RCA / BALANCED OUTPUT

Make sure that the adapter or adapter cable leaves XLR pin 3 (the inverted signal in the balanced signal pair) unconnected. Many adapters short pin 3 to pin 1 (ground), even though that should not be done when adapting an XLR output to an RCA input (it should be done when adapting an RCA output to an XLR input). My understanding is that Cardas adapters are OK in that respect.

A more expensive approach, which would be particularly desirable if noise problems arise, such as ground loop-related hum or buzz, would be to run an XLR cable into a Jensen input transformer, with a short RCA cable connected between the transformer and the RCA input. See this paper, and if you want to pursue that approach consult with Jensen by phone for advice on selecting a specific model.

Regards,
-- Al

Isn't that RCA outputs put out 2.2 volts and balanced put out 4 volts?

The 4 volts in that situation refers to the DIFFERENCE in voltage between the two signals of the balanced signal pair (under maximum signal conditions), that difference being what a balanced input circuit in the destination component would respond to. Each of the two balanced signals in that situation individually has a maximum amplitude of 2 volts. Since the two signals are inverted relative to each other, when one of the signals is at +2 volts the other will be at -2 volts, and vice versa, corresponding to a difference of 4 volts.

The adapter will result in only one of the two signals being conveyed to the RCA input of the destination component, so that input will see only 2 volts.

Regards,
-- Al