Camera RCA out to Balanced XLR?

David Cleverly · July 27th, 2012, 09:31 PM

Hi all, I appreciate your comments but, with all due respect I think some are making the process sound more complex than it actually is or needs to be.

Simply put, amongst other things I shoot news. With respect to news, my feeds are generally always pre recorded. Interviews for other stories. Sometimes complete stories. Main audio on channel one, camera mic on chnnel two. Channels 3 & 4 not used. All I want to do is plug the camera into the local link boxes and send the pics with two channels of audio to the networks via Sky.

Now, admittedly, I have not used the link boxes for about 12 months, but when I last did, the local link box at least did not accept embedded audio, which is a shame because that would negate the need for a solution to this problem...

Maybe all link boxes accept embedded audio now??

So, in an attempt to clarify, all I need is a way go get rca two channels of audio into the balanced xlr inputs of the link box whilst at the same time lifting the levels. Without having to use a mixer.

Richard Crowley · July 27th, 2012, 09:37 PM

So at this point you are using your camcorder simply as a playback device to feed the network with pre-produced and pre-recorded material.

There are several options for consumer (-10db unbalanced) to professional (+4dB balanced) conversion. They virtually all require power in order to perform the gain boost. Some can use internal batteries, and some require mains power, typically using a "wall-wart". For your purposes there probably isn't a huge difference between them so select one based on your budget.

Battle Vaughan · July 27th, 2012, 10:07 PM

Mr. Crowley is correct. Consumer level audio, -10dBv = 0.316 volts rms. Pro level +4 dBu = 1.2276 volts. So the extra volts have to come from some powered source to amplify the signal.

Christopher Young · July 28th, 2012, 04:12 AM

Hi Richard. Yes this is a passive unit but it has L&R input gain pots on the RCA and jack inputs and will put out up to +4dB line level on the XLRs which is exactly what David was after so I am pretty sure it will do the job for him. Check out the link to the PDF.

Brian P. Reynolds · July 28th, 2012, 05:54 AM

Christopher the box you recommend has attenuator controls NOT gain controls... A vast difference between them.
The schematic drawing has NO gain stage in it.
Basic physics you can't increase levels without gain and gain needs energy like batteries or external powering.

Rick Reineke · July 28th, 2012, 10:47 AM

Yes, Brian is correct.
A quick perusal of the specs indicate: "Max Output Level: +4 dBm, Connectors: 2 ea; XLR"
A 'true' +4dB ref. output would have the maximum output of at least +18dBm.. usually in the +20s.

Christopher Young · July 29th, 2012, 05:54 PM

Yes, I stand corrected guys. Sorry if I gave you a misguided suggestion Dave.

July 27th, 2012, 09:31 PM	#16
David Cleverly Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sydney NSW Posts: 220	Re: Camera RCA out to Balanced XLR? Hi all, I appreciate your comments but, with all due respect I think some are making the process sound more complex than it actually is or needs to be. Simply put, amongst other things I shoot news. With respect to news, my feeds are generally always pre recorded. Interviews for other stories. Sometimes complete stories. Main audio on channel one, camera mic on chnnel two. Channels 3 & 4 not used. All I want to do is plug the camera into the local link boxes and send the pics with two channels of audio to the networks via Sky. Now, admittedly, I have not used the link boxes for about 12 months, but when I last did, the local link box at least did not accept embedded audio, which is a shame because that would negate the need for a solution to this problem... Maybe all link boxes accept embedded audio now?? So, in an attempt to clarify, all I need is a way go get rca two channels of audio into the balanced xlr inputs of the link box whilst at the same time lifting the levels. Without having to use a mixer.

July 27th, 2012, 09:37 PM	#17
Richard Crowley Trustee Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,238	Re: Camera RCA out to Balanced XLR? So at this point you are using your camcorder simply as a playback device to feed the network with pre-produced and pre-recorded material. There are several options for consumer (-10db unbalanced) to professional (+4dB balanced) conversion. They virtually all require power in order to perform the gain boost. Some can use internal batteries, and some require mains power, typically using a "wall-wart". For your purposes there probably isn't a huge difference between them so select one based on your budget.

July 27th, 2012, 10:07 PM	#18
Battle Vaughan Trustee Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami, FL USA Posts: 1,505	Re: Camera RCA out to Balanced XLR? Mr. Crowley is correct. Consumer level audio, -10dBv = 0.316 volts rms. Pro level +4 dBu = 1.2276 volts. So the extra volts have to come from some powered source to amplify the signal.

July 28th, 2012, 04:12 AM	#19
Christopher Young Trustee Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 1,565	Re: Camera RCA out to Balanced XLR? Hi Richard. Yes this is a passive unit but it has L&R input gain pots on the RCA and jack inputs and will put out up to +4dB line level on the XLRs which is exactly what David was after so I am pretty sure it will do the job for him. Check out the link to the PDF.

July 28th, 2012, 05:54 AM	#20
Brian P. Reynolds Major Player Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 466	Re: Camera RCA out to Balanced XLR? Christopher the box you recommend has attenuator controls NOT gain controls... A vast difference between them. The schematic drawing has NO gain stage in it. Basic physics you can't increase levels without gain and gain needs energy like batteries or external powering.

July 28th, 2012, 10:47 AM	#21
Rick Reineke Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 2,039	Re: Camera RCA out to Balanced XLR? Yes, Brian is correct. A quick perusal of the specs indicate: "Max Output Level: +4 dBm, Connectors: 2 ea; XLR" A 'true' +4dB ref. output would have the maximum output of at least +18dBm.. usually in the +20s.

July 29th, 2012, 05:54 PM	#22
Christopher Young Trustee Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 1,565	Re: Camera RCA out to Balanced XLR? Yes, I stand corrected guys. Sorry if I gave you a misguided suggestion Dave.