If you want to make an input adaptor, connect the center conductor of the unbalanced shielded cable to pin 2 of the balanced XLR connector. Connect the shield of the unbalanced shielded cable to pin 1 of the balanced XLR connector. Connect a jumper from pin 3 to pin 1 of the XLR connector.
The above assumes the US standard.
There are two penalties for using the adaptor. First you lose 6db of gain. This won't be an issue if your preamp is active and provides reasonable output levels.
The second penalty is that you lose the theoretical noise rejection provided by a true balanced connection.
The above assumes the US standard.
There are two penalties for using the adaptor. First you lose 6db of gain. This won't be an issue if your preamp is active and provides reasonable output levels.
The second penalty is that you lose the theoretical noise rejection provided by a true balanced connection.