1 Topic by tallpaul (edited by tallpaul 2010-01-30 21:26:33)

  • Registered: 2010-01-30
  • Posts: 11

Topic: connecting firewire 800 to integrated amplifier

i am using an audio analogue maestro settanta amplifier to drive my B&W speakers for monitoring.  what is the best way to connect the firewire 800 to the amplifier which does not have balanced inputs, ie only RCA left and right inputs?  i am concerned about audio quality and, therefore, do not want to use cheap adaptors.  i am currently using  JPS superconductor 2 signal leads and would like to maintain that sort of standard.

2 Reply by fl

  • fl
  • S/Mux specialist
  • Offline
  • From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Registered: 2007-11-12
  • Posts: 266

Re: connecting firewire 800 to integrated amplifier

Simply use a wire with an unbalanced TS (tip-sleeve) 1/4 inch connector on one end and an RCA connetor on the other.  The Fireface can deal just fine with the unbalanced connector in its outputs.

Frank Lockwood
https://LockwoodARS.com
Fireface 800, Firmware 2.77
Drivers: Win10, 3.125; Mac, 3.36

fl's Website

  • Registered: 2010-01-30
  • Posts: 11

Re: connecting firewire 800 to integrated amplifier

thanks, Frank.  any suggestions of good cable manufacturers as i do not want to use monster leads or the like.  what do you use in your studio set-up?

  • Registered: 2010-02-02
  • Posts: 3

Re: connecting firewire 800 to integrated amplifier

I would suggest Neutrik for the connections and Sommer or VOVOX for the cables.

  • Registered: 2010-01-30
  • Posts: 11

Re: connecting firewire 800 to integrated amplifier

thanks for the recommendation, Steve.  i have not made my own cables before but it would make sense as a cost effective solution.

  • viper
  • AES/EBU artist
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2008-12-01
  • Posts: 134

Re: connecting firewire 800 to integrated amplifier

Depending on where you are located there are also good quality cables that are already equipped with Neutrik connectors (Cordial for example), if you don't want to solder them for yourself.
The price tag is not much higher, but you will have better flexibility in cable type/length and connector type when buying seperately.

  • Registered: 2010-01-30
  • Posts: 11

Re: connecting firewire 800 to integrated amplifier

thanks, everyone!  another question reference the signal from the firewire800 output.  are the outputs stereo left and right meaning that i would need a pair of cables coming from two outputs or would i use just one of the outputs with one 1/4 inch TS split to two RCA inputs? apologies to those of you shaking their heads at my lack of knowledge but i am new to the recording process and linking hardware devices! i am currently using an emu0404usb (groans all round, i know, but it has proved to be a stable first step in my learning curve!) which only has stereo left and right TS outputs so i had no problem connecting it!

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 9,774

Re: connecting firewire 800 to integrated amplifier

Except for the front phones output, all line outputs are balanced mono.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRS_connector
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balanced_audio

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website