4
Connection Diagrams
M-Audio M3-8 monitors feature balanced XLR and 1/4" connectors, as well as unbalanced
RCA-type analog inputs. Connect the outputs of your audio interface, monitor controller, mixer,
or other line-level device to these inputs.
Tip:
If your mixer, interface, or other audio source features both XLR/TRS and RCA-type
outputs, use the XLR or TRS connectors instead of the RCA connectors whenever possible.
XLR and TRS cables incorporate a "balanced" design that carries a signal over three
conductors ("hot," "cold," and "ground") instead of two conductors as found in RCA cables
("hot," and "ground"). This results in lower noise, higher rejection of radio-frequency (RF)
interference, and better overall fidelity. If XLR/TRS jacks are unavailable, use RCA-style cables
but try to keep the cables as short as possible.
Scenario 1
Audio Interface
(Balanced TRS
to Balanced TRS)
Scenario 2
Mixer
(Balanced XLR
to Balanced XLR)
Scenario 3
Preamplifier
(Unbalanced RCA
to Unbalanced RCA)
VOLUME
LOW
MID
HIGH
VOLUME
LOW
MID
HIGH
MIDI IN
VOL
MIDI OUT
R
L
R
L
USB
VOLUME
LOW
MID
HIGH
VOLUME
LOW
MID
HIGH
VOLUME
LOW
MID
HIGH
VOLUME
LOW
MID
HIGH
L
R
