Meaning of "Balanced/Unbalanced" label at DVinfo.net

David Ennis · August 20th, 2004, 05:59 PM

I know the difference between the two, but what does "Balanced/Unbalanced" mean when it's the label above a 1/4 " jack?

Douglas Spotted Eagle · August 20th, 2004, 06:30 PM

1/4 inch connectors can be balanced or unbalanced. If the cable is a TRS (Tip/Ring/Sleeve) connector, then it's potentially balanced, if converted from XLR/Cannon/Lo-Z connector, plugged into a balanced TRS connection. Just like an XLR/Cannon/Lo-Z cable/connector assembly carries 2 conductors and a shield, so can a TRS (Tip/Ring/Sleeve) which means it's effectively the same thing. Many years ago in Europe, many systems were connected via Tip/Ring/Sleeve instead of XLR. I think now most things are XLR.
Recording studios use TRS for patch bays in the form of TRS or TTL plugs, but it's fairly rare you'd occasion one in video production.

Jay Massengill · August 20th, 2004, 06:49 PM

It also implies that the equipment will automatically work correctly whether you plug in balanced or unbalanced to that connector.
For example on most Mackie mixers, all the 1/4" connectors except the insert jacks and the headphone jack can take either balanced or unbalanced connections.

David Ennis · August 20th, 2004, 07:03 PM

Thanks, guys. And Jay, it was a Mackie I was talking about.

August 20th, 2004, 05:59 PM	#1
David Ennis Fred Retread Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hartford, CT Posts: 1,227	Meaning of "Balanced/Unbalanced" label I know the difference between the two, but what does "Balanced/Unbalanced" mean when it's the label above a 1/4 " jack? __________________ "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence..." - Calvin Coolidge "My brain is wired to want to know how other things are wired." - Me

August 20th, 2004, 06:30 PM	#2
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	1/4 inch connectors can be balanced or unbalanced. If the cable is a TRS (Tip/Ring/Sleeve) connector, then it's potentially balanced, if converted from XLR/Cannon/Lo-Z connector, plugged into a balanced TRS connection. Just like an XLR/Cannon/Lo-Z cable/connector assembly carries 2 conductors and a shield, so can a TRS (Tip/Ring/Sleeve) which means it's effectively the same thing. Many years ago in Europe, many systems were connected via Tip/Ring/Sleeve instead of XLR. I think now most things are XLR. Recording studios use TRS for patch bays in the form of TRS or TTL plugs, but it's fairly rare you'd occasion one in video production. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

August 20th, 2004, 07:03 PM	#4
David Ennis Fred Retread Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hartford, CT Posts: 1,227	Thanks, guys. And Jay, it was a Mackie I was talking about. __________________ "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence..." - Calvin Coolidge "My brain is wired to want to know how other things are wired." - Me

August 20th, 2004, 06:49 PM	#3
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	It also implies that the equipment will automatically work correctly whether you plug in balanced or unbalanced to that connector. For example on most Mackie mixers, all the 1/4" connectors except the insert jacks and the headphone jack can take either balanced or unbalanced connections.