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1135 Views 6 Replies Latest reply: Feb 16, 2013 12:53 PM by axeofcreation RSS
masarez Just Startin'
masarez
7 posts since
Feb 27, 2012
Currently Being Moderated

Mar 17, 2012 9:25 AM

Line level output on POD HD Desktop vs Mic Level output on POD HD500

This is what I've been wondering for a month and I still can't get a clear answer about it. I know the HD desktop and HD500 have balanced output but in form of 1/4"(Line) jack on the Desktop and XLR(Mic) on the HD500. But what is the difference between two types? I have been searching for the answer for a long time but the only thing I've got is the difference in amount of output signal. Can anyone help me getting the answer?

Tags: pod, line6, 500, pod_hd, desktop
  • mazuwa Iknowathingortwo
    mazuwa
    371 posts since
    Jul 7, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 17, 2012 10:04 AM (in response to masarez)
    Re: Line level output on POD HD Desktop vs Mic Level output on POD HD500

    I think something becomes a little confusing in your question:

    - You can't compare an XLR output level with a XLR MIC input. They just look the same.

    - Both HD desktop and HD500 don't have balanced 1/4" (line) jacks, they are unbalanced!

    - To me it is sufficient what has been said in the quick start guide:

    Because the HD Desktop only has 1/4" unbalanced jacks for analog output, you must use them.

    The HD500 and HD pro have them both. Use the 1/4" jacks for instrument input, mixer, recorder if you have these inputs ONLY available at the receiving device. Here you can choose between line and amp signal level.

    With Balanced XLR you can lift the Ground with the switch to reduce noise because of long distance,etc. XLR I would prefer for a PA or recorder if these inputs are available on the receiving device.

  • jimsreynolds Power User
    jimsreynolds
    2,227 posts since
    Jun 27, 43450
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 23, 2012 6:05 PM (in response to masarez)
    Re: Line level output on POD HD Desktop vs Mic Level output on POD HD500

    OK

     

    The 1/4" outputs on the HD Desktop run at line level.  This is confirmed within the quick start guide here ==> http://line6.com/data/6/0a060b316ac34f059394d0d8c/application/pdf/POD%20HD%20Quick%20Start%20Guide%20-%20English%20%28%20Rev%20D%20%29.pdf (Page 6, under the Master Volume description).  They are balanced if you use a 1/4" TRS plug.  Thread here refers as to their use ==> http://line6.com/support/message/359115#359115.  For practical use you would probably need a 1/4" TRS ==> XLR cable to keep the signal balanced when connecting to a desk, DI box etc.

     

    If you use a simple 1/4" Guitar cable then the signal will be at line level but unbalanced.

     

    The XLR Outputs on the HD500 are at Mic Level and are always balanced.  AFAIK the 1/4" outputs on the HD500 are always unbalanced but are switchable between instrument and line output levels.

     

    Line level is a lot stronger (higher voltage) than Mic or instrument level.  Professional Line level is fixed at 4dBu whereas Instrument and Mic level are not really fixed and are at lower levels. The links here discuss how this is the case --> http://www.crownaudio.com/kb/entry/304/  ....  http://www.ovnilab.com/articles/linelevel.shtml.

     

    In summary:

     

    • Both units have balanced (i.e. noise-rejecting) outputs
    • The balanced outputs on the Desktop are 1/4" TRS whereas on the HD500 they are XLR
    • The level on the Desktop balanced output is Line level (+4dBu) whereas the level on the HD500 Balanced Output is Mic Level (Assuming an SM57, this is around -52dBu)
  • Line6david Line 6 Support
    Line6david
    5,196 posts since
    Jan 27, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 22, 2012 12:01 PM (in response to masarez)
    Re: Line level output on POD HD Desktop vs Mic Level output on POD HD500

    Hi,

     

    This should clear some things up:

     

    Balanced Cables
    Balanced cables still rely on a “hot” conductor and a “neutral” conductor to carry electrical signals but they add another element to the equation: a ground.    A ground is called a ground because well… it literally goes into the ground! Straight through the cable, through your balanced audio gear, through the wall to the fuse box and down a wire or pipe into the Earth. In balanced audio cables the sleeve is used as the ground. The ground or sleeve does NOT carry a signal and is NOT heard in the audio. It’s simply there to protect from unwanted noise while the hot and neutral carry the signal.

     

    Now for the magic: the hot and neutral both carry the same signal, noise and all. Hot is flowing in a positive direction, neutral in a negative direction. Balanced audio equipment simply outputs the voltage difference between the two wires. Since the noise is represented equally on both hot and neutral it is “inverted” and cancelled out. I know this might sound complicated but what it means for you is that you can have hundreds of feet of  balanced cable and still have noise free audio.

     

    Here is the full FAQ:

     

    http://line6.com/support/docs/DOC-1964

     

    BTW, The outputs on the POD HD are balanced.

     

    Thanks,

    David

  • Phoenix Just Startin'
    Phoenix
    23 posts since
    Sep 5, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Sep 22, 2012 8:13 AM (in response to masarez)
    Re: Line level output on POD HD Desktop vs Mic Level output on POD HD500

    Sorry to jump in on this post, but I have a question regarding the balanced (XLR) outputs on the HD Pro.

     

    The Pro has a swtich for LINE and MIC. What is the difference here? Is line running at +4db? And which is best for running direct into a mixer/pa/di?

     

     


    Cheers

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