rsvette12 Posted March 3, 2019 Share Posted March 3, 2019 Quick question to the Gurus :) Finding different answers and not sure which is correct I have xlr out of the helix LT going to xlr into my Kali desk monitors and would like to keep it that way I have an Alto TS310 - I want to go out of Helix 1/4" jack to Alto - Can I use a TRS cable on order from mono for now out of Helix 1/4" jack to 1/4" of Alto Will a TRS or TS 1/4" to xlr into Alto make a difference or is just a 1/4" to 1/4" TRS or TR the way to go ? the TRS TR things has me confused as to which one is better or no difference - thanks much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kilrahi Posted March 3, 2019 Share Posted March 3, 2019 TRS is "better" depending on what it's doing. When not carrying a stereo signal it can be a balanced cable. Found this nice summary on Ebay of all places: https://www.ebay.com/gds/TRS-Cables-Balanced-or-Stereo-/10000000176789351/g.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsvette12 Posted March 3, 2019 Author Share Posted March 3, 2019 Thank you - great info thinking using 1/4" to xlr TRS wont make much of a difference - so I would assume I can use 1/4" TRS cables I have on the way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rd2rk Posted March 4, 2019 Share Posted March 4, 2019 !/4" outs are UNBALANCED (TS). See Page 7 of the manual: "26.1/4” OUT Use unbalanced 1/4" TS cables to connect to your guitar amp, FRFR speaker(s), studio monitors, or other playback system. When using a single amp or speaker, connect only the LEFT/MONO 1/4” jack." TRS will also work, but, while the Alto's 1/4" input is balanced, the Helix 1/4" out is unbalanced. If the TS310 is like my TS210, with the Helix 1/4" out set to "LINE", use the lower half of the Alto's volume control to avoid distortion due to the hotter LINE signal. Use the upper half of the Alto's volume control when using Helix XLR outputs and cables in Helix "MIC" setting. If using the Helix XLR "LINE" setting use the lower half of the Alto's volume control to prevent distortion of the hotter LINE signal. Use XLR cables in this configuration if using >20' cable runs to avoid noise. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsvette12 Posted March 4, 2019 Author Share Posted March 4, 2019 Well that covers it - thank you RD - thanks all :) much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coolnout Posted March 17, 2021 Share Posted March 17, 2021 I am in the market for a Mission engineering Gemini 212 power cab and have a question relative to cables interfacing with the Helix (floor). The manual for Helix says it has balanced XLR outputs and requires a balanced cable. The Gemini calls for a TRS cable input. The Helix as two female outputs. I can only find a dual XLR (unbalanced) to TRS cable for the (simplest) interface. https://www.amazon.com/DISINO-Y-Splitter-Unbalanced-Quarter-Adapter/product-reviews/B083QKLDPT/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews Is there a better cable available or would I be better to take a dual, balanced (male, female XLR) to TRS and get a converter to female adapter for the male end of the XLR? Another option would be to use dual TS to TRS. Thanks for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rd2rk Posted March 17, 2021 Share Posted March 17, 2021 XLR cables are balanced. TRS cables are balanced. Long XLR cables are cheaper and easier to find than long TRS cables. IIRC, the 1/4" outs on the Floor are not balanced, but I could be wrong. Usually, the 1/4" outs are used for your stage monitor/amp, and the XLRs go to FOH or Audio Interface if you're not using the Helix as AI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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