Equalizer's balanced 1/4 inch output instead of DI box to PA system ?

[Bass301]

Can the quarter inch balanced output on an equalizer be used to connect a bass to PA system
(Bass to Equalizer to PA system ) ?

I have been considering which DI box to buy but just realized my Symetrix SX201 equalizer has a balanced output jack . Alhough a quarter inch jack rather than XLR, it is balanced output rather than unbalanced output.

Can the equalizer be used instead of a DI box ?
If yes, how common are quarter inch balanced inputs on PA systems ? Could a normal instrument cable be used to connect the equalizer to the PA system ?

[GregShadoan]

Balanced out means 3 conductors. XLR end Pin 1- chasis ground pin-to sleeve, pin 2 to tip, pin 3 to ring. Plug direclty into an XLR cable, and hope/pray for no ground loop. Thats why DI's are used. Just use the "balanced" 1/4" out into a DI like normal. If your gizmo doesn't have a ground lift it WILL comeback to bite you.

[bongomania]

To clarify what was said there, DI's do not inherently correct or avoid ground loops. It's the fact that they typically (but not always) have a ground lift switch.

There is no fundamental difference between one plug and another as long as they have the correct number of connectors and the connected devices agree on the purpose of each wire. IOW yes a balanced 1/4" output can be used as a DI output. There is a 50% chance that the wiring will not match up, but it would probably not result in a ground loop -since the ground pin would not change either way- but rather in signal levels that are too low.

What I would do is bring two TRS-XLR cables with me to any gig. One of the cables sends TRS tip to XLR pin 2, the other sends TRS tip to XLR pin 3. Problem solved. Certainly much better than lifting a ground anyway, for safety reasons, and more reliable.

[Bass301]

Bongomania ,

Is it possible to buy two differently wired TRS-XLR cables , or does the user re-wire one of cable's TSR connectors himself with soldering iron ?

Thanks

[TimmyP]

Yes, you can use a TRS-XLR cable to feed the EQ into the snake, however:

The EQ could be damaged should the console's phantom power get turned on.

Direct bass to the console should usually be Pre-EQ.