Testing for Balanced connections

[Killyp]

Hi there BR

 

Helpfully, the Yamaha Stagepas manuals don't tell you whether or not the stereo channels/w jack-inputs are balanced.

 

Is there an easy way of telling with a multimeter/other common kit?

 

Thanks in advance :P

[drsound]

Plug in a balanced lead then check the resistance between the ring and sleeve at the other end. If this is short-circuit then the connection is unbalanced.

[Killyp]

Thanks! It seems obvious now, much appreciated...

[Kevin Ross]

Good shout on checking by plugging in a balanced cable.

 

 

 

I have checked the block diagram and the jack connectors are balanced on the stagepas500

 

 

 

http://www.yamahaproaudio.com/products/pa_...ock_diagram.pdf

 

 

 

HTH

[bruce]

The "plug in a balanced connector and check for a short" might not always work reliably - if it's an unbalanced jack socket, it depends on the socket wiper reliably spanning the ring and sleeve connectors on the jack.

 

A more conclusive way would be to plug in a balanced lead, and apply signal to the tip only. Listen for output (touching the tip and listening for the buzz would be enough) Now apply the same signal to the ring only. If you get an output, it's balanced.

[Simon Lewis]

Now apply the same signal to the ring only. If you get an output, it's balanced.

 

A good approach....

however, just for completeness, if you tried that on the old Soundtracs MR series desk I owned, but it was wired tip = +4dBu, ring = -10dBV ;-)