Using L1 Pro8 with Cat 5 vs unbalanced....better?

soo I have a L1 Pro8...love it..... I also use T4 and T8 mixers. What I want to know is which is a better hook up. Using a cat 5 to the L1 or unbalanced to the L1. Other than powering up the mixers. Is the signal any different using one or the other.......

 

Dennis

Hello Group87,

 

CAT5 is better vs. unbalanced; the signal quality is the same if you used a balanced cable (1/4" TRS or XLR with the T8s; 1/4" TRS with the T4s.)

 

The CAT5 connection has other advantages, besides being a convenient all-in-one power and signal cable (i.e., you don't need any other cables.)  It supplies a digital signal to the L1, instead of going through a digital-to-analog conversion in the mixer.  Also, you're not taking up a channel on your L1 with a TRS or XLR cable.  Some users have reported audible hiss when using the L1's built-in channels, but none when using the digital connection with a T4s or T8s.

 

Using an unbalanced cable will have a -3db loss in the signal level, and has the opportunity to introduce interference, especially if using longer cables.

 

That' the great advantage of a ToneMatch mixer with an L1 Pro system.  I am curious if there is a particular reason for the question?

 

Does that help?