Volume level problems

[ash]

I just got a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 and I'm having trouble:

if I connect the monitor outputs to my speakers using a balanced cable, it seems to have a lot less output than if I use an unbalanced cable connected to the same outputs.

is that normal behaviour? if not, any ideas what the reason might be?

[MichaelK]

You don't say what kind of plugs, but it sounds to me like your speaker inputs might have 2 different impedances.

If your output is -10 dBV and the cable is going into a -10 dBV input, it would sound right. But if the input is expecting +4 dBm line level, then you'd have lower output as you describe. I think you just need to match them up.

[ash]

the speaker is a Yamaha MSP5, it doesn't allow me to change the input level. any other ideas?

[MichaelK]

Not without knowing more

[ash]

I soldered a cable (Sommer CarboKab 225), using a HiCon XLR plug (male) and a HiCon 3-mole phone plug. that's about it. connected this to the monitor outs of the Saffire, to the balanced ins of the MSP5.

anything else you need to know?

thanks for helping.

[meterman]

Some equipment does have different output levels depending on whether it's a balanced or unbalanced cable, I was under the impression that the balanced cable should be louder by about 6dB but I could have it backwards....if you are basing this only on a cable you made yourself I'd double check it with a known good cable...

EDIT: looked into it, it is the balanced signal that is actually louder, you lose about 6dB when using unbalanced cable to connect balanced outputs/inputs (which you have on both pieces of gear). Sounds like your balanced cable may be faulty?