OT: M-Audio LX4 5.1 System Question

Jay Gladwell wrote on 10/7/2004, 10:46 AM
I know this has been discussed before, but I have a question that hasn't been answered so far.

I'm finally getting around installing the M-Audio LX4 5.1 system. I'm very confused about which audio cables use. I'm going from the Delta 410 card's breakout cable (RCA plugs) to the 1/4" jacks in the back of the sub-woofer. The manual for the 410 doesn't help at all that I can see. The manual for the LX4 is confusing to me. The folks at Radio Shack say they've never heard of a "three-conductor TRS plug," and I don't know what they are. Plus, the little illustration on the back of the sub-woofer shows a stereo 1/4" plug. Why would you use a stereo plug for a single channel???

Anyway, if there's someone out there that could work with me on resolving this once and for all, I really appreciate it! Maybe a picture of what I need and/or a part number would be fantastic!

Thanks!

Jay

Comments

Jay Gladwell wrote on 10/7/2004, 10:58 AM
Is this what I need?

Jay

musicvid10 wrote on 10/7/2004, 12:20 PM
Jay,

1/4" TS stands for Tip/Sleeve, which is a standard 1/4" mono plug
1/4" TRS stands for Tip/Ring/Sleeve, which is a standard 1/4" STEREO plug, also used for balanced applications.
Your radio shaft salesperson is an idiot.

It looks like your subwoofer accepts balanced or unbalanced inputs.

A balanced input would be from a TRS or XLR balanced output on your soundcard to a TRS plug into each input channel of your subwoofer.

An unbalanced input would be from a TS or RCA unbalanced output on your soundard to a TS plug into each input channel of your subwoofer.
If your breakout has rca (male) plugs for line outputs, the link you gave is the correct item.

It's explained on pages 4 and 7 of your LX4 manual.
Jay Gladwell wrote on 10/7/2004, 12:24 PM
Musicvid, yes I read that, but not being a "audio" person and familiar with the cables, it was Greek to me. So it's one TS male to one RCA male?

No, I was mistaken, the RCAs from breakout cable are females.

Thanks!

Jay
musicvid10 wrote on 10/7/2004, 12:36 PM
"....the RCAs from breakout cable are females."

In that case, it would be RCA Plug to 1/4" Mono Plug, one such cable for each input channel.

What I use for this type of work is standard RCA stereo audio cables (plugs both ends), and RCA female -to- 1/4" mono plug adaptors. I keep several of each around. Very versatile!

Hope this helps.
Jay Gladwell wrote on 10/9/2004, 1:08 PM
Okay, I got the right cables, but I can't get the 5.1 surround to work properly. If there is anyone here who would be willing to help me with this over the phone, I'd really appreciate it! My nickle of course!

If so, please contact me at jay @ gooddogproductions [dot] com.

Thanks!

Jay
rique wrote on 10/9/2004, 10:10 PM
Did you remember to set Vegas for 5.1 in Options/Preferences/Audio Device?
Spot|DSE wrote on 10/10/2004, 8:56 AM
Jay, I'm happy to help for a few minutes. I think you've got my contact info
Jay Gladwell wrote on 10/18/2004, 8:59 AM
Just wanted to thank everyone for their help, especially Spot. Everything is up and running just fine. Sounds great, too!

Thanks to all!

Jay