Benchmark RCA to XLRM Adapter Cable for Analog Audio - pin 3 to RCA shield

This special adapter cable connects unbalanced analog RCA outputs to balanced analog XLR inputs.

Use this cable to connect unbalanced line-level RCA analog audio outputs to the balanced analog audio inputs on an AHB2, LA4, HPA4 or an ADC1. May also be used to connect the unbalanced outputs on a DAC1,DAC2 or DAC3 converter to the balanced inputs on an amplifier (if the balanced outputs on the DAC are already in use). This adapter cable will work with electronically-balanced XLR inputs or with transformer-coupled XLR inputs. Do not use this cable with digital signals.

• Back-referenced audio ground - for common-mode rejection
• Star-quad conductors - for magnetic immunity
• Dedicated shield connection - for immunity to ground loop problems
• RCA center pin to star-quad + to XLR pin 2
• RCA ring to star-quad - to XLR pin 3
• RCA ring to shield braid to XLR pin 1

This adapter cable extends balanced wiring to the RCA connector using star-quad wire to maximize the effectiveness of the balanced input:  One half of the star-quad ties Pin 3 of the XLR to the shield of the RCA connector.  The other half of the star-quad ties pin 2 of the XLR to the center pin on the RCA.  The braided shield ties pin 1 of the XLR to the shield of the RCA.

Using this special wiring, a ground-loop between the two audio devices will produce a current in the braided shield, but not in the audio signal lines. This keeps ground-loop currents out of the critical signal lines and greatly reduces the potential for interference. The separate connection from the RCA ground to pin 1 of the XLR provides a dedicated path for the audio ground reference. This wiring leverages the common-mode rejection of the balanced XLR input to reduce conducted interference.

To reduce magnetic interference, the audio signal is carried on two twisted pairs arranged in a star-quad configuration. This star-quad configuration provides immunity to hum-inducing magnetic fields produced by nearby electronic devices.

This cable provides the best method for directly interfacing an unbalanced output to a balanced input. Do not confuse this cable with similar-looking RCA to XLR cables and adapters!

Benchmark Adapter Cables combine the best cable, connectors, and construction techniques in order to offer high performance and excellent durability. Canare StarQuad L-4E6S Microphone and Audio Line Cable is flexible, satin smooth to the touch, and extra strong. The cable offers excellent immunity to hum-inducing magnetic fields (due to 4-conductor StarQuad construction), excellent shielding from RF interference (due to high-density braided shield), very low handling noise (due to internal construction), excellent flexibility (due to 40-strand conductors and special super-flexible insulation), and extended frequency response (due to low capacitance). Benchmark Adapter Cables are handcrafted with true silver solder, using gold-contact Neutrik premium series connectors. These are the most reliable XLR connectors available - providing excellent contact quality, strain relief, pullout resistance, and durability. A Benchmark-branded sleeve is your assurance that you have purchased a genuine Benchmark Adapter Cable.

This Benchmark product was designed, assembled, and tested in the USA using USA and imported components.