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Naive question about connections.

Brendan

Brendan

Supporting Member
Jun 18, 2000
14,573
246
Portland, OR
#1
I'm kinda half heartedly looking at getting some recording inputs for my computer for doing a little home recording, jah?

Well, my question is this: I see so many inputs have a Neutrik input that're often listed as "XLR/ 1/4" Nuetrik input." The input looks like a black cross/plus sign. I'm taking a shot in the dark about needing an adapter here. But I've never seen a mic-to-neutrik adaptor... or am I just a total neophyte?

Thanks.
 
#2
Neutrik is just a company/brand name for high-quality plugs and jacks of all kinds.

These are plug types:

XLR is XLR (also known as Cannon)

1/4" is phone (6.3 mm)

Not sure what you mean with that cross-like input, what card(s) are you looking at?
 
#3
JMX said:
Neutrik is just a company/brand name for high-quality plugs and jacks of all kinds.

These are plug types:

XLR is XLR (also known as Cannon)

1/4" is phone (6.3 mm)

Not sure what you mean with that cross-like input, what card(s) are you looking at?
Click to expand...

I know who Neutrik is, and what the XLR and 1/4" are, JMX, I've been doing this "music" thing a number of years now. ;)

I'm not looking at this one, but it shows what I'm talking about

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

(Labeled XLR/ 1/4" combo Neutrik connector in the pic)
 
#4
Those are combination inputs - it will take either XLR or 1/4". (though the picture is kinda self evident. :) )
A mic usually has XLR, right JMX? So you wouldn't need an adapter. And the OmniStudio provides phantom power to that jack so you can hook your mic directly into it.
Nice little unit.

But I'd be wary of getting a USB box. For one, the direct monitor isn't really a direct monitor, it's more like a headphone out. The signal doesn't go to your computer and then back into the direct monitor out (as this would add too much lag on a USB connection). So you can't add effects or modify the signal at all while you're monitoring.
 
#5
TheChris said:
Those are combination inputs - it will take either XLR or 1/4". (though the picture is kinda self evident. :)
Click to expand...

Yes, I understand. Every XLR input I've ever seen though has the three prongs, and every 1/4" one I've seen is a circle (duh). So what's up with the cross shaped plastic (?) bit on/ infront of the input.
 
#7
TheChris said:
I think that cross shape just guides the 1/4" straight into the connector, while leaving room for the prongs of the XLR.
Click to expand...

Well, that answers the question I had.

I was kinda banging my head on the keyboard there for a minute. "Oh, come on guys, I know what an XLR and an 1/4", do you take me for some kind of idiot?" But re-reading, I can see how the question might have been worded poorly.
 
#8
Brendan said:
Well, that answers the question I had.

I was kinda banging my head on the keyboard there for a minute. "Oh, come on guys, I know what an XLR and an 1/4", do you take me for some kind of idiot?" But re-reading, I can see how the question might have been worded poorly.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure you knew what it was too, I was just funnin with you (that's why the smily was there). But yah, the strange connector threw me for a loop too. :)
(If I'm wrong about it though, I'm sure JMX will be able to correct me.)
 
#10
Here's a pic. It will indeed take a male XLR or male TRS plug. Bitchen. Here's a link to a site with pictures of Neutrik stuff, too.

Neutrik plugs

NJ6FIs.jpg
 
#12
I have Neutrik connectors on my Midiman Flying Cow 24 bit AD/DA. The only down side I have encountered is that they are NOT oriented in the the "normal" male/female XLR manner, so I got a couple of "gender benders" to allow me to connect standard XLR cables. I am told the Nuetriks cost less, so manufacturers can save some money (which can be passed to the consumer, theoretically). The adapters were fairly cheap - I think about $10 each
 

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