Cable to link components

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PROGRAMR

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This might be a stupid question but what type of cable should be used to connect various rack components (e.g. Mixer to Eq to power amp)? I understand the concept of balanced versus unbalanced where balanced (XLR) is the preferred method but if one uses a 1/4" cable what type (speaker / instrument) should be used?

Thank You as always!
 
Balanced (TRS) 1/4" cables are the best for that. Some components require using unbalanced, but not many. In some instances, using a TRS 1/4" cable in an unbalanced input/output won't work - like an insert jack from a mixer (TRS) going to an unbalanced input in an effect box. TRS uses 3 wires (Tip/Ring/Sleeve - it's essentially an XLR cable in a 1/4" form), and using it as an insert cable means that one wire is send, one wire is return, and the third is ground. If eveything doesn't line up, it won't work. But when it's balanced to balanced, it gives you higher quality signal.

Generally, the devices you're using will tell you by the jack which type of connection it is.

Avoid using speaker cables for anything other than speakers. They're designed for much higher voltages than what mixers/rack equipment will put out.
 
PROGRAMR said:
This might be a stupid question but what type of cable should be used to connect various rack components (e.g. Mixer to Eq to power amp)? I understand the concept of balanced versus unbalanced where balanced (XLR) is the preferred method but if one uses a 1/4" cable what type (speaker / instrument) should be used?

Thank You as always!
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There are no stupid questions... only stupid people :D

XLR vs. 1/4" is not a question of balanced vs. unbalanced... either can be both... Cables need to be selected specifically for the devices they are connecting... sometimes it will be balanced to balanced XLR to XLR; some will be balanced on both sides but connectors will be XLR to 1/4". In some odd cases you can actually have a unit with unbalanced XLR connections.

Even a balanced to unbalanced cable will not work for all devices. Some require different pin connections/combininations, some a ground lift, others not...

Not really a question that can be answered in one global statement... You've got to read the manual, undestand the siganl levels, and the individual interfaces...
 
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