Ultra-High Performance Stereo RCA to True Balanced XLR Converter

[gene_stl]

Universal Buffer

The Universal Buffer is an ultra-low distortion fully differential (balanced) buffer which provides both a differential (balanced) and a single-ended (unbalanced) output. This is useful for audio preamps and for converting balanced (differential) to unbalanced (single-ended) signals or...

neurochrome.com

 

[orchardaudio]

Universal Buffer

The Universal Buffer is an ultra-low distortion fully differential (balanced) buffer which provides both a differential (balanced) and a single-ended (unbalanced) output. This is useful for audio preamps and for converting balanced (differential) to unbalanced (single-ended) signals or...

neurochrome.com

Thanks for sharing. It's another very good option.

 

[orchardaudio]

I would buy a fully assembled board today.

Available for purchase now:

Stereo RCA to XLR Converter - RCA to XLR Converter

Stereo RCA to XLR Converter is an Ultra-high performance, transparent RCA to XLR truly balanced converter. Ready for use to go from RCA output to XLR input.

orchardaudio.com

 

[sarumbear]

Why do you want to use such a converter if you are not going to use a long cable? Curious…

 

[Megaken]

Can now be pre-ordered with 20%$ off, coupon code is "rcaxlr"

Stereo RCA to XLR Converter Module - RCA To XLR Converter

Ultra-high performance, fully transparent RCA to XLR Converter Module. Ready to be integrated into your DIY audio project.

orchardaudio.com

Coupon not working

 

[orchardaudio]

Coupon not working

That coupon expired a long time ago but I have re-enabled it for you through July 14th. Please note that I do not have stock of the bare boards only the fully assembled modules.

 

[Megaken]

That coupon expired a long time ago but I have re-enabled it for you through July 14th. Please note that I do not have stock of the bare boards only the fully assembled modules.

Ok so i can use this between my unbalanced out preamp and a balanced amp?

 

[orchardaudio]

Ok so i can use this between my unbalanced out preamp and a balanced amp?

That's exactly what it is for.

 

[Megaken]

That's exactly what it is for.

What is the benefit over this?

Amazon.com

 

[orchardaudio]

What is the benefit over this?

Amazon.com

There are three ways to get from RCA (unbalanced) to XLR (balanced)
(1) Use an RCA to XLR adapter (this is what you have linked to above)
With an RCA to XLR adapter, you break the balanced input on your amplifier or pre-amp because 1/2 of the XLR input is shorted to the RCA’s shield. Depending on the design of the balanced input this can have undesirable effects.
(2) Use a transformer-based RCA to XLR Converter
A transformer-based converter can work well as long as it is properly matched to both the RCA and XLR side impedances. However, even if it is properly matched the transformer creates AC coupling which causes bass phase shift.
(3) Use an active converter (this is the product)
With a DC-coupled active converter, all the issues associated with the first two approaches are eliminated.

 

[Megaken]

There are three ways to get from RCA (unbalanced) to XLR (balanced)
(1) Use an RCA to XLR adapter (this is what you have linked to above)
With an RCA to XLR adapter, you break the balanced input on your amplifier or pre-amp because 1/2 of the XLR input is shorted to the RCA’s shield. Depending on the design of the balanced input this can have undesirable effects.
(2) Use a transformer-based RCA to XLR Converter
A transformer-based converter can work well as long as it is properly matched to both the RCA and XLR side impedances. However, even if it is properly matched the transformer creates AC coupling which causes bass phase shift.
(3) Use an active converter (this is the product)
With a DC-coupled active converter, all the issues associated with the first two approaches are eliminated.

Ok. And can I use it without the enclosure?

 

[orchardaudio]

Ok. And can I use it without the enclosure?

You can (I do not recommend that) but will also need to supply your own 9V power supply. When you buy the finished product the 9V power supply is included.

 

[Megaken]

You can (I do not recommend that) but will also need to supply your own 9V power supply. When you buy the finished product the 9V power supply is included.

I'm super poor, but I have this one would it work?

Amazon.com

 

[orchardaudio]

I'm super poor, but I have this one would it work?

Amazon.com

I don't know about that one but this one will work:

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/phihong-usa/PPL18U-090/10324874

so will this one:

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/phihong-usa/PSC15A-090/5247143

 

[Megaken]

I don't know about that one but this one will work:

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/phihong-usa/PPL18U-090/10324874

so will this one:

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/phihong-usa/PSC15A-090/5247143

Ok thx. And I can just keep it plugged in forever?

 

[orchardaudio]

Ok thx. And I can just keep it plugged in forever?

Yes

 

[Megaken]

Does it matter where the right/left channels go?

 

[orchardaudio]

Does it matter where the right/left channels go?

No, as long as you use the paired RCA/XLR connectors.

 

[Megaken]

Also what's the current requirement - I have 2x 9v adapters one for 1A and one for 2A. Which should I use?

 

[orchardaudio]

Also what's the current requirement - I have 2x 9v adapters one for 1A and one for 2A. Which should I use?

1A is enough.
Going forward please email me directly. This is the not right place to ask all these questions.