• Registered: 2016-06-22
  • Posts: 83

Topic: Connecting E-MU Orbit V2 to Fireface 802

Hopefully not too stupid of a question, but I just ordered a second hand, older E-MU Orbit V2 synth, made in 96.  I am wanting to hook this up to the back inputs of my Fireface 802 and am unsure what cable I should use.

To start, I have no clue if the Orbit is balanced, or unbalanced and no official documentation that I could find, states this.

If I want to hook this up to inputs 5-6 and 7-8 (the unit has multiple outputs) on the back of my Fireface 802, which cable should I get?  Balanced, or unbalanced?  I am looking into getting Mogami, but want to make sure I am getting the best signal without adversely affecting anything, by using the wrong cable.

I know the 802 is fully balanced, but can it accept an unbalanced cable without issue?  If the Orbit is unbalanced, but I use a balanced cable, because the 802 is fully balanced, will this be an issue?  Of course, if the Orbit is balanced, then I am great to go with a fully balanced cable.

Any insight, would be most appreciated on this topic.

Thanks so much.

2 Reply by vinark (edited by vinark 2018-07-08 19:51:23)

  • vinark
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  • Registered: 2009-06-05
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Re: Connecting E-MU Orbit V2 to Fireface 802

99,9% of all synths are unbalanced so simple unbalanced jack cables are  all you need

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632
  • Registered: 2016-06-22
  • Posts: 83

Re: Connecting E-MU Orbit V2 to Fireface 802

Thank you so much for your answer, I really appreciated!

I assume a 1/4" TS to 1/4" TS Cable is all I need? I know the RME has balanced inputs, but it sounds like it will take the unbalanced without issue?

Probably another stupid question, but in total mix FX, should I set the inputs to low gain or +4db, for this connection?

Thanks again for your answer on this!

  • vinark
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Re: Connecting E-MU Orbit V2 to Fireface 802

yes
and +4db. if level is to low try-10 it will never damage anything.

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632
  • Registered: 2016-06-22
  • Posts: 83

Re: Connecting E-MU Orbit V2 to Fireface 802

Thank you so much again, really making me feel better about getting things going here.  From reading online, others were mentioning that I needed to go from the Orbit into a DI Box and then out of the DI Box back into my interface, to make the unbalanced connection, balanced.  Gets really expensive doing things that way, so I am glad I can simply use an unbalanced cable and have the RME take care of things on its own.

Here is to hoping it sounds nice and without any noise when its all hooked up!

Thanks again vinark, really appreciate your time and patience with me.

  • vinark
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Re: Connecting E-MU Orbit V2 to Fireface 802

My pleasure! And I have several synths hooked up this way. IFAICS a DI is needed only when going into a mic preamp and this sometimes happens on stage. RME even quotes the specs when used unbalanced for the inputs...

Vincent, Amsterdam
https://soundcloud.com/thesecretworld
BFpro fs, 2X HDSP9652 ADI-8AE, 2X HDSP9632
  • Registered: 2016-06-22
  • Posts: 83

Re: Connecting E-MU Orbit V2 to Fireface 802

Sounds good!  I am super excited about getting this module in and am glad I will be ok.

These are the exact cables I ordered for it!

http://www.economik.com/mogami/gold-instrument-03/

Look good?