Tape Head Input (Balanced)
Balanced tape head input counts complete stereo inputs designed to receive the low-level signals directly from a tape playback head.
One left-and-right pair forms one stereo input, even with two XLR sockets. Balanced operation depends on the wiring, not the connector alone. The input is specialised for head signals rather than ordinary line-level audio.
Tape Head Input (Balanced) — Tape Preamp
A balanced head input connects a suitable tape transport's playback-head wiring to the preamplifier. It bypasses the transport's usual line-output electronics, so the preamplifier must provide the required gain, loading and playback equalization. Two channel sockets serving one stereo transport count as one input.
Compare the wiring, loading and EQ compatibility with the transport. An XLR socket wired unbalanced is not a balanced head input. If RCA and XLR versions are alternatives, check which version is supplied rather than assuming both are fitted. Line and phono inputs serve different signal sources and cannot be counted as head inputs.