Yes, the 1/4" direct out jacks are impedance-balanced, not true balanced. Keep cables under 15-20 ft, or use a direct box/line isolator to go into balanced gear.
If you manage to locate an original PDF or a photocopied paper version, here is the treasure you can expect:
This section is critical for calibrating your desk with modern converters. Soundtracs Topaz 12 4 Manual
| Symptom | Likely Fix | |-----------------------|----------------------------------------------| | No sound from channel | Check routing switch, fader up, not muted | | Hum in monitors | Ground lift switch on back (if present) | | Distorted signal | Reduce Gain trim; check line/mic switch | | Aux send not working | Internal jumper may need setting to pre/post | | One side dead in main | Check Group 1/2 assignment; pan pot center |
These DIY communities are goldmines. Register for free and search their "Analog Line Level" and "Lab" sections. You will find threads where members have re-drawn the power supply schematic and corrected errors in the original manual. They often have scanned manuals attached directly to posts. Yes, the 1/4" direct out jacks are impedance-balanced
Search Google for: "Soundtracs Topaz 12-4 block diagram" (image search). Save that image. That single diagram is more useful day-to-day than a 50-page manual.
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I check this thread weekly and will help you troubleshoot. The Topaz 12-4 is a sleeper—fix the PSU and clean the jacks, and it rivals consoles costing 3x as much. Don't give up on it.