Module 1.0 k ohms outputs -- is that low Z or high Z?

[dmt]

I R stoopid, but I've spent some time looking into this and have re-learned Ohms Law and all sorts of stuff about inductance and capacitance and impudence and impotence, etc.

Anyway, I've gotten stuck spending too much time on this and could use some help -- is my TD-12 module outputting a high Z or low Z signal? The manual says the outputs are 1.0 k ohms impedance. 1/4" jacks (so, I'm guessing high Z, but I want to confirm).

Thanks,
- David

[dmt]

Oh yeah, and while I'm here, is the module's (TD-12) output line level or instrument level? I might start a new topic for that one, but I'll try just throwing it in here first.

Also, balanced or unbalanced?

That oughtta do it!

[hank]

The outputs are line level, unbalanced. Look at page 18 in the manual — mono 1/4" plugs = unbalanced (the flow diagram on page 101 shows tip/sleeve jacks which confirms this). The hook-up diagram on page 18 shows you can plug it into powered speakers (which could have instrument level inputs) or a stereo which would be line only.

***Hi Z out.***

Edit: No, it would be low impedance (hit me on a 3 hour drive home). Please see this link: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu...dio/imped.html

[MS-SPO]

Early headphones used coils of wire to turn current into magnetic field into sound. Typical impedances were in the range of a few to a few 10ths of Ohms. That's almost a short circuit, that's low-ohmic or low impedance.

1.000 Ohms is a quite high impedance compared to those headphones, i.e. it's no longer a short circuit ;-)

So 1 kOhm is high-Z.

Best regards, Michael

[dmt]

Okay, thanks Hank and Michael!

So, to sum it up, the main outs of the TD-12 (or -20, for that matter) are outputting a high Z line level signal through an unbalanced (TS) jack.

Last one: is that line level signal -10 dBV or +4 dBU line level?

I'm reading online where some guy says he *thinks* it's -10dBV, but he himself is asking because he isn't sure.

[MS-SPO]

Good question.

Just enter your digits here and enjoy http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-db-volt.htm ;-)

(apparently that guy was wrong ...)

[dmt]

OMG, my head just exploded, lol!

That's a heck of a link, Michael!

I'll have to try and digest some of that later. Interesting stuff, though it can start to get to heavy for me.

[hank]

[dmt]

Okay, thanks Hank. I've downloaded it and will read it later this week (things just got busy a work)

[MS-SPO]

OMG, my head just exploded, lol!

That's a heck of a link, Michael!

You are welcome ;-)

I'll have to try and digest some of that later. Interesting stuff, though it can start to get to heavy for me.

Yes, may appear indigestibale at first glance. However, it are just different (numerical) views on the same thing, reflecting historical decisions made by different individuals; it's much like with metric and non-metric systems.

Just enter your levels of interest and read the results ;-)

[billgtx]

Good question.

Just enter your digits here and enjoy http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-db-volt.htm ;-)

(apparently that guy was wrong ...)

Curious why you think he was wrong. Found this quote on your link.

Domestic gear with a −10 dBV level is usually unbalanced. Studio gear with a +4 dBu level is always balanced. 0 VU = +4 dBu

This lends some credence to the speculation that the Roland modules output a -10dBV level signal.

Also, I have a Yamaha DXR15 which has a mixer built in. It also has an input specifically for -10dBV signals. My drum volume is where I would expect it to be using that input. If I run them to the pro line level input they are not very loud unless I jack the gain very high.

So while I don't have definitive documentation from Roland, all indications point to the module's output being of the consumer line level type.