“I‘ve asked others this question, but it seems to have as many answers as there are folks to ask! IF you break the “balanced” signal chain, is there anything to be gained by trying to return to a balanced signal when possible? For example, if I use balanced sends from my mixer, but have a piece of equipment in my signal chain (let’s say an EQ) that does not have balanced ins/outs, should I try to go with balanced cables after that point? I’ve been told “no, once you break the chain, you can’t go back” and I’ve also been told (which makes more sense to me) ‘go back to balanced as soon as possible, as it will eliminate any further noise entering thru the cables’.”
Glad you asked. There’s only one Sweetwater so there’s only one answer. Speaking theoretically it is generally best to use balanced lines where possible (there are some exceptions [some of which are noted in past issues of inSync], but your case isn’t one of those). What you aren’t clear about is whether you mean using balanced cable on the output of this unbalanced EQ in to the next balanced device, or if you mean to use balanced cable on the output of that next device (assuming the device following it is balanced). Anyone following this so far…? In the latter case, where you have a balanced device driving other balanced devices downstream, yes, you should balance the lines if possible. Say that EQ is then driving a crossover, which in turn must drive power amps. The lines between the crossover and amps can still benefit from balancing even though the feed to the crossover from the unbalanced EQ may not.
The other possible question you may be asking is whether balanced lines would help between the output of this unbalanced EQ and the next balanced device. The answer is a definite maybe. The balanced input of that next device will still be able to reject signals common to both signal wires (See CMRR) of the balanced cable, however, since one of them is most likely grounded the odds of it carrying any interference also found on the remaining ‘hot’ wire isn’t great. But there’s virtually no downside to hooking it up balanced. There are many past Tech Tips that delve into the details of the possible wiring combinations here.
Further, there is one past Tech Tip (11/26/1999) that may be of particular interest in this scenario. It has to do with making quasi-balanced lines using unbalanced sources. It’s a trick that worked very well for us when installing our Euphonix console in Sweetwater’s Studio A.