Audio Interface Outputs and TRS Cables

[eJake]

Hey yall!

I have a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 gen2, with a Imac 2014, running Ableton 10. As my title suggests, I am confused about the balanced outputs on the back.

I figured that balanced output meant if I got one of those TRS cables that go to two TS cables, I would get the full stereo field from one output. Is this incorrect? If not am I missing something in the DAW routing?

This setup would allow me to run my click track/headphone mix from the other output. I know there is a headphone out on the 2i2 but Ableton doesn't recognize it as an output so I can't route the clock to it.

In the future, I plan to buy a new interface with many more outputs. For now, while I am in the early gig (money) process, I'd like to keep my GAS within my means.

Thanks much!

 

[silky smoove]

The back panel of the second generation 2i2 has dedicated line outputs for L and R that both appear to require TRS. You can't use one side of the output and get full stereo out of it.

 

[And I]

While you can pass a stereo signal on a TRS cable (this is what headphones do), "balanced" output doesn't mean "stereo" output. A stereo output would be 2 unbalanced signals on the TRS cable. A balanced mono signal requires all 3 of the parts of the cable. Hot, Cold, Ground.

 

[eJake]

While you can pass a stereo signal on a TRS cable (this is what headphones do), "balanced" output doesn't mean "stereo" output. A stereo output would be 2 unbalanced signals on the TRS cable. A balanced mono signal requires all 3 of the parts of the cable. Hot, Cold, Ground.

If a headphone wire can do it, why can't my studio monitors be set up the same way? I'm sorry if I am not understanding. Feel free to link a video, I have not been able to find anything on Youtube U about it.

 

[And I]

it's not the wire, it's the output you're plugging it in to. on your interface, output 1 is mono, left side. output 2 is mono, right side. the headphone output is stereo. you cannot plug any type of cable into a mono output and make it a stereo output. it's still a mono output.

 

[Roland GR 88]

TRS as a stereo cable...tip=left, ring=right, sleeve=shield.
TRS as balanced cable...tip=hot, ring=cold, sleeve=shield.

 

[seamonkey]

This setup would allow me to run my click track/headphone mix from the other output. I know there is a headphone out on the 2i2 but Ableton doesn't recognize it as an output so I can't route the clock to it.

You could mix to two mono outputs. Put the full mix on "A" and put the full mix + click on "B"
Easy to do in Ableton

Or install ASIO4ALL ASIO4ALL - Universal ASIO Driver For WDM Audio
You can add in your PC onboard audio to the same ASIO group. The 2i2 will remain a good clean stereo mix. Use the PC audio for the full stereo mix + click track.

There are many videos on youtube and combining multiple interfaces using ASIO4ALL.

I'll also point out that Odeus is now freeware. It is an incredible audio routing utility that works with many audio interfaces at the same time.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
The original developer passed on, but his kind nephew created a patch to open up the license.
It has a steep learning curve but it's well worth it.