Audio Cables & Connectors Explained: Plus Balanced vs Unbalanced Guide

[@MusicRepo]

My favourite recording gear is here! (Affiliate links) Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/musicrepo Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/deals (As an Amazon and Sweetwater Affiliate I earn a commission for qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps support my channel. Thank you )

[@brethrenproduction5866]

Great!!! Big Help & Thanks 🙏😁

[@marcio1745]

These people who create content to help other people should be well rewarded. I hope you get rich with this channel. Really helpful. Subscribed.

[@MusicRepo]

Glad you found it helpful 👍

[@bandotti]

I agree completely. I think that is the essence of music creation to co-create & help others to create as well. She is literally manifesting the future of music.

[@brownpunk1794]

you have earned a new sub...i have watched dozens of these types and most people simply suck at teaching..you are setting the gold standard here..keep it up...amazing work and i LOVE the simple terms you use so people like me can understand it.

[@MusicRepo]

Thank you for your comment 😀🙏

[@artistraindwain9855]

You have a polite way of teaching , You do it simple and make if pleasant to try

[@dalroth10]

An excellent video which explains everything you need to know about not only how to connect stuff but why it's important to get it right. Thanks for taking the time to create it - very much appreciated.

[@MusicRepo]

Thank you 😀

[@Bob9961]

Kudos to you for gaining the knowledge and sharing it so freely! I have a background in broadcast engineering, worked in the industry for many years, and had all the college courses, so no surprise that my cohorts and I see a lot of bad information on the interwebs, but your instruction is first class!

[@MusicRepo]

Thank you for that!

[@axemanarbor]

@@MusicRepo can we throw a patchbay into the signal please ? Im about to be more confused

[@jlrounds2008]

Hands down best cable explanation I have seen yet, thanks for your efforts!

[@Faraday100]

Very clear and also pleasant to listen to, at least for we who do not like to be yelled at.

[@Lovis68]

You have the gift to make things short and easy but still rich and comprehensive. Thank you so much! This topic in particular has always got me confused...

[@MusicRepo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@roysonofroy1]

Best tutorial I’ve seen on balanced/unbalanced - I’ve alway wondered what they did and why you would use them. Thanks.

[@Hassan_Omer]

Excellent and precise explanation. The only distraction while listening to it is the continuous loop of music playing in the background. Unfortunately, for all of us it has now become a norm to put background music in every video, since the availability of free or royalty free music.

[@islandtony5009]

Spectacular video thank you so much. I've never seen TR vs TRS explained so well without getting overly technical about it.

[@softbytesunlimited]

Great help for the balance and unbalance signal cable explanation...thank you.👍🇵🇭

[@cowboyyoga]

Super video! The video leave me with a feeling after reading a good recipe for a pie. You feel confident that after a few trials there will be success! Thanks for being my teacher! )))

[@67amko]

Smashing vid. Easily the most helpful I've seen on the topic. Congratulations, you've earned my respect. Subscribed! And do keep it up!

[@georgefrankcarrillo277]

I completely agree... It was very kind of the author to share her audio connectors knowledge with us. I pick more than a couple of new points, plus refreshing my knowledge. Thank you. GFC

[@davidmarshall5667]

Great video very clear and you made it very easy to understand, now I undestand why I have unwanted noise thank you.😊

[@robertadamo3455]

Great video . I felt I was in cable university ! Your videos are very informative . Thank you for all the effort you put into them.I especially like the audio interface and microphone comparisons .

[@donal8180]

Excellent descriptions by an excellent teacher. You answered questions that had me confused, especially about balanced and unbalanced cables.

[@clivebowen4339]

Basic information very clearly explained. Thank you.

[@1314joycetan]

Thank you so much, what a love saver! Almost bought the wrong equipment

[@charliewong9656]

Love your video. So informative and easy to understand. Many, many thanks !!

[@theta9051]

Exceptional video / exceptional voice and accent !! Cheers from Dallas Texas

[@ThePipster2]

This was so helpful, thank you. My equipment has been saved from many frights!! What where and when usually takes a long time to get right, you are such a fantastic communicator.

[@aminormemory-musicartist]

This video is so good. Thank you for these excellent clear and easy to understand explanations.

[@haridevanarsiah140]

I'm glad that I've found this channel. The answers to all of my questions are right here! Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication towards your subscribers and others. Your videos are really helpful and contain pure contents. Great job @MusicRepo

[@sttdvs]

People talk about Scarlett Johansson, Keira Knightley, Amy Adams, Jennifer Connelly, Ingrid Bergman, Úrsula Andress, Grace Kelly, Janet Leigh, Myrna Loy, Mary Pickford and Greta Garbo… but nobody talks about a woman who knows her audio. If I made you a ring out of a trs cable and put a dollop of solder on top as a gemstone, could we be balanced??? Love the posts. Keep educating. You’re dreamy. Best from NYC.

[@axemanarbor]

So good . The best I have seen . Im sure you have helped many many people . Thankyou !

[@nirmitsrivastava8247]

Absolutely Brilliant. Perhaps one best video on KZbin for the purpose. Thank you so much. 👏

[@jessreyes2626]

This is a terrific introductory video to subject of audio cables and connectors. I very much appreciate you making this video. Thanks so much!

[@wimkranendonk8472]

Love all your videos and im very satisfying for all the information you share with us. thanks a lot for this and keep up to good work

[@trevorbrown8737]

This video was brilliant!! Thanks just what I was looking for!!

[@MikeScofieldComposer]

Extremely helpful and well-done. Thanks.

[@SpacedOutDoonie]

Possible to use balanced trs cables to connect to active speakers and laptop headphone jack without having audio interface? 12:23 is this cable better/recommended over the rca cable or is it the same thing/same quality? Also is there a balanced trs cable like this that has a headphone plug?

[@Factotum6814]

Great guide, Jane! Your explanations are always clear and complete but not patronising (that can be a tricky balance, but you always get it right 😉). I teach music subjects in English at a specialised music high school in Italy and like to assign your videos to my students. Theoretically, they know these things from their “music technology” classes (in Italian) but they have told me that your videos are a great way to review and that they pick up new info as well.

[@racunars]

A helpful crystal clear explanation 😊. Thanks !

[@singing_jewess]

I am so grateful for this! All the different cables confuse me!!!! SO HELPFUL

[@Toneprince]

Excellent video as you are the only one who has actually explained that a balanced TRS cable is the same as a Stereo cable as it converts to a mono balanced cable if both the output/input you are going from and to are balanced ie say the interface and active speaker. As when I have been looking up TRS balanced leads, many of them advise as being instrument leads etc, which was confusing plus I also thought that the actual speaker lead itself was also a special balanced cable, as even on the instructions on my new Interface it advises to buy a balanced cable if going to balanced inputs. Thank You

[@MusicRepo]

Glad you find it useful 👍

[@easycommuter2147]

I also had never heard that a "balanced TRS cable" is the same as a "Stereo cable" or indeed why that is the case. Many Thanks

[@winterheat]

3:04 your Focusrite Scarlett has a LINE / INST switch, so I assume it indicates whether the XLR or TRS you plug in is balanced mono or TRS stereo... but the current 4i4 doesn't have such a switch. Does that mean this 4i4 automatically detects it? Or does it assume XLR is balanced mono and TRS is unbalance stereo? But I think you can't make this assumption because some electric guitars output the balanced signal using TRS...

[@bettersocietytomorrow5128]

I appreciate you sharing this video. That was extremely helpful.

[@MichaelJames-jb8mj]

Amazingly helpful and you've gone to a lot of trouble constructing a professional video with B-roll etc. That must have taken you a lot of effort - much appreciated!

[@redcap509]

Veeeery informative! Now I know how to avoid noise on my microphone. All thanks to you!! :)

[@RobKL2008]

The absolute best clarification about audio plugs. Thank you so much

[@drutgat2]

Brilliant video. Many thanks for posting it.

[@PaulThomas2]

Excellent video, clearly explained and very informative. Thank you.

[@MusicRepo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@amitkumardas4543]

Very beautifully explained..it cant get any more simpler.thank you so much.

[@jamesgarvey3895]

Much to my embarrassment, I have been using these phrases incorrectly for YEARS. Thank you.

[@MusicRepo]

Happy to help 👍

[@victoryvisiontour]

Informative and well recorded video. Thanks!

[@The-Perfect1]

Brilliantly explained. Thank you!

[@allenknibbs]

Excellent excellent videos and teaching, thank you SO much for your efforts ! After many years in music I finally understand many grey areas for me, I am really grateful for your channel. God bless you.

[@slates1969]

Another beautifully clear and informative episode. Thank you

[@lillianfrances754]

This was EXACTLY what I was looking for!! Thank you for explaining this to me like I'm five (in a good way) ☺️

[@mickjoyceandthesonicgypsie3709]

Usually I go to a studio and leave it to the professionals but this time going to record at least the basics at home & invested in focusrite etc a bit scary .. but really find your advice clear and helpful keep up the good work !!!

[@yremy1]

Yes.

[@sjd7aa]

What a great and informative video! Thank you, you answered many questions and gained a new subscriber.

[@nigell.8705]

Best video on this subject.

[@by_antony]

Thanks for the clear video. I have recently purchased a behringer UMC202HD and I am trying to record my electronic keyboard. Oooops! I bought the wrong cable, but your video explains which one I should buy!

[@willberriss5314]

Nice diagram and explanation. At 5:54 do you mean that only ONE of the two signals are flipped? e.g the green one, i.e. so that both signals (red and green) are put the same way up at the end and thus add together, whilst the two sources of noise thus cancel each other out?

[@MusicRepo]

Will Berriss Thanks for your comment! ...yes

[@walifrozan6047]

Great great info in a very simple way. Thank you

[@ArmandCerna]

What a great explanation. Thank you!

[@lalo5318]

I learned a LOT with this video wow

[@steve.schatz]

outstanding videos. Well produced. Well thought out. Very, very helpful to me. Thank you.

[@memeguaia]

Amazing informative video, thank you so much!!!!!!!

[@fandydawenan]

This is the knowledge that I am looking for. A big fat thanks for your video. This is very useful and helpful for me as a beginner 🙏🙏😃. Btw, I have a question, what type of cable should I use to connect my Yamaha PSR-E463 keyboard to my Yamaha MG10XU audio mixer in order to get a stereo output? I have used an XLR to TRS cable, but it didn't work. TRS to TRS cable also didn't work. FYI, my Yamaha keyboard only has a line out/phone output. Thank you very much for your help 🙏

[@MusicRepo]

Hi, you will need to split the signal from the keyboard, TRS (from line out) to breakout twin TS, and use two channels on mixer, one for left, one right

[@buckymsr]

Thank you for your calm and great tutorials!

[@djbeatmarshall]

This is precious. So informative.

[@mandaladigitalstudio]

Great video, I loved it!

[@dr.labbejl1686]

Hi. Thanks great video. One question I have: Can you explain hi z and low. And why do the differ and exist. Thanks again.

[@dr.labbejl1686]

@@MusicRepo Thank you That type of answer was what i was looking for! 👍🏽

[@peterelfman]

This was extremely useful and educational, thank you!!

[@trinidadnow]

well done... simple and concise....

[@MusicRepo]

Glad it helped, thank you

[@marianodellaporta]

Thanks for the videos. It was very clear

[@Helistupid]

Thank you for a great video👍

[@HoracioRieznik]

Excellent and crystal clear! Thanks a lot!

[@brethrenproduction5866]

Hi! your video is so great!! But one thing i just wanna ask, can i connect XLR to XLR cable from my focusrite interface to analog mixer main balanced? can you make a video for that? 😁

[@MusicRepo]

If you have combi ports on your focusrite interface, and XLR outputs on your mixer, then you should use XLR-TRS cables. This is the subject of my newest video! Here is the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4TRpYWEoq-AfLM

[@JDVVV378]

Great video and explaining.

[@herroglop7411]

Great video, full of info. What is called ( to be able to google and buy it) a Y-cable with 2 x mono and a 1xMONO connector in the other end? balanced or unbalanced? It appears in other video to pass sound from a mixer into a phone, or may be it was an adaptor that was used ( then what is that adaptor called?). Thanks.

[@kdeeuk]

brilliant tutorial thanks

[@realaube1591]

You do a good job at teaching. I would like if possible some video on systems like the Evolution Wireless G4 Combo set For professional live sound (Sennheiser). I need to know how to install and configure for use in a school setting, etc. Thanks

[@calvinchong8740]

Thanks - this has been really helpful!

[@CRQF]

you show a guitarbeing connected with two cables to the interface. do you have to use a splitter since theres only one signal coming from the guitar. also can you use the TRRS cable tp connect a guitar? You cleared up for me the TRRS and TRS cable description. I alwaus thought one was sterio and one was mono.

[@paulisherwood9815]

Very useful, thanks very much 👍

[@ankalbag]

Wow! Thanks for the explanation. Last month I purchased Casio CTX8000IN. So which audio interface should I used? I mean Solo or Dual (Scarlet Focus rite). My Casio has Audio/Phones output and of course USB as well. Thanks 😊

[@MusicRepo]

Well the benefit of the 2i2 compared to the solo is it has two line inputs so you can record stereo. You can't do that with the Solo - which is designed for one mic and one instrument

[@rameshsethi7453]

HI txs for nice explanation, Am looking for an interface for android, -means i want to sing on an android app smule or starmaker and the mobile headset (Android phone/USB C input) is not enough for a good vocal, what kind of usb / DC interface is ideal to connect the interface to a microphone then to a smartphone first. The interface could also be connected to PC or Ipad or laptop for live streaming. Do I need a mixer and a power supplied interface (as the interface without power would use the smartphone battery) Or a device like Yamaha AG06, Focusrite or Behring uc22? Txs for your kind support..

[@MusicRepo]

Good question, I will add recording on android on my list of video ideas.

[@rameshsethi7453]

@@MusicRepo txs for yr support, am following u pls inform me if you do upload such video.. 🙏

[@laserenvironment6286]

how do you connect Focusrite sound interface to a USB connection in my PC. If I want to live stream to KZbin, do I need a MIXER connect to a Sound Interface (Focusrite) to my USB PC?

[@The-Perfect1]

BRILLIANT! Thank you.💜

[@chargedtoheaven1679]

Good day! this is a good video! maam, can i make a request about the cables?? i have a YAMAHA ew410 keyboard... i would want to connect it to my M-AUDIO M-TRACK DUO... what specific cable i shoud have??? thanks!

[@Michbigheart]

Hi! So, to connect my KORG Workstation i have to use a TRS cable and use a LINE button on my Focusrite Scarllet 2i2, Right? Q: Can i use a cable with 2 strips TRS in one side and XLR on otherside? Thank you!!!

[@carloseduardocastanomejia8987]

Great video. Thank you so much. I am a rookie. Question. I have a Casio Keyboard (WK-110) that has a USB-B that I plug to my computer for midi. Now, using an interface like the one you have been using in this video, how can I do all the connections (using OBS) to hook my keyboard to do both teaching classes and recording audio? I hope my question is clear. I am also experiencing some video latency and wanted to learn how to correct that. Thanks for your help.

[@jasonmilios]

Question: So a preamp (either it is a mic preamp or a bass one) outputs a line level signal. If that preamp has an XLR output, this does not mean that the output is mic level. We need an xlr to trs cable to connect to our line level input of our interface. But what about active and passive DIs? Do they output line or mic level signals?

[@lillianfrances754]

this question got me thinking, too! In the Scarlett 2i interface macula it says "Do not connect anything other than a microphone - e.g., the output of a sound module or FX unit - via an XLR plug, as the signal level will overload the preamp, resulting in distortion; "... which I think does answer the question, yes you will need a converter. Not sure if this is 100p right, but if someone has a better answer, hit me 👍🏼

[@emmap4339]

Great review, I am looking to find the bandwidth of a balanced TS 3,5 mm jack versus a usb c 3.0 to micro usb cable to find out what would be best to play dsd from my smartphone connected through a DAC. It's to be simpler to play good music today :)

[@edwardtamayo5526]

hello, your videos are very helpful but i have a huge pain because my digital piano does not have a usb port , what will i use to record my keyboard sound directly on my iphone camera? can i use 1/4 inch line jack to usb cable ?

[@Shalin.S.Shah.]

Can you use TRS cable as balanced signal so that it only does mono instead of stereo and does not have to be unbalanced? For an in camera mic example, can you use splitter cable at camera end and run 3.5 TRS cable from mic in only one of them making it a mono signal?

[@Cahaya100]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge to all. You help so many including me. Thank you. I subscribed your channel of course. I am starting to make my KZbin channel indoor and outdoor as a singing guitarist and blogger. I have loop for my vocal and instrument, connect to guitar amp. I have mix 12fx mixer, 2 main speakers, iPad mini, iPhone 8 +, and MacBook Pro, I also have audio interface and usb hub. My question is: how to connect all of them? And how can I connect the guitar amp if I want to use it as my monitor, and how to operate all those into recording on garage band? I’m sorry for so much questions. I am doing everything myself. Sing, play, blog, recording, etc. I have no help. So, you are the only help I have. Thank you so much for helping, your time and kind attention. Thank you 🙏

[@abhijitc1526]

Hi Jane, I recently bought a Behringer UM2 audio interface to record songs from my digital piano. I was wondering if i should use the line 1 or the line 2 for recording solo audio tracks. As I don't do vocals can I utilise the Line 1 mic option in any way!? Also, please do recommend which cable would be right for recording the digital piano. TS, TRS or a combo -Y- 1/4 inch TRS to 1/4 inch TS cable. An Amazon for the same will be really helpful. I use a Yamaha P-45 digital piano & it has one 1/4 inch headphone socket. Its a stereo headphone output, I reckon! Looking forward to your suggestions, Thank you :)

[@smithy7034]

Thank you very much. 👍🏻

[@craftycurate]

Very useful thanks!

[@MusicRepo]

Thank you ...

[@jameswilkerson8873]

One more silly question: TRS balanced 1/4inch - some have metal sleeves and some are covered. Is there a difference? My application is home studio, interface to compressors/equalizers/etc. Is there one over the other, in this case?

[@Smithswai]

Am Smith from Tanzania, i have been following you and your videos have been helpful. Am about to do live streaming in my local church here but the mixer and my audio interface is far like 50 matters does it going to affect the quality of the audio..?

[@ajaychib036]

You r great job mam thankx so much hahaha

[@winstonmontanarogauci7934]

Your videos are sincerely helpful and in my opinion most highly recommendable. Prompted by your videos I bought a Focusrite 2i2 3rd.gen and a Yamaha MG06X mixer. Subsequently I attempted to record on OBS. I connected the mixer outputs to the interface inputs and plugged my guitar (Spanish guitar with pickup) and drum machine direct into the mixer. Using the Focucrite direct monitor mode (on mono) I recorded myself as I listened to my monitor speakers. When I played back the video I noted my fingers did not corresponding to the sound on my guitar. How can I correct this latency problem? Also the lights on the main Stereo volume levels of the Yamaha mixer are always non existent or somewhere at the very bottom of the scale no matter how loud I set the volume. Is this normal?

[@GaryHuntPianoman]

Hi Love your channel ! But I can not find anything on how to connect 2 keyboards together (not for recording ) to powered speakers with a internal mixer (I do notwant a separate mixer). Is there any way to connect 2 keyboasrds so they sound together without running 2 line out to a seperate mixer mixer ...in other word can I tie 2 keybords sounding together and have only 1 connection for both signals to my powered speakers mixer . I have 2 channels on each powered speakers .