Connecting 8030's to SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface

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grimgork, modified 2 Years ago.

Connecting 8030's to SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface

Youngling Posts: 3 Join Date: 1/22/21 Recent Posts

Hi all,

I just ordered my first set of Genelec Speakers (a beautiful set of 8030 CP's). I noticed that the input connection is limited to an XLR cable. From my experience, audio monitors are typically connected to audio interfaces via a 1/4" jack. Either way, I have an SSL2+ Audio Interface (which has 1/4" outputs) and want to make sure that I am connecting the speakers properly (I currently have my SSL2+ connected to a pair of M-Audio BX5's...the upgrade was well overdue).

I was thinking of getting an XLR to 1/4" cable but decided to go ahead and make a bunch of cables myself, as I am in need of some new microphone and instrument cables anyway.

First of all - is this the intended way to connect Genelec speakers to USB interfaces (XLR -> 1/4" Jack)?
If so, I am basically looking for some help/confirmation on the wiring so that I can make sure to solder my new cables correctly and not blow up my beautiful new speakers. I found this diagram online: https://www.mediacollege.com/audio/connection/xlr-jack-mono.html
Is this correct and will it work for my purpose?

My Genelec speakers should arrive within the next 2-4 weeks.
I would appreciate any help on the topic.

Thanks in advance!

- Grim

FYI: I am a "Bedroom-Studio" Indie artist/producer. I record, produce and mix all of my own music for Spotify and co. I finally saved up enough to upgrade to the Genelecs this month and hope to be able to make better decisions when mixing once I have the monitors set up.

lukester, modified 2 Years ago.

RE: Connecting 8030's to SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface

Jedi Master Posts: 296 Join Date: 4/22/10 Recent Posts

Almost.

The 1/4" jacks in your soundcard are symmetrical, there's three pins available. So it's just as good as real XLR.
So it's this diagram: https://www.mediacollege.com/audio/connection/xlr-jack-stereo.html

grimgork, modified 2 Years ago.

RE: Connecting 8030's to SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface

Youngling Posts: 3 Join Date: 1/22/21 Recent Posts

Thanks for the reply.

The diagram you linked is using stereo Jack connectors. I currently have Mono connectors going from my SSL2+ to my BX-5 monitors (basically standard guitar cables) and I also have ordered Mono connectors to wire up the speakers. Is there a reason I should be using stereo Jack connectors instead? Do the audio interface outputs even support stereo - because my audio interface has two outputs, one for L one for R so I would assume the outputs are Mono each.

After checking the SSL 2+ manual I found the following information:

- BALANCED LINE OUTPUTS 1 & 2 : 1/4" TRS Jack Output Sockets These outputs should be connected to your monitors if you are using active monitors or to a power amp if using passive monitors. The level at these outputs is controlled by the large blue control on the front panel labelled MONITOR LEVEL. For the best perfromance, use 1/4" TRS jack cables to connect your monitors.

I just want to triple check before I start soldering parts together.

Cheers.

lukester, modified 2 Years ago.

RE: Connecting 8030's to SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface

Jedi Master Posts: 296 Join Date: 4/22/10 Recent Posts

Yeah, your soundcard does balanced, same as XLR, just on a smaller jack connector.
What balanced is and why it's good you should check on wikipedia.
Since you already ordered the connectors, i suggest you leave it unbalanced.
The chances that you'll have problems because of that is rather slim.
And the wiring diagram is correct, could do stereo, in the studio you'll only see mono on XLR.

grimgork, modified 2 Years ago.

RE: Connecting 8030's to SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface

Youngling Posts: 3 Join Date: 1/22/21 Recent Posts

Hi Lukester,
after doing some research on balanced/unbalanced connectors It sounds like the noise reduction benefits could be quite grand. I guess it would make sense to get a pair of unbalanced connectors to wire up propper TRS -> XLR cables. I can use the unbalanced Jack connectors for additional instrument cables, so they won't be going to waste.

So next up I will need to order some TRS connectors and then wait for my new Genelecs to arrive :)