Balancing Unbalanced Soundcards??

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JamesUK

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Topic Posted on 02/22/2004 at 05:05:42

Is it possible to balance an unbalanced stereo soundcar to make it balanced mono?
I think this would be theoretically possible as i assume the computer could at a software level take the signal to be not the value of one channel against ground but the value of L against ground against R against Ground (ie the PD btween each line send gives one audio channel, rather than two from each sends PD from the ground wire.
Any ideas?? James

JamesUK

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2 Posted on 02/24/2004 at 12:48:22

go-on- someone must know! :-P

pouxhawk

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3 Posted on 03/21/2004 at 04:03:18

I will check with my engineering friends but the short answer is "no"... Balancing an audio signal is not a software function, it's electrical.. You would need to rebuild your sound card from the ground up to balance it.. There is also a considerable difference in level between balanced +4dbu and unbalanced -10dbU. Save your time, and just get a balanced card if you need one.... Keep in mind that going balanced will also mean more expensive equipment....poux 8)

pax

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4 Posted on 03/21/2004 at 11:34:00

hello,
working with an unbalanced system is not too bad.the lenght of your cables should be limited at 6 meters or 3.5 yards aprox.
Longer ones will give hum and noise, degradation of signals and everything consists of energy will cause noise.
So stay within 6 meters and you can work.
the soundcard should be balanced and can work with unbalanced cables and 6.3 jacks also unbalanced.
regards
chris pax

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