I have an M-Audio Audiophile 192 sound card which has balanced TRS output connectors. My desktop powered speakers use a mini stereo plug. Rather than string together several adapters, I want to make one. Most sources I have read suggest wiring the -audio(ring) to the ground to make a mono connector. If I then connect these together to make a stereo connector I will have both -audio signals connected together as well as both grounds connected to that. Obviously, both grounds need to be connected. Is there any potential problem with both -audio's being connected? Or should I just let them float?

Thanks for your help.

The balanced out of the M-Audio will also function as an unbalanced out and WILL be unbalanced since you are going to an unbalanced input device. Therefore, I'd recommend you just grab one of these: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/CMP159/

Thanks for the referral to Sweatwater. That is a great resource. I need the mini end to be female, but that was easy to find as they have such a large inventory. The question about what to do with the -audio connection was also answered, as these adapters ignore it.

Thanks again.



Make that SWEETWATER. I've got to learn to type.

Like this but the other way?

XLR to 1/4" TRS Connector (wired for balanced mono)
http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/connecti...ack-stereo.html
[url=http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/balanced/integration.html]http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/balanced/integration.html[/url

Also: "In audio applications, baluns convert between high impedance (see Nominal impedance) unbalanced and low impedance balanced lines." ~ Wikipedia

There is no XLR connector in the chain. The job is to combine two (L&R) TRS (balanced) 1/4" female on the board to one 3.5 mm stereo (unbalanced) female. Some references say to ground the -audio (the ring on TRS, pin 3 on XLR). Other say just leave it unconnected. Apparently, it doesn't matter.

Thanks for your interest.

It's more than a passing interest for me, as I'm upgrading to the same card and I'm trying to understand what you're getting at.

Maybe it's like this then?
http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/connecti...ereo-rca-2.html

Perhaps someone can enlighten me.

As well, is this the aforementioned adapter?

Actually they aren't ignoring it, when you plug the TR plug into the TRS jack you are effectively grounding the contact of the jack that normally contacts the ring on the plug. The net effect is that you are tying the " - audio" signal to ground.

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Actually they aren't ignoring it, when you plug the TR plug into the TRS jack you are effectively grounding the contact of the jack that normally contacts the ring on the plug. The net effect is that you are tying the " - audio" signal to ground.
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Duh! Where was my brain. I was so focused on starting with a TRS plug, wiring it myself and grounding the ring by wiring it to the sleeve that I completely overlooked the obvious way a TS plug would work,