Re: Re: Re: Sony ECM-MS957 vs. Audio Technica AT-822


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Posted by Rick Denney on May 11, 2001 at 16:15:48:

In Reply to: Re: Re: Sony ECM-MS957 vs. Audio Technica AT-822 posted by Erik on May 11, 2001 at 15:24:35:

Balanced inputs provide a neutral ground shield, and both the positive and negative waveforms are separate outputs that are compared against that common ground. Unbalanced inputs have a single signal conductor that goes positive and negative compared to a single ground. The former requires three conductors, and the latter works with two. The electrical engineers and technicians out there will probably correct my description.

The advantage to the balanced input is that it minimizes even-order distortion, which are the harmonics introduced by the sound system that are even multiples of the signal. Even-order harmonic distortion is less damaging to the sound quality, because it is resonant with the signal. Other circuitry is used to minimize odd-order harmonic distortion, which is much more damaging to the sound. But electronics these days are so clean that both forms of distortion are undetectable, even with unbalanced inputs.

The other advantage, and the one that appeals to the pros more than anything, is that the connections are made with robust XLR connectors rather than unreliable phono plugs.

Rick "waiting for correction" Denney


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