Balanced combo xlr / 1/4 jack for Markbass

[robchorz]

Does anyone know what kind of cable is needed for the "balanced combo xlr / 1/4" jack on some Markbass amps. I have never seen a input jack like this. I would like to try it but don't know what it is called or what it looks like.

[Rick Auricchio]

That jack accepts either a standard XLR (mic connector) or a 1/4" plug. Since virtually nobody has a bass with a balanced XLR plug, just use the 1/4" as usual.

[PurpleDrank]

It means it can accept eithe a standard 1/4" instrument cable or an XLR mic cable.

EDIT: ^Beat me to it.

[robchorz]

Really? The input jack looks so unusual. I don't see 3 prongs like a typical xlr, and it doesn't look much like a 1/ inch either.

[mcapote]

sure its not a 1/4" & speakon combo? Ive used them on cabs ive built before.




though i think i have seen a xlr 1/4" combo the center of the XLR was a 1/4"

[MiJaKo]

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but figured it'd be better than starting a duplicate.
If I could find an xlr to 1/4-inch cable, would it be worth it to use the xlr input to get a balanced signal?

[greencow]

Short answer no.

A balanced signal uses 3 wires. 1 wire is connected to the ground and the signal is measuered as the difference between the other 2 wires. This design means that any noise that the wire picks up will be canceled out as both signalwires have the same noise, thus no differnece.

There are 1/4" to XLR cables but you will notice that the 1/4" is a TRS type connector while your instrument cables are TR type.

Your instrument only puts out an unbalanced signal and the active shield in your instrument cable is enough to keep out any noise.

Balanced signals are usually used over long cable runs or in aplications where the signal levels are already to strong for active shielding to be viable.

I think I've seen a synth pedal that has a balanced signal output, not a DI signal level though, I figure this could be a potential aplication.

The high input impedance on the balanced input seems like it is perfect for connecting an upright bass to the amp. Not an upright player myself though, maybe someone smarter can chime in.

[BassmanPaul]

Originally Posted by greencow

a your instrument cables are TR type.

I'm sure you meant TS type.

Edit: If you try to use a TRS cable with an active bass your onboard pre-amp won't turn on.

[MiJaKo]

Thanks, greencow. Figured as much and knew a trs wouldn't work. But good info on the shielding.