balanced output>unbalanced input?

[alphajerk]

what would happen if i just took a balanced output and connected it to an unbalanced input??

say taking the -/n and tying those together to the - and leave the + to +.

would i be overdriving the input?

[Geoff_T]

Originally Posted by alphajerk

what would happen if i just took a balanced output and connected it to an unbalanced input??

say taking the -/n and tying those together to the - and leave the + to +.

would i be overdriving the input?

Hi

That depends on what the balanced output is... transformer or electronic balance.

If it were transformer, you connect + to tip and - to sleeve and leave the shield/ground high. No point in connecting it.

If it were electronic, it really depends on how the circuit works. Some can cope with grounded outputs, others can't. If you are ever in doubt on this and don't want to harm the sending amp, connect the + to tip and the shield/ground to sleeve. Leave the - high.

[alphajerk]

its convertors. as for if they are electronic or xformer, i wouldnt know [if i opened it up, i should be able to see the xformers correct?]. im trying to temporarily connect my motu 1296 convertor outputs into my stereo setup for surround until i can find a proper controller/amp/speaker setup. the stereo obviously has the RCA unbalanced where one would connect DVD-A/SACD into it. i do have 8 unbalanced outputs on a 2408 but would rather not use that. but if there is a chance of damaging the inputs on my stereo, i would rather not risk anything.

im really just trying to buy some time until i get a proper setup but tired of waiting to mix in surround until i do.

[Geoff_T]

Originally Posted by alphajerk

its convertors. as for if they are electronic or xformer, i wouldnt know [if i opened it up, i should be able to see the xformers correct?]. im trying to temporarily connect my motu 1296 convertor outputs into my stereo setup for surround until i can find a proper controller/amp/speaker setup. the stereo obviously has the RCA unbalanced where one would connect DVD-A/SACD into it. i do have 8 unbalanced outputs on a 2408 but would rather not use that. but if there is a chance of damaging the inputs on my stereo, i would rather not risk anything.

im really just trying to buy some time until i get a proper setup but tired of waiting to mix in surround until i do.

Hi

I'm guessing but it's most likely a couple of op amps in push pull with current limit resistors in each leg of the balanced output. You can work it out from the spec'd output impedance, especially if it's upwards of 100 ohms.

I welcome other input from those knowing details of items of equipment such as his but, if in doubt, go for the safety option in my last post.

[Biaseelfsu]

Hi Geoff,
I would tend to agree with you. No X-Formers in the MOTU's. Differential's all the way.

Originally Posted by Geoff_T

Hi

I'm guessing but it's most likely a couple of op amps in push pull with current limit resistors in each leg of the balanced output. You can work it out from the spec'd output impedance, especially if it's upwards of 100 ohms.

I welcome other input from those knowing details of items of equipment such as his but, if in doubt, go for the safety option in my last post.