help with proper cables

[ljefeParticipant]

Which cables should I use to bring audio back from an unbalanced stereo source (Strymon Big Sky)?

I have the proper output cables sending signal from the Qu-16 Stereo Mix 5 & 6 to the Strymon- male TS to female XLR, and on the female XLR end, pin 3 (signal cold) is linked to pin 1 (signal ground).

I need to know if it’s optimal to use two TS 1/4″ cables returned from the Strymon to ST 1 in? In the manual it says: “Stereo Line Input: To work with RCA phono connections use jack to RCA converter plugs.” which leads me to believe that although the ST 1 & 2 inputs are balanced, a pair of unbalanced cables would work?

Would I be better off sonically to return the Strymon signal to two adjacent channel inputs via two TS cables, as the channel inputs accept TS? (From the Qu-16 manual: “Mono Line Input: To work with unbalanced sources use a mono jack or link ring to sleeve within the TRS stereo jack.”) Obviously, I lose a stereo pair of inputs this way, so that’s not great, but I want to be sure to maintain signal integrity.

Thank you for any help or insights.

[[XAP]BobParticipant]

Unbalanced will just work into jack inputs. The Ring and sleeve will be shorted.

[ljefeParticipant]

Thank you for replying. That information calms me down.

[MarkPAmanParticipant]

I usually find that using this guide works well:

https://www.rane.com/note110.html

I have a copy of the tables stuck to the wall of my workshop.

[ljefeParticipant]

Wow, that is perfect. What a great resource, thanks so much.

[Author]

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