Another common type of audio connector is the RCA ‘phono’ connector, which is commonly used in consumer and semi-professional audio equipment. While XLR connectors are very similar to TRS connectors, RCA connectors are more similar to TS connectors. They can also be used to connect stereo signals between equipment where device A uses separate jacks for left and right channels, and device B uses a combined TRS jack. And because it is made by Hosa, it is durable enough to withstand the rigors of constant use on the road.

However, with line-level signals connected with relatively short cables of under five metres or so, RF interference is unlikely to be a problem anyway, and in practice I've employed variations of this kind of 'bodge' interfacing for decades without any problems. By using two wires, balanced cables flip the audio signals passed through it and add them to each other. TRRS jacks are often used for stereo headsets with microphones where four conductors are needed for ground, left channel, right channel, and mic. How successfully interference minimization works, however, depends on how well-balanced the positive and negative conductors are in terms of their impedance, i. SOS's custom-made pseudo-balanced cables could be the best solution for connecting unbalanced equipment to balanced inputs.

In this design, the tip carries an audio signal, while the sleeve carries the ground, just as it does with a TS connector. They are active devices that require phantom power, balanced audio cables, and pre-amps in their connection chain—all of these should be included for the correct operation of condenser mics. Use this cable to connect your guitar, keyboard, or other instruments to an amp, a powered speaker, a mixing console, or any other equipment with a ⅛-inch connector.

Buzzing or humming noise—This could be due to a ground loop issue, often caused by having multiple devices connected to the same power source. Yes, There are many options in TRS cables available nowadays, with different connectors for interfacing with different devices. e., their better audio quality due to lower interference, why would you want to use an unbalanced cable?I was told that RCA cables aren’t good for long runs and that I should use balanced cables and possibly even baluns at each end for a good clean signal. Please give us the reason for your assessment in the following text box and – if possible – your e-mail address for further questions. When performing on stage, it makes more sense to use TS cables as they are longer and easier to connect.

It is worth remembering that a TRS cable can carry a balanced mono signal, or an unbalanced stereo signal. XLR cables can usually be run at longer lengths than other types of cables without increasing the noise level because of their balanced design. Since the differential device at the receiving end only responds to the difference in voltage between the two signal lines, noise that is identical on both wires is rejected. Since the A input is occupied now, the pedals realises (yes – pedals have feelings too), that a second signal is connected.

If you have a simple mono signal coming out of your guitar or overdrive and you want to spread it to two amps, you simply plug it in into A/B. Instead, the cable screen should be connected at the unbalanced end via a simple circuit that maintains a relatively high impedance to mains and audio frequencies to prevent the ground-loop hum, but a much lower impedance to RF to maintain effective RF screening. Wikipedia suggests that the 1/4″ jack may well be the oldest type of electrical connector still in widespread use having begun its life in 1878. For more information on why I wrote this detailed article and for my latest recommendations of monitor speakers check out this article. But most monitor speakers come with a variety of inputs and not only that but there are a variety of different cable types that to choose from.