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So after testing out some monitors and listening to a couple friends' set ups, I decided to go with a pair of KRK VXT6s. The 8s would be too big for my bedroom but these had just the right amount of bass.

Anyways I was trying to decide on an audio interface. I don't know a single goddamn thing about them. All I need is an interface that can connect my MacBook Pro to the KRKs, and maybe connect an APC or other keyboard too. The KRKs say I need a "Balanced 1/4"/XLR Combo" but I have no idea what the fuck that means. Looking at xlr cables online doesn't help either cause there are so many kinds. I'm pretty sure the focusrite saffire 6 would suit my needs, no? I don't understand what the purpose is of all the ins and outs if anyone would care to explain.

So I guess my question is... what cables do I need to connect a Focusrite Saffire 6 to a pair of KRK VXT6s??

XLR Combo means the that the jack will accept either and XLR cable or 1/4 inch cable. Just get two male/male balanced 1/4 inch cables. You'll be able to connect these to the monitors outputs on the saffire 6. APC and keyboard can connect via USB correct? You'll still be able to do this after you get the interface, no need to connect it to the interface.

mtl6 wrote:So after testing out some monitors and listening to a couple friends' set ups, I decided to go with a pair of KRK VXT6s. The 8s would be too big for my bedroom but these had just the right amount of bass.

Anyways I was trying to decide on an audio interface. I don't know a single goddamn thing about them. All I need is an interface that can connect my MacBook Pro to the KRKs, and maybe connect an APC or other keyboard too. The KRKs say I need a "Balanced 1/4"/XLR Combo" but I have no idea what the fuck that means. Looking at xlr cables online doesn't help either cause there are so many kinds. I'm pretty sure the focusrite saffire 6 would suit my needs, no? I don't understand what the purpose is of all the ins and outs if anyone would care to explain.

So I guess my question is... what cables do I need to connect a Focusrite Saffire 6 to a pair of KRK VXT6s??

What you'll be looking for is an combo/conversion cable... an XLR:

XLR stands for Ground, Left, Right. It receives a stereo signal.

That leads to 2 1/4" TRS (Tip, ring, sleeve)


One for left one for right. Like so:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DMSTY01

Edit: HOLY CRAP THATS A BIG TRS IMAGE

fragments wrote:XLR Combo means the that the jack will accept either and XLR cable or 1/4 inch cable. Just get two male/male balanced 1/4 inch cables. You'll be able to connect these to the monitors outputs on the saffire 6. APC and keyboard can connect via USB correct? You'll still be able to do this after you get the interface, no need to connect it to the interface.

Wait... we're talking about this?

^Yea pretty sure that's what an XLR Combo is. You can connect 1/4 inch to the one pictured above. I'd have to double check the Saffire 6, but I'd be surprised if a modern interface wasn't what you picture above.

fragments wrote:^Yea pretty sure that's what an XLR Combo is. You can connect 1/4 inch to the one pictured above. I'd have to double check the Saffire 6, but I'd be surprised if a modern interface wasn't what you picture above.

So either TRS to TRS or XLR to TRS will work, either way, the monitors will likely receive only TRS, but the interface can use both in the same plug.

Listen to fragments, he's more of a gear-head than I.

haha yeah this dialogue makes me feel a bit better about being so confused.... so do i need an XLR to XLR cable or XLR to TRS?? I hate to be a complete idiot, but a link to the very specific product I would buy would be helpful

Get balanced 1/4 to 1/4 inch cables. The Saffire 6's main outs for monitors are 1/4 and the VXT6's have the XLR / 1/4 combo jacks so they will take XLR OR 1/4. All I did was look up the products and choose a cable that fits the descriptions of the I/Os on the monitors and the interface. Manuals, which are typically available to anyone in PDF, will usually sort you on these things.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BP10/ <---two of these. 6ft is probably a good size, but you'll have to figure that out on your own.

Triphosphate wrote: So either TRS to TRS or XLR to TRS will work, either way, the monitors will likely receive only TRS, but the interface can use both in the same plug.

Other way around, don't think many interfaces have xlr combo outs. Think you are confusing them with the inputs
Cables are correct, XLR must be male (the one with 3 pins)

You won't need a Sapphire 6 if you're not recording multi inputs. Get a Sapphire or Scarlett 2i2 instead and save some cash.

XLRs up in ya face. Just the tip.