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    The illustrations below show the connection between balanced and un-balanced outputs on different connector types (XLR / Cannon, 14", phono/RCA/cinch) to balanced inputs on XLR and 1/4" connectors. We are assuming that XLR pin 2 is positive and that the tip of the 1/4" plug is also positive. Check that your devices are not wired differently. 1/4" three-contact connectors are often referred to as TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve), as opposed to two-contact TS (Tip-Sleeve) connectors.
 

Balanced to balanced

We simply connect pin to pin
In case of hum when connecting balanced outputs to balanced inputs, it is common practice to lift (disconnect) the shield (ground) at the input connector.

XLR balanceado a XLR balanceado / Balanced XLR to balanced XLR
Balanced XLR to balanced XLR

XLR balanceado a 1/4" balanceado / Balanced XLR to balanced 1/4"
Balanced XLR to balanced 1/4"

1/4" balanceado a 1/4" balanceado / balanced 1/4" to balanced 1/4"
balanced 1/4" to balanced 1/4"

1/4" balanceado a XLR balanceado / Balanced 1/4" to balanced XLR
Balanced 1/4" to balanced XLR

 

Unbalanced to balanced

In general, to connect an unbalanced source to a balanced input, two of the cable conductors are joined (negative/cold and sleeve).

XLR no-balanceado a XLR balanceado / Unbalanced XLR to balanced XLR
Unbalanced XLR to balanced XLR

XLR no-balanceado a XLR balanceado / Unbalanced XLR to balanced XLR
Unbalanced XLR to balanced 1/4"

1/4" no-balanceado a XLR balanceado / Unbalanced 1/4" to balanced XLR
Unbalanced 1/4" to balanced XLR

1/4" no-balanceado a 1/4" balanceado / Unbalanced 1/4" to balanced 1/4"
Unbalanced 1/4" to balanced 1/4"

RCA a XLR balanceado / RCA to balanced XLR
RCA to balanced XLR

RCA a 1/4" balanceado / RCA to balanced 1/4"
RCA to balanced 1/4"