How should I fix this noise problem?

[Farshad]

Hi guys,

I notice when I connect 1/4 cables via XLR adapter to the input of my preamp (SCA N72) there is a noise which is audiable at high gain even if the other end of the cable is not connected to anything. Using a XLR to XLR does NOT produce this noise. I was wondering about the best way of converting a 1/4 siginal to XLR. Should I get a DI box?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Cheers

[mmcfarlane]

Assuming your 1/4 cable and/or adaptor are TS and not TRS:

Does the adaptor short the cold to ground, or does it leave it open...? Somehow it is converting 3 wires into 2.

There are many ways to wire an adaptor. Check the manual of your preamp for what it expects for an unbalanced input and then use their recomendation.


Maybe I should have asked first, what exactly are you connecting to what, with what kind of cable-plug is on each end? Be specific about whether any 1/4 jacks or female sockets are 2-wire TS or 3-wire TRS.

[Farshad]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the reply. I have not looked into the adapter but I am going to. I noticed if I plug he 1/4 cable into he adapter i makes that noise so it probably has to do with the connection as you said.