unbalanced guitar signal in ultralite mk3 hybrid combo input
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Here's where to talk about preamps, cables, microphones, monitors, etc.
Here's where to talk about preamps, cables, microphones, monitors, etc.
unbalanced guitar signal in ultralite mk3 hybrid combo input
Nowhere I've found explanation: can motu ultralite hybrid mk3 accept unbalanced guitar signal coming on 1/4 unbalanced TS jack? And if it is the case, and if it is technically possible and eventually not dangerous, why the Mk3 user guide NEVER admit such a possibility? It only admit balanced signal on XLR or TSR, but not simply TS. Suggestions? Experiences?
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RonaldDumsfeld
- Posts: 142
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:24 am
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Re: unbalanced guitar signal in ultralite mk3 hybrid combo input
Yes. you are right mate.
Pages 18 & 19 in the windows manual plus page 2 of the new feature summary are relevant and whilst it explicitly states that quarter inch analogue inputs 3-8 will 'can also accept an unbalanced plug' it does not do the same for 1nputs 1-2.
I've always taken it as implied though. It specifically mentions use of a guitar lead with the XLR/TRS inputs 1-2 several times. Guitar leads are always TS in my experience. ergo. You can.
Might be an oversight in the documentation. Don't really like slagging off manufacturers too much for minor omissions in the manual. Too many don't bother with one at all.
Pages 18 & 19 in the windows manual plus page 2 of the new feature summary are relevant and whilst it explicitly states that quarter inch analogue inputs 3-8 will 'can also accept an unbalanced plug' it does not do the same for 1nputs 1-2.
I've always taken it as implied though. It specifically mentions use of a guitar lead with the XLR/TRS inputs 1-2 several times. Guitar leads are always TS in my experience. ergo. You can.
Might be an oversight in the documentation. Don't really like slagging off manufacturers too much for minor omissions in the manual. Too many don't bother with one at all.
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mrbillet
- Posts: 243
- Joined: Mon Nov 29, 2004 10:01 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: san francisco, ca
Re: unbalanced guitar signal in ultralite mk3 hybrid combo input
http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/ ... mmary.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It says the first two XLR/Quarter inch combo inputs are High Z, which is what you want for guitars.
However, further down the list it shows 8 TRS balanced/unbalanced 1/4" inputs. This usually implies it's expecting lower Z, line level inputs. Not the best for plugging a guitar into; needs a Direct Box if this is the case for full range sound.
I don't know. I thought I knew. Uh, glad to be helpful?
-Ian
It says the first two XLR/Quarter inch combo inputs are High Z, which is what you want for guitars.
However, further down the list it shows 8 TRS balanced/unbalanced 1/4" inputs. This usually implies it's expecting lower Z, line level inputs. Not the best for plugging a guitar into; needs a Direct Box if this is the case for full range sound.
I don't know. I thought I knew. Uh, glad to be helpful?
-Ian
MacBookPro 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2G RAM.
OSX 10.6.8
DP 5.13
MOTU 828
Tascam cassette 4trk
OSX 10.6.8
DP 5.13
MOTU 828
Tascam cassette 4trk
Re: unbalanced guitar signal in ultralite mk3 hybrid combo input
Ok, I just tried.
But I found a problem. Probably the combo jack input n. 1 is faulty.
Indeed inserting 1/4 TS or TSR jack I cannot hear any signal, whereas if I connect a microphone with XLR plug everything works perfectly.
Otherwise Input n.2 works well both with Jack TS, TSR and XLR. This confirm what you said: Guitar can be connected to combo jack by 1/4 TS Jack plug.
But now I have to solve my problem on input n.1
My be the problem on input 1 is a mechanical defect of the combo jack; or it might depend on some software configuration that prevents it from using the setting for 'instrument' with TS or TSR, 'cause it is stuck on setting for 'mic' with XLR? In other words, the combo jack cannot 'switch' from 'mic' to 'instrument'.
I have to test what happens if I connect guitar by an XLR jack: if it remain on 'LOW Z' (MIC), I'd have to hear very low level of the guitar in CuemixFX.
But I found a problem. Probably the combo jack input n. 1 is faulty.
Indeed inserting 1/4 TS or TSR jack I cannot hear any signal, whereas if I connect a microphone with XLR plug everything works perfectly.
Otherwise Input n.2 works well both with Jack TS, TSR and XLR. This confirm what you said: Guitar can be connected to combo jack by 1/4 TS Jack plug.
But now I have to solve my problem on input n.1
My be the problem on input 1 is a mechanical defect of the combo jack; or it might depend on some software configuration that prevents it from using the setting for 'instrument' with TS or TSR, 'cause it is stuck on setting for 'mic' with XLR? In other words, the combo jack cannot 'switch' from 'mic' to 'instrument'.
I have to test what happens if I connect guitar by an XLR jack: if it remain on 'LOW Z' (MIC), I'd have to hear very low level of the guitar in CuemixFX.