Converting a 3.5mm jack to XLR or TRS. (unbalanced --> balanced)
 

I'm currently using a Macbook Pro 13 with a 3.5mm jack but I want to fully utilize the XLR or TRS Balanced inputs of my speakers.

Does anyone know a way to do so? What will i need to hook things up properly to get the best signal from the source to the speakers.

Thank you in advance for all those willing to help out.

You need something like this:
http://www.long-mcquade.com/products..._Converter.htm

Of if you want something cheaper, you can usually pick up inline single transformers (look for XLR TRANSFORMER on ebay), one for each channel, but this would probably be the nicer way to go.

^ picking up the transformer won't convert it to balanced outputs, right? just a plug type conversion?

any cheaper product similar to that you have posted?

What exactly are you doing? Are you using long cable runs or do you just want to convert the signals?

If you just want to convert and your speakers are nearby, you don't need to get an unbalanced to balanced convertor - you can just connect thing up using a simple adaptor (or make up your own). If it's under say 10ft or so you won't have any issues.
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just wanted to get cleaner inputs to my speakers, currently hearing a slight buzzing sound, not sure if it's from my signals.

^ What kind of speakers? And how are you connecting them now?

Balanced lines are good, but are simply overkill for most uses.

i have mackie mr5 studio monitors, hooked up to my macbookpro as of the moment.

i'm jusing a male 3.5mm jack to female rca split into 2 ch's and uring rca's to connect to the speakers. currently experiencing a slight hum that's kinda bothering me. could it be the audio signal or could it be somethign else?

thanks

Since they have RCA connectors I doubt very much that switching to TRS or XLR is going to get rid of your problem. It's more likely something in your current wiring setup or with your MacBook.

- Have you tried an iPod or some other source with your 3.5mm to RCA adaptor to see if the hum is still there?
- Have you tried a source with RCA outputs like a DVD player or home theatre amp to see if that makes a difference?
- How long are your RCA connections?
- Is it low freq hum (like 60Hz hum)?
- Have you tried unplugging one of the speakers?
- Is your laptop plugged into AC as well, or running off the battery? Does the hum change between AC and battery operation?

thanks for all the tips, i'll try those and let you know what works and what doesn't. really appreciate it.

As a general rule balanced inputs are not necessary for anything in your home. They are useful for long runs of hundreds of feet when there are power lines close by (i.e. in the same bundle). Professionals will use them for bands and concerts. The longest RCA cable seen in homes is about 13 feet.