XLR vs RCA Cable Quality (And How To Convert)

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  • Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
  • Do you need to convert your RCA to XLR cables? In this video, we'll discuss the differences between RCA and XLR cables, and show you how to convert RCA cables to XLR cables.
    If you're getting ready to purchase some cables and you're not sure which type to buy, watch this video! We'll discuss the differences between RCA and XLR cables and show you how to convert RCA cables to XLR cables. After watching this video, you'll be able to make an informed purchase decision and get the best quality cables for your audio needs!
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    CHAPTERS:
    0:00 - Introduction
    0:28 - Price & Specs
    0:42 - Where Are XLR & RCA Cables Used?
    1:41 - Balanced vs Unbalanced Audio Cables
    3:20 - Volume Output Difference
    4:27 - How To Convert RCA To XLR
    4:40 - Option 1: RCA to XLR Cable
    5:43 - Option 2: Audio Mixer
    6:27 - Option 3: DI Box
    7:18 - FAQs
    7:25 - Does RCA Sound Better Than XLR?
    8:00 - Can You Use an RCA To XLR Cable?
    8:18 - How Long Can You Run A RCA Cable?
    8:38 - How Long Can You Run An XLR Cable?
    9:05 - Final Thoughts
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 51

  • @glenpitts6813
    @glenpitts6813 Рік тому +9

    Finally, someone with some XLR sense. Thanks.

  • @slinkycues
    @slinkycues Рік тому +5

    Very clear explanation - thanks man answered all my questions

  • @chrisbogart687
    @chrisbogart687 Рік тому +4

    Great explanation of the benefits of using XLR in my set-up or anybodies.

  • @marcocruz3769
    @marcocruz3769 Рік тому +1

    Excelent Video! Thank you for all the info, pretty straight forward.

  • @esb618
    @esb618 4 місяці тому

    Great advice. I finally understand how to connect my ddj400 to larger speaker setups without experiencing distortion.

  • @shaxshafic2869
    @shaxshafic2869 Рік тому +1

    This is really good.... you just answered my questions

  • @CoffeeXmusic
    @CoffeeXmusic 3 місяці тому

    Great video, super clear explanation thanks 🎉

  • @crashedcorvette
    @crashedcorvette 8 місяців тому

    Wow, great job. Stuff finally makes sense

  • @Musika-Hiywote
    @Musika-Hiywote Рік тому

    Thank you for your video, it helps explain some things I needed to look out for as an entry level DJ. My question would be if I can get away with buying a short RCA to XLR cable (6-10 ft) and having a much longer XLR to XLR cable run 15+ ft) to the speaker without the possibility of the sound quality being heavily degraded. I would prefer this if it doesn’t have any major issues because it certainly would be the most cost-effective method.

  • @emelen51
    @emelen51 11 місяців тому

    Excellent video! and the explanation superb.TY

  • @sashomedia
    @sashomedia Рік тому +1

    Thank you for the great tutorial!

  • @benfits8768
    @benfits8768 Рік тому +1

    To connect a powered subwoofer fir home theatre can you use a microphone xlr ? Or dose it yave to be something different?

  • @laggypedals
    @laggypedals 4 місяці тому

    Great explanation between XLR & RCA 👍. Is it ok to use RCA inputs for an acoustic/electric guitar on a mixer? Thank you.

  • @artyomsichkar3457
    @artyomsichkar3457 Рік тому

    Very nice video! I've been returning to rewatch it already a few times, for different bits of info that I needed in different situations. Say Jordan, what if I need to convert XLR to RCA? My DJ mixer is certainly more than 3m (10 feet) from my AV receiver. Is there a proper way to convert XLR signal from my DJ mixer so that I can plug in RCA into my AV receiver and (possibly) not lose in quality of sound? Thanks!

  • @thorivarhelgesen
    @thorivarhelgesen 9 місяців тому

    Great explanation, thanks 🙏

  • @tahirhameed-mth1530
    @tahirhameed-mth1530 Рік тому

    Nice explanation

  • @josediego-aguilar6118
    @josediego-aguilar6118 Рік тому +1

    Hey Jordan, can I get your opinion on the Radial J+4 2-channel signal level driver? Do you recommend this stereo preamplifier if we want to use up a stereo 1/4 inch balanced inputs on a mixer (I have a ProFx10v3) instead of using up 2 valuable XLR inputs?

  • @DJIco
    @DJIco Рік тому

    So If am trying to connect my DJ controller to an external mixer is better to use the unbalanced output to the stereo inputs on the mixer (1/4 inch for example) than the XLRs on the controller to the same inputs on the mixer, is that right?

  • @WWeiss-nv5vz
    @WWeiss-nv5vz Рік тому

    Great video. From my mixer, from the headphone out I run a 1/4" TRS to dual RCA into a sub. It works fine. Any issue with this? I do this because my other aux out has a monitor hooked up.

  • @Gontie1
    @Gontie1 5 місяців тому

    Small correction, some DI boxes which are powered, are boosting the signal. So, there some differences in DI boxes.

  • @dj_gzero
    @dj_gzero Рік тому +1

    Question: when it comes to the distance/length for RCA cables, is it the actual length of the cable or the physical distance from your equipment to the speaker that matters? For example would a 50ft RCA cable sound the same as a 10ft RCA if the speaker is 10ft away?

  • @francocastilloAR
    @francocastilloAR Рік тому

    I have a stereo that says the RCA input is "DC voltage 1.2V, impedance 47 kiloohm." It makes me think it supports the same line level as XLR. Will I have the same level if I convert the XLR signal from a console to the RCA from the stereo?

  • @Dillerdrengene
    @Dillerdrengene Рік тому

    Can you use a RCA to XLR cable converter that goes into your audio mixer and get the same performance result as with the RCA to big Jack cable converter you suggets?

  • @MarkHunger
    @MarkHunger Рік тому +1

    Hi, i have a question here, and would be very happy if you can answer.
    Im planning to get a DJ Controller so i can learn, im not even new but would love to start learning DJing.
    I see the Numark ns4fx on the table, do you recommend it? since it has RCA and XLR port, but not sure if it is a good one.
    your reply will be highly appreciated.

    • @justifiedsoul69
      @justifiedsoul69 5 днів тому

      The NS4FX is a good controller to begin with. It has decent build quality and enough features to not only learn on but to play on for many years to come. Hope this helps.

  • @a1.entevents
    @a1.entevents Рік тому

    What’s the best RCA cable to use for a powered speaker that only has an XLR output ?

  • @chrishunt9675
    @chrishunt9675 Рік тому

    Wandering if there’s any benefit to xlr to rca cables. My amp has both but receiver only rca. Only 3ft run.

  • @chappie505ec
    @chappie505ec 8 місяців тому

    Also can I convert my mono mixer into a digital mixer?

  • @SupunKalana337
    @SupunKalana337 11 місяців тому

    When is it balanced, If I used 2 RAC males to One XLR female? ( Y Cable) thanks.

  • @brynevans6830
    @brynevans6830 Рік тому

    Does an active DI box provide an uplift to the output to a normal line level?

    • @kettnercreative
      @kettnercreative  Рік тому +2

      It does, but for the same price you can buy a small mixer which is better in every way. Plus, you still need a mixer to power your active DI box…

  • @mgtybulletproof
    @mgtybulletproof 11 місяців тому

    Great video.. Just my thoughts I am a dj.. so when I use rca to Xlr minimum is 20 ft or lower.. 20 feet should be okay.. 25 feet as you said will take away from the audio.. I use 20 feet rca to xlr hosa cables.. I have no issues what’s so ever.. however cable wires matters.. you can’t use a cheap cables and expect good results.. i reccomend high end cables such as hosa..

  • @veljkonikolic7788
    @veljkonikolic7788 8 місяців тому

    What if I run a 20m XLR cable from my mixer and use an XLR/RCA adapter to connect to my speaker? That's basically a balanced signal until the very end, right? My guess is that that's fine, but I'm not sure...

    • @kettnercreative
      @kettnercreative  8 місяців тому +1

      I can follow your logic. I'd need to test it to be certain.

  • @gaydina
    @gaydina 2 місяці тому

    To the spot...

  • @codychavarria6088
    @codychavarria6088 Рік тому

    Have the new ddj flex 4 and it only has rca. Whats the best route????

  • @mcentertainmentiom
    @mcentertainmentiom Рік тому

    what about going rca to a yamaha mg10 mixer then xlr out to speakers?

  • @MatthewLambert-x6o
    @MatthewLambert-x6o 11 місяців тому

    I am looking for a xlr to rca adapter ?
    Can anyone recommend?

  • @djlabtested
    @djlabtested 7 місяців тому

    it still bothers me why we use RCA for high-end DJ turntables / Media players, instead of XLR or min-XLR. Like the gear in this space is constantly evolving, we've had major improvements in the turntable space for the past few years, but still all phono cables and phono inputs on mixer are RCA. Anyone knows is there a limitation to the phono signal that explains why it should be via RCA?

  • @blingvibes717
    @blingvibes717 Рік тому

    Can I use rca to xlr to get a balance signal

  • @chappie505ec
    @chappie505ec 8 місяців тому

    Finally lol

    • @chappie505ec
      @chappie505ec 8 місяців тому

      So I bought a TASCAM DP-006 and I have a DDJ-XP2. I’m getting a 4-Channel Audio Interface BT USB Audio Mixer Sound Board Mixing Console Z3U0. How or what else do I need in order to record my sets?

    • @chappie505ec
      @chappie505ec 8 місяців тому

      Will the TASCAM work or do I need something else? Ideally what I would like to do is rec songs or my sets onto a usb3 and take it anywhere and plug it into a computer or mixer and have the music on it! Could you give me some advice. Please

    • @chappie505ec
      @chappie505ec 8 місяців тому

      I use a MacBook pro