Audio cables are commonly available in two different formats such as Unbalanced & Balanced.
Unbalanced Lines – It will utilize only one conductor to surround within a shield. The shield will pick-up the audio signal part and the interference of any audio signal will be transmitted by the shield. Some interference thing such as electrical hums and radio signals.
Balanced Lines – It is based on rejecting interference that can provide a little bit noisy and work for longer distances. They will twist together to surround within a shield by using two identical conductors that carry the signal part. The conductors are protected by the shield to pick-up the interference and forward the same to the ground. The interference is minimized with the help of its twisted pair design.
It is always tricky to understand the knowledge of audio connection type for utilizing the studio equipment. For specific reasons, there are numerous types available for use. It is more essential to choose the best cable for your audio connections. It is much for the users to refer to the installation and audio setup guide available across the manufacturer’s official website. First, you need to know the different audio connections to choose the ideal one:
Banana Plug – The Banana plug is referred to as an electrical connector that is specially designed for connecting the audio wires like speaker wires. Banana jacks or special jacks are used to bind the posts across the rear-side of various power amplifiers. The banana plug’s most common configuration will mold the two parts together & also spaced with ¾-inches. This is also the binding post’s spacing holder for connecting the rear-side of power amps.
RCA Cables – RCA Connectors, the most common phone connectors used for connecting the consumer stereo equipment. In the 1990s, they are closely associated with the most popular RCA Corporation and referred to as the RCA Connector. Some mixers will include the CD Inputs & Outputs or tape with RCA connectors. The best example for an RCA connector would be CRA206 (Hosa).
Tip Sleeve (TS) – TS is referred to as a particular ¼” connector type used for setting two conductors with the unbalanced operation. The sleeve and the tip will be separated by the insulator. A Tip is considered as a signal carrier or hot and sleeve is considered as a connecting shield or ground. TS cables are commonly utilized as a line-level instrument or guitar cables.
XLR – XLR is another trademarked name developed by Cannon to utilize the 3pin circular connectors. After its generic industry evolution, most of the manufacturers are utilizing this style connector now. In most cases, they are ground, negative, and positive connections. In audio, the XLR connectors will transmit the balanced line-level signals & mic to audio or mixers to speakers.
Tip Ring Sleeve (TRS) – TRS or Tip Ring Sleeve is the appropriate name for 1/8” or ¼” balanced connectors. You can find the TRS plug at the rear-side of the headphone cords for your reference. It is similar to a ¼” standard plug along with extra ring included on its shaft part. The three important shaft sections are referred to as Sleeve, Ring, and Tip. TRS connectors will be utilized to have one plug of shield or ground plus two conductors. It is commonly used only for connecting the balanced line equipment. The best example of a TRS connector would be CRA103 (Hosa).
Digital Audio Connectors
EBU or AES – It is commonly also known as AES3. EBU (European Broadcasting Union) & AES (Audio Engineering Society) will develop the signals. This signal type will be sent across the fiber optic, unbalanced RCA, and balanced XLR cable connections. Each cable is used for transmitting two different digital audio channels.
S/PDIF – This is a format referred to as a Sony or Philips Digital Interconnect Format. They are commonly utilized only for consumer-level audio like AES3 consumer-level version, sound audio surrounded transmission, CD players, or Digital Hi-fi.
Tascam Digital Interconnect Format (TDIF) – TDIF is referred to as Tascam Digital Interconnect Format or Interface. This is a D-sub 25-pin connector & an unbalanced connection used for sending 8 digital audio channels across various directions. It is also not required to separate the entire receive & send cables. These TDIF cables are commonly utilized in numerous digital multi-track recorders.
