Balanced vs Unbalanced
Definition
Two methods of transmitting audio signals through cables. Balanced connections (XLR, TRS) use three conductors — positive, negative, and ground — to cancel electromagnetic interference over long cable runs. Unbalanced connections (TS, RCA) use two conductors and are susceptible to noise pickup, especially over distances greater than 5–6 meters.
In Simple Terms
Balanced cables (XLR, the thick ones) cancel out buzz and hum automatically — use them for microphones and long runs. Unbalanced cables (guitar cables, RCA) pick up interference over distance. For anything longer than about 15 feet, go balanced.
In Practice
A condenser microphone connected via a 15-meter balanced XLR cable delivers a clean signal with no audible noise. The same signal run through a 15-meter unbalanced TS cable would accumulate significant hum and interference.
Common Confusion
TRS and TS cables look identical from the outside. A TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) has two black rings on the plug and carries a balanced signal. A TS (tip-sleeve) has one ring and is unbalanced. Using the wrong cable in a balanced connection defeats the noise rejection.