1 Topic by luckx2 (edited by luckx2 2012-02-04 07:31:27)

  • Registered: 2012-02-03
  • Posts: 4

Topic: XLR Digital or XLR Analog?

Hello I use HDSP 9632.

Recently I've searched new studio monitors(active).

I found out that many studio monitors support XLR connectors.
(for example, Yamaha HS50M, Focal CMS 50, Genelec 8030A, etc...)

HDSP 9632 doesn't support XLR connection by default.
So I need an Accessories of HDSP 9632.

Here I have a question.

There's 2 products that support XLR connector : "BO9632XLRMKH" and "BO968"

BO9632XLRMKH says it has 4 x XLR Analog while BO968 says it has 2 x XLR Digital.

XLR Digital and XLR Analog??

How exactly those are different?

P.S.1
I think if i buy BO968 (XLR digital) i need this product
http://www.sweetwater.com/c766--AES_Cables

while if i buy BO9632XLRMKH (ALR analog) i need this
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MSLX2
or
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/XLR3RH

Because the former link is in Accessories > Cables > Digital Cables > AES Cables
and the latter link is in Accessories > Cables > Balanced Cables > Balanced Cables: XLR to XLR


P.S.2
In addition to studio monitors, the connection of mic preamp are also XLR.
But weirdly they just say the connection is XLR (not XLR digital nor XLR alanog neither)
for example..
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TubeMP/

2 Reply by vinark (edited by vinark 2012-02-04 10:28:32)

  • vinark
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  • Registered: 2009-06-05
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Re: XLR Digital or XLR Analog?

You need XLR analogue. For both the speakers and the preamp.
AES is the pro variant of spdif (digtal).
But... using the unbalanced cable that you have now for your hdsp will also work fine. XLR is better for long cables with mic levels, but both the preamp and the speakers work at high line levels and balanced is not really needed.

For example the yamahas will work with a simple cinch to jack cable.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632
  • Registered: 2012-02-03
  • Posts: 4

Re: XLR Digital or XLR Analog?

I heard the monitor speakers, Focal CMS or Genelec, are for professional purpose.
So I thought I need XLR digital connectors.

I think digital has big advantages to analog in general.

But as you said the merit of digital in this case is only if cables are long? (like 10M or 50M etc...)
or
When monitor speakers or mic preamp is very expensive, maybe I need the XLR digital?

  • vinark
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  • Posts: 2,692

Re: XLR Digital or XLR Analog?

That only works if the monitors have a digital in. And if they do there is absolutely no reason not to use the spdif you already have.
And the yamahas don't have a digital in for certain. And there are also disadvantages to use digital for monitors (not as easy to control volume, I use a simple and HQ passive volume controller).

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632
  • Registered: 2012-02-03
  • Posts: 4

Re: XLR Digital or XLR Analog?

I need more long cables so I've searched new cables.

Anyway, how did you know the yamaha's don't have a digital in??
I mean, how can I confirm if Focal or Genelec's speakers have digital in or not? maybe the only way is asking support?

And there are also disadvantages to use digital for monitors (not as easy to control volume, I use a simple and HQ passive volume controller).

wow... I didn't know this..

I thought I can adjust the volume via hdspmix.
So if I do use XLR digital cable, I need a product like this?
http://www.sweetwater.com/c417--Monitor_Management

I didn't know Cables are the reason to need this Monitor Management Devices..
(I thought this device is needed only when I use AD/DA converters plus interface without audio interface like Aurora8+LT-USB)

Thanks for many things to teach me, vinark.
luck

  • vinark
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Re: XLR Digital or XLR Analog?

Yes you can use totalmix for volume no need for extras, only if you want external physical volume control, like me, it is easier on analogue.
If a monitor doesn`t specificly say digital in it doesn`t have it. As a rule XLR is analogue. If you look at a picture of the back of the monitors it is easy to spot.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632
  • Registered: 2012-02-03
  • Posts: 4

Re: XLR Digital or XLR Analog?

ok thanks vinark!!

maybe I need BO9632XLRMKH and XLR analog cables.

Thanks for your help!!