How to Tell the Difference between Balanced/Unbalanced Cables?

DJ Gear & Hardware Hardware: Controllers, Mods and Gear
1

How to Tell the Difference between Balanced/Unbalanced Cables?

Hey guys,

I’m looking to buy a set of balanced XLR-to-TRS cables and am trying to figure out how to tell the difference between balanced and unbalanced cables. Are all TRS cables balanced (two rings = balanced)? Or do I have to look at more specific features? Would these be balanced?

Thanks,
V

Edit: this is to connect a Pioneer XDJ-RX to a pair of Presonus Eris E4.5

2

FYI those will be TS. As I understand it, XLR is balanced anyway. Why do you need balanced specifically?

3

Thanks for your reply and sorry, wrong link, I meant to link the stereo ones. Will stereo TRS cable be balanced if the used out- and inputs are balanced?

Some reviews did point out that the Presonus Eris E4.5 are susceptible to humming and that using a balanced connection helps to minimize this.

4

Balanced cables are only really helpful when you’re wiring for long distances (10m+). I think you’d need the cables from the first link you posted. The inputs on the speaker are two mono, as are the XLR on the controller. They’re also balanced.

5

TRS = Balanced

In a home setup, you will not see interferance which will lead to phase imbalance until you go over the 8-10 meter mark.

I always buy balanced, just out of habit, but if it is out of your price range, don’t stress.

I hope that helps.

6

Thanks guys!

7

No. Some are Stereo – with Left & Right.

For the most part you can look at the OTHER end of the cable - it if connects to ONE thing (like xlr, or another TRS) it is probably balanced – if it connects to TWO things (like RCA white & red, or two TS 1/4") it is probably unbalanced.

8

Ok so here is a little trick to figure out if a cable is balanced or unbalanced.

For cables that are carrying just 1 channel of audio if they have 3 contacts on both ends they more than likely balanced. If one side has 3 and the other has 2 then it balanced to unbalanced.

For cables that carry stereo channels the only way to be certain that both ends are balanced are if both ends have a pair of balanced connectors. For example 2 Male XLR to 2 Male TRS connectors would be a balanced stereo cable.