11
Input Connections continued
Balanced.
The Mitchell & Johnson 800 pre-amplifier incorporates a balanced input connection via XLR.
Balanced connections are the normal method of connecting devices in the professional audio world.
The audio signal is transmitted down the cable using two separate conductors.
One signal is normal plus phase as would be in a standard phono/cinch type cable.
The second signal is identical but reverse (minus) phase.
The inverted signal is re-inverted in the receiving device making it plus phase.
The two signals are then added together to produce the original source signal.
However, any noise or hum induced in the cable is effectively cancelled out.
Other than greater noise rejection, there is no inherent advantage to be gained by using balanced
connectors in a domestic setting, unless the two connected devices are placed several meters apart,
in which case there would almost definitely be an improvement in the transmitted signal to noise ratio
if using a balanced connector.
However, many users claim that their systems sound better if connected via XLR type cables.
Mitchell and Johnson conform to the European XLR connection standard:-
Pin one……………...Ground.
Pin two………………Live (Hot).
Pin Three…………...Return (Cold).
