Help needed w/consumer level processing

[Armando]

Hello I'm trying to figure out the best/correct way of hooking up an external dsp "box" I'd like to use for signal processing. The problem is it has 3.5mm TRS input and output and since it's consumer, the levels are probably -10 line level.

Right now I have it receiving L & R feed from my 192 I/O via two outputs from my patchbay(TT) to the stereo 3.5mm input of this box. I'm using a "Y" cable that's 3.5mm TRS to L & R unbalanced TT plugs.

I'm using another "Y" cable to take the stereo 3.5mm TRS output from the box to L & R 1/4" TS plugs into an Ebtech Line Level Shifter to go from -10 to +4 via 1/4" TRS plugs into Balanced Inserts leading back to the 192 I/O.

This "works" but I'm wondering if I should instead be sending the L & R out of the 192 I/O into a Line Level Shifter, changing the level from +4 to -10 before hitting the 3.5 TRS input(-10) of this box for processing.

Anyone know the correct method of occomplishing this?

Thanks in advance!!

[albee1952]

What exactly is this consumer piece?(and is it really worth all the hassle). Samson sells a box that converts between consumer level(-10) unbalanced and balanced +4. Its a stereo box(you would need 2 of them). Having said that, 9 times out of 10, there is an easier option with a plugin.

BTW, the 192 and HD IO manuals state very clearly that shorting the cold to ground when unbalancing connections will damage the unit

[Keith Robichaux]

If it sounds ok then you are fine. Many ways to do this. I have a 3.5mm box and I just made 3.5 to XLR patch cables then into my TT patch. If your on a console many ways to bump that up.

You could also try the Radial products. The orange box or Little Labs Pepper.