS plug would work in the jack. I simply never tried. When I wanted to hook something up that was only single ended I used XLR to RCA adapters at the end of my cables. Since the TS to RCA works for you I guess that question is answered.

[grawk]

They specifically suggest the TRS to RCA with ring disconnected in the manual, but didn't say why. They did say not to use a TS to TS cable, tho.

[luvdunhill]

Why not a TS to RCA cable? Is there any sonic benefit to using a TRS with the ring disconnected versus the TS connector?This configuration seems to work fine for my application (which is a tube amp with RCA inputs not a GS-1)

Nah, you are good man. The best choice would probably be TRS to XLR then a XLR to RCA converter.

[grawk]

because more connections is better than fewer?

[Augsburger]

Wow, how did I miss that. I think I will give them a call tomorrow to find out why, and I may end up ordering some custom cables.

[ironbut]

The Jensen transformer upgrade is meant for the mic preamps. Some folks really like the coloration that transformers give to condenser mics (gives them more of a ballsy sound,.. read classic rock). They could provide some galvanic isolation but I've never had a noise issue with my MIO so I can't see that being worth the extra $$$.

If you're looking for a used ULN-2, the price will vary quite a bit depending on how it's configured.

I've seen the basic unit go for as little as $600 but you'll probably have a hard time finding one without either the " plus DSP", "2D card" or both upgrades. Both options are for processing audio, advanced routing, mixing, and recording. For someone who wants to use it exclusively for the DAC and maybe some routing don't really need either.

If you feel like you might be interested in doing needle drops with digital RIAA eq, you'll need +DSP.

Be aware that you can add any of these options anytime you wish.

I bought my ULN-2+DSP in 2007 for $800 just a month before the 2D card was introduced and I didn't get around to adding it till last year.

I think you'll have a tough time finding a ULN-2 without the card but you should be able to find a 2D unit without a DSP licence.

[luvdunhill]

because more connections is better than fewer?

No, because it doesn't matter how many connectors you use. Do you think you could actually hear a difference between a few extra inches of wire and some bits of metal?

[grawk]

I think it's better to have fewer points of potential failure, but thanks for playing.

[luvdunhill]

I think it's better to have fewer points of potential failure, but thanks for playing.

Why not the increased common mode rejection (or emi/rfi) the third conductor adds for the length of the cable jackass?

It will measure better, trust me I have compared the two.

Edited November 4, 2011 by luvdunhill

[grawk]

reread that again and tell me who's being the jackass?

[luvdunhill]

reread that again and tell me who's being the jackass?

My suggestion stands. Your tone irked me.

[ironbut]

Regarding the TRS/TS connector question, I have configured the cables I use both ways (in fact, of the 3 cables that I use, I can't remember right off hand which is which) I don't find any difference in the sound of them.

I've also configured cables with the "telescoping shield" where you use a TRS and connect the "R" (ring) and "S" (sleeve) together and have sometimes had issues with hum when I used them for output cables. The telescoping shield is meant for inputs such as DI (direct in) from something like an electric guitar (direct in as opposed to placing a mic in front of a guitar amp) where the extra shielding helps to eliminate hum from nasty environments.

[grawk]

there's no tone in text. You accused me of "hearing a couple of inches of cable". You are a big one for hinting that someone is wrong, and then waiting for an excuse to pounce. So stuff it, prick.

[luvdunhill]

there's no tone in text. You accused me of "hearing a couple of inches of cable". You are a big one for hinting that someone is wrong, and then waiting for an excuse to pounce. So stuff it, prick.

Kinda like you hinted I was wrong with the extra connections and then pounced on the point of failure nonsense? fuck off.

[grawk]

I didn't hint at shit, I posted what the manual suggested, and said why I agreed with it.

[luvdunhill]

I didn't hint at shit, I posted what the manual suggested, and said why I agreed with it.

Where does the manual say extra connections provide more points of failure?

[grawk]

Obviously the manual doesn't say that, life does. Anyway, I stick by my recommendation, which is that you do what the manual suggests, and go TRS->rca. Apparently, marc doesn't agree.

[Augsburger]

Regarding the TRS/TS connector question, I have configured the cables I use both ways (in fact, of the 3 cables that I use, I can't remember right off hand which is which) I don't find any difference in the sound of them.

I've also configured cables with the "telescoping shield" where you use a TRS and connect the "R" (ring) and "S" (sleeve) together and have sometimes had issues with hum when I used them for output cables. The telescoping shield is meant for inputs such as DI (direct in) from something like an electric guitar (direct in as opposed to placing a mic in front of a guitar amp) where the extra shielding helps to eliminate hum from nasty environments.

Yeah, I used the TRS to XLR connectors when I was using my monoblocks but since the monos were in the amp hospital I was using the tube amp which only has RCA connectors. This tube amp is the one you repaired for me Steve. Both amps sound really nice with their respective connectors with very low noise floor to me.