Alesis iO Dock... 1/4" Balanced Outputs?

[koalaboy]

What's the big deal about balanced vs. unbalanced outputs though? Please, name me some instruments that have balanced outputs?

Mic Pre's ?

(Though I don't think not having balanced is a problem - I'd much rather have an added s/pdif).

[vixalot]

What's the big deal about balanced vs. unbalanced outputs though? Please, name me some instruments that have balanced outputs?

Devon

As for me, in the world of PA systems, studio monitors ect balanced is the way to go. You can have longer cable runs and it just sounds cleaner. I'm no audio engineer but this is just what I have learned over the years.

[DevonB]

What's the big deal about balanced vs. unbalanced outputs though? Please, name me some instruments that have balanced outputs?

Mic Pre's ?

(Though I don't think not having balanced is a problem - I'd much rather have an added s/pdif).

Mic Pre's would be inputs, not outputs. We're talking outputs, sir. And SPDIF is even worse. Trying to maintain anything in a digital domain for synch between devices can be troublesome. Not to mention, there's very few digital patch bays and splitters for SPDIF. I've been doing digital between 'things' for almost a decade now and I know analog just works, digital doesn't always. Now if you have your own solid WordClock master and everything has wordclock, you should be good to go.

Devon

[DevonB]

What's the big deal about balanced vs. unbalanced outputs though? Please, name me some instruments that have balanced outputs?

Devon

As for me, in the world of PA systems, studio monitors ect balanced is the way to go. You can have longer cable runs and it just sounds cleaner. I'm no audio engineer but this is just what I have learned over the years.

Of course, longer runs with noise rejection because of the way balanced works is great. But for the added expense, if you're just in your bedroom studio, I don't see the point. Still, I'm looking for someone to name me some instruments that are "pro" that have balanced outputs? Only one I can name off the top of my head is the Casio VZ10m that I'm familiar with. It has XLR outputs on the back even, it's not a combo balanced/unbalanced 1/4" jack.

Devon

[Uncle E]

What's the big deal about balanced vs. unbalanced outputs though? Please, name me some instruments that have balanced outputs?

Some audiophiles say unbalanced sounds better. It actually makes some sense that there would be a difference in sound quality, though I'm personally more anal about noise.

Regarding instruments with balanced outputs, I'm sorry but I fail to understand why you're asking the question.

[koalaboy]

Please, name me some instruments that have balanced outputs?

Mic Pre's ?

Mic Pre's would be inputs, not outputs. We're talking outputs, sir.

Well, I'm pretty sure my Mic Pre's have outputs that are balanced

(Though I don't think not having balanced is a problem - I'd much rather have an added s/pdif).

And SPDIF is even worse. Trying to maintain anything in a digital domain for synch between devices can be troublesome. Not to mention, there's very few digital patch bays and splitters for SPDIF. I've been doing digital between 'things' for almost a decade now and I know analog just works, digital doesn't always. Now if you have your own solid WordClock master and everything has wordclock, you should be good to go.

True, and I'd prefer ADAT (which I've never had a problem with) but maybe I just don't do anything complex enough to warrant problems

[DevonB]

Regarding instruments with balanced outputs, I'm sorry but I fail to understand why you're asking the question.

I'm trying to compare apples with apples here. The Alesis IO Dock would 'essentially' be a synthesizer with an iPad for a sound engine. Just trying to figure out what other synthesizers even have balanced outputs to 'compare' that is 'professional' as was implied by the OP statement.

Devon

[DevonB]

Please, name me some instruments that have balanced outputs?

Mic Pre's ?

Mic Pre's would be inputs, not outputs. We're talking outputs, sir.

Well, I'm pretty sure my Mic Pre's have outputs that are balanced

D'oh! You are right sir. I took the statement too literal. I've seen mic pre's with balanced and unbalanced outputs (think mixer board here for that category for unbalanced outputs on some, but certainly not all)

(Though I don't think not having balanced is a problem - I'd much rather have an added s/pdif).

And SPDIF is even worse. Trying to maintain anything in a digital domain for synch between devices can be troublesome. Not to mention, there's very few digital patch bays and splitters for SPDIF. I've been doing digital between 'things' for almost a decade now and I know analog just works, digital doesn't always. Now if you have your own solid WordClock master and everything has wordclock, you should be good to go.

True, and I'd prefer ADAT (which I've never had a problem with) but maybe I just don't do anything complex enough to warrant problems

Ohhh ADAT is even worse. Actually, SDPIF is one of the better one's for digital sync (obviously WordClock is the best.) ADAT seems to be one of the worst, in my experience. Lots of drift from the clock. And yes, you have gotten lucky. I've not been so lucky. Synching between sound cards has been problematic at times over ADAT.

Devon

[Uncle E]

I'm trying to compare apples with apples here. The Alesis IO Dock would 'essentially' be a synthesizer with an iPad for a sound engine. Just trying to figure out what other synthesizers even have balanced outputs to 'compare' that is 'professional' as was implied by the OP statement.

Right, that makes sense, and for that sort of comparison, most DJ systems have unbalanced outs, too. The time the comparison doesn't hold up is when someone is trying to have a mobile studio, which is where I think people (including me) are getting hung up here.