Red Sound MF10's XLR vs TRS

[rnjscooter]

Been using XLRs from my FM9 to my Red Sound MF10s. Considering using TS or TRS just for convenience with all my cabling live. But I don't want to do that at the expense of tone. Any thoughts?

 

[Greg Ferguson]

The MF10 has a balanced TRS/XLR input so I'd use TRS <-> TRS or XLR <-> TRS. The 1/4" outs on the modeler have Humbuster circuitry which isn't the same as balanced. See the Rear Panel diagram, the Humbuster Cables section, and Section 4 in the manual for more information on using TRS vs. TS.

The signal between the modeler and the cabinet should not change between the three connector types as long as you use equivalent quality cables.

Using TS <-> TS will defeat the Humbuster circuit in the modeler so I would only use that in emergencies. And, since XLR cables are easier to find I use them.

 

[rnjscooter]

The MF10 has a balanced TRS/XLR input so I'd use TRS <-> TRS or XLR <-> TRS. The 1/4" outs on the modeler have Humbuster circuitry which isn't the same as balanced. See the Rear Panel diagram, the Humbuster Cables section, and Section 4 in the manual for more information on using TRS vs. TS.

The signal between the modeler and the cabinet should not change between the three connector types as long as you use equivalent quality cables.

Using TS <-> TS will defeat the Humbuster circuit in the modeler so I would only use that in emergencies. And, since XLR cables are easier to find I use them.

Cool, brother thanks, as long as I aint losin' nothin' TRS to TRS, I'm down. Appreciate it!

 

[unix-guy]

The manual says to not use TRS cables if you're connecting to a device with balanced inputs.

From the FM9 manual (Axe Fx III says similar):

Note: Use Humbuster cables only when connecting the FM9 to unbalanced 1/4" inputs on other devices. When connecting to a 1/4" balanced TRS input, use a standard 1/4" patch cable — or better still, connect the balanced XLR outputs of the FM9 via XLR-to-TRS cables or adapters.

The FM3 manual says:

Output 2 L+R – (Stereo) — (2) 1/4" Jacks (HumbusterTM)— Use these 1/4" unbalanced outputs with standard guitar cables to connect to the inputs of other devices. Optional HumbusterTM technology can significantly reduce hum from ground loops. This requires special cables; learn more on p. 8.
Do not use TRS-to-TRS cables, even when connecting to balanced devices.

 

[Sine]

I use TS to TS. Just fine!