QU-mixer mix out to sampler?

[Anonymous]

Hi.
I want to run stereomix 5-6 to my Octatrack sampler which have unbalanced A+B inputs.
Which cables should I use? Female XLR on the qu end of course, but on the other end are 6.3mm line input. Can I just use an adapter? Please guide me.

Before I ran 2trk out to the octatrack but I would like to control what is being sent to the sampler. Thats why I camt to think of the mix outs but have never used them before.

[Andreas]

According to The Manual, chapter “4.2 Local Output Connections” section “Group, Mix, Matrix outputs” on page 14:

If you are connecting to ‘unbalanced’ equipment then make sure the XLR pin 3 (signal cold) is linked to pin 1 (signal ground).

Not quite sure which type of balancing circuit is used for the Qu outputs. If they are Servo- or Transformer-balanced, a short between Ring and Shield is required to get a proper signal. If the TRS inputs of your Octarack do not short Ring and Shield of a standard XLR-to-SymmetricTRS cable, you may need to solder your own.

…or think about using a reverse DI box.

[Dick Rees]

EbTech HE-2-XLR is a handy tool to have.

https://www.ebtechaudio.com/hedes.html

Accepts either XLR or 1/4″ (TRS or TS) inputs and has the same options on the output side. Useful for transformer isolation and balanced>unbalanced or unbalanced>balanced connectivity. Eliminates the need for special cabling…which always seems to get lost or misplaced.

[Dick Rees]

See also https://www.ebtechaudio.com/appshe2.pdf

[Dick Rees]

It may be possible to use the USB input on your device and feed from the USB B port on the Qu.

[Anonymous]

Hi Dick. I am afraid that would be totally impossible in this case by both software and hardware reasons.
My setup is all inputs stream to Ableton. Ableton output streams to channel 31/32. 31/32 goes to speakers via alt out and today that same output goes to ste sampler via 2 trk out.

[Andreas]

Please note that TRS connectors on Qu are balanced as well. Ensure to use mono TS connetors when connecting unbalanced gear (for the same reasons as for XLR).

[DoctorG]

There are inexpensive adapters available for this purpose. Some are “direct connection” while others use a transformer. The transformer type is typically used when connecting a line-level unbalanced source to a microphone XLR input. Search Amazon or Google for “XLR to quarter inch adapter” or “XLR to quarter inch transformer adapter.” Radioshack also carries these.

[dcarmich]

I’m considering a Qu for my electronic music studio, and would an outboard analog processor like the Elektron Analog Heat (https://www.elektron.se/products/analog-heat/) be interfaced the same way with a Ebtech HE-2-XLR or “reverse DI” through the mix outputs and return it to a channel?

[Andreas]

The tech specs of the Analog Heat (page 27) say, they have balanced inputs and outputs, so a “standard” XLR-to-TRS cable should work.
The Octarack sampler (page 146) seem to have balanced outputs only, inputs are specified as unbalanced.
…same company, btw.

[Author]

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