Connecting unbalanced equipment to balanced inputs

I currently reorganize my rack and want to make some changes to the wiring. Among other things, the patch cords are replaced. The problem is that I have both balanced and unbalanced signal sources, depending on the synthesizer/sampler/FX module.

• My submixer has balanced inputs

• My patchbay provides the inputs for external equipment and is also balanced

For balanced sources, the matter is clear, I'll go with balanced cables into the patchbay, this leads a balanced cable to the mixer. The signal flow is thus completely balanced.

But what if the output of a synth is unbalanced (and this is the norm)?

• Synth out > unbalanced cable > Patchbay > balanced cable > mixer?

• Synth out > unbalanced cable > Patchbay > unbalanced cable > mixer?

• Synth out > balanced cable > Patchbay > balanced cable > mixer although the synth output is unbalanced?

• a specially soldered cable from the unbalanced out to the balanced patchbay ins? (tip, ring, sleeve to tip and ring?)

(I know that the unbalanced signal will never become balanced without a DI box but using a DI is not an option)

Is there a difference at which point I change from unbalanced to balanced? The cable length from the synths to the patchbay is about 3 meters, internally in the rack 0.75 - 1 meters.

Is it possible for simplicity's sake to use only microphone cables instead of instrument cables and connect both wires with the tip or is the quality of a pure instrument cable for unbalanced connections generally better? I'll have to solder 30 cables so at least it should be right what I do.

What's your suggestions on this?

Thanks!

Pseudo-balanced cables FTW.

http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/feb08/articles/technotes.htm

The most relevant bit from the article:

"To prevent radio frequency interference (RFI) when connecting balanced to unbalanced equipment, it is useful to provide an earth connection to the unbalanced end of the screen so that it doesn't look like an aerial anymore. This connection has to be via a low value resistor, usually something between 100? and 200?."

Thanks, this was a great advice.

However there's one thing I don't understand. The site states: "The simplest solution is not to connect the screen to anything at the unbalanced end

Here ya go: