TT> question is:  Is it 
 TT> alright to take the unbalanced +4dBu direct outs from 
 TT> the channel strip into 
 TT> the balanced ELCO-style connector of the ADATs and 
 TT> come back from the balanced
 TT> ELCO's into balanced +4dBu tape returns?  
Yes.  
In general, you can always bridge balanced inputs across unbalanced outputs 
with few problems.  Usually you wire it as if it's all balanced, except that 
shield and low are commoned at the output.  Sometimes jumpering signal low to 
ground at the input also reduces noise though.  
It's the other direction, balanced out to unbalanced in, where you have to be 
aware of whether you have transformers or active balanced line drivers.  You 
have to complete the circuit across a transformer, whereas you should not 
short either side of an active line driver to ground (but bridge the + hot 
and  signal ground of the output to the unbal input).  
The area of medium Z and low level consumer gear mixed with pro is another 
topic.  
Terry
--- Maximus 2.01wb
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