5
CONNECTION TYPES
Your
AVID
amplifier can make use of a either Balanced (XLR), Unbalanced (RCA), or any combination of the two
types of input.
WHICH SHOULD I USE?
Whenever possible you should use balanced connections, however in recognition that not all sources provide
balanced connections, unbalanced connections may be used when necessary.
WHAT’S THE MAIN BENEFITS OF USING BALANCED INPUTS?
All audio cables are susceptible to picking up noise (even screened cables). Any wire will act as an aerial, in that they
can pick up electromagnetic interference, whether that be radio signals, or simply the energy created by a something
like a spark from a thermostat being tripped. Balance inputs generally offer higher performance, thanks to their
superior noise rejection characteristics. This reduced noise allows for greater dynamics and generally improved
transparency.
•
UNBALANCED CONNECTIONS
Conventional, unbalanced connections make use of two conductors—one carrying the signal, and the other is
a ground reference (0V), which can also take the form of a shield (in the case of coaxial cables). The use of
coaxial cables can improve susceptibility to noise, however it can never be completely removed.
•
BALANCED CONNECTIONS
A balanced connection is different in that there are two signal cables, one with the positive phase of the
signal, and the other with the negative (a mirror image of the positive signal, if you like). When the signal
reaches the amplifier, the two signals are effectively subtracted from each other (but as one is negative, the
signal is effectively added). Just like any other cable, they are susceptible to external electrical noise sources.
The difference is that both the negative and positive wires are likely to be equally affected. The benefit here is
that when these two signals are effectively ‘subtracted’ from each other in the amplifier, any noise effectively
disappears leaving a pristine signal.
PLACEMENT
•
Place your Sigsum on a sturdy and level surface
•
Avoid locations where your Sigsum may be affected by direct sunlight or damp.
•
Keep your Sigsum away from heat sources
•
Do not place the Sigsum in an enclosed space such as a closed cabinet unless ventilation has been catered for
•
Do not place any objects on top of the amplifier, which would obstruct air
-
flow
