speaker or instrument cable (line level, unbalanced)

[notbradsohner]

ok, so, i am going from my dmp3 preamp to my mixer, via the 1/4 inch outputs. So are these line level, or unbalanced, and what kind of cable do i use. speaker or instrument.

what are some other exemples of line level sources, and what are some unbalanced and balanced things.

ahhhh im so confused

 

[Massive Master]

Unbalanced - 1/4" TS (Tip, Sleeve) Typically line level
Balanced - 1/4" TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) Typically line level

XLR is balanced except the pins represent the TR & S, and is typically mic level

Speaker cable is a whole other game - Non-shielded, speaker level (signal that would roast many non-protected circuits). Typically, "Speak-On" (NL2, NL4), 1/4" TS, banana plug or bare wire.

Basically, you want TRS 1/4" unless your mixer doesn't support it.

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com

 

[Alex W]

Also note that standard instrument cable (e.g., guitar cable) is not a TRS cable.

 

[Track Rat]

Just to amplify D I couldn't resist ) on the Massive answer, instrument level is much lower than line level (and a much higher impedence too).