Balanced or Unbalanced? (Part 1)

When using audio cables, there are two main types of cable that you will run into: Balanced and Unbalanced cable. In Part 1 of this blog I will talk about unbalanced cable and then Part 2 will cover balanced cable.

Unbalanced Analog Cable

Unbalanced cables use two lines to transmit the electronic audio signal, a positive (hot or live) line, and a earth (grounded) line. The positive line carries the signal while the grounded line bonds any extra volts that come across the line to protect your equipment. However, having a grounded line does not protect the audio signal from noise. This is why unbalance cable is good for short runs, usually no longer than 3 feet, and less professional applications.

The most common unbalanced audio cables are ¼ mono inch jack connectors and RCA connectors.

1/4 inch (mono)

RCA (mono)

As you can see below, ¼ inch connectors can come either balanced or unbalanced. When choosing a ¼ cable be sure to look and see if it has two insulating rings or one insulating ring. If it has two insulating rings then it is a balanced TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve) cable, but if it has one insulating ring it is an unbalanced TS (Tip Sleeve) cable.

1. Sleeve: usually ground
2. Ring: Right-hand channel for stereo signals, negative phase for balanced mono signals, power supply for power-requiring mono signal sources
3. Tip: Left-hand channel for stereo signals, positive phase for balanced mono signals, signal line for unbalanced mono signals
4. Insulating rings

*Check out part 2 of this blog for info covering balanced cables.