Balanced cable & connectors

TVCA Audio Class #1	2. Conducting the Sound
Cables and Connectors
Balanced Cable & Connectors

Balanced connections are very common in professional audio equipment.

BALANCED CHARACTERISTICS & ADVANTAGES

Balanced connections are generally less susceptible to interference, hum, and loss.
Balanced cable, connectors, and equipment is more expensive, so not used in consumer equipment.

BALANCED CABLES

Balanced cables have two wires, twisted together, with a metal braid shield outside.

BALANCED CONNECTORS

Balanced connectors have at least three pins. One for ground (shield) and two for the balanced signal.
Some common balanced connector types are:

Canon XLR

Used mostly for mic cables
Also used for Pro line level

Male, cable end Canon XLR connector

Phone (3-circuit)

Used on many mixers
Very similar to Patch Bay connectors
Also used for non-balanced purposes:
- Headphones (Left & Right ear)
- Intercom headset (Microphone & Earphone)
- Mixer patch (Output & Input)
Variation: Mini-Phone (Walkman headphones)

1/4 inch Phone plug (3-circuit)

Mini-Phone plug (3-circuit)

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Copyright © 1997 Richard Crowley