Balanced vs Unbalanced Cables: Everything You Need To Know!

So many people don't understand what balanced cables are, why you would need them, their advantages, and how to work with both balanced and unbalanced cables, synths and gear together in your studio or on stage. I explain the theory behind them, how and why they work, and how to use them - and how I go about integrating unbalanced gear into my balanced studio.

0:00 Intro
0:54 Electrical Signals
2:19 Induced Noise on Wires
3:01 Power Wire Noise
4:17 The Right Angle Rule
4:47 How Balanced Cables Reject Noise
9:30 Ground Loops
10:57 Mixing Balanced and Unbalanced

#Balanced #Unbalanced #Cables

[AFoxinSpace]

Gosh, never knew any of this. I've been dealing with a lot of noise and "coil hum" from my computer when using my analog synths on a USB audio interface, with unbalanced guitar cables, of course. Thank you for the helpful video. Bought a pair of the cables earlier today, and the noise is 100% gone, even at really high gain.

[MatsueMusic]

Very much the best explaination of Balanced, Unbalanced, what cable to use when, and even some "leveling up" tips.

[wisteela]

Fantastic. Very informative. I'd not thought about the transformer effect before.

[SittingDucksBand]

Nice Scott - the tip about the ground loop from different sockets is something I'd never thought of.

[Ribbonium]

Another great video, Scott. You are an excellent teacher and I am happily learning things from you. Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your knowledge.

[unclejerrysworld]

You're an amazing teacher Scott and I, like many others I see commenting here really do appreciate the time you take to explain things in a way that's really easy to remember! I'm glad to say I am currently ordering all balanced cables for my new synth home studio.... I have learned so much from your videos and in many cases you confirmed my personal research as I planned my studio (I like to call it my retirement Man Cave even though I'm not married anymore!! LOL!!) You always take the time to respond and help... and I will tell you... it sure is appreciated by many!!! Thank you again!

[annother]

'Unbalanced Jack' used to be a wayward cartoon character in a UK music magazine

[disjunction-rzgr]

First time viewer - love the intro, great info. Thanks.

[Klausm]

I used the very same trick with an unbalanced output rewired to balanced inputs on a Yamaha MX49 where the noise is introduced by the ground from the USB connection to the PC. Works like a charm.⚡In the early days I used to tape off the ground connection on the power plugs but that is somewhat illegal and may be dangerous to your health. 😵

[Steady]

Than you for this clear explanation. It's the best thing i've found on the subject. Great video.

[TherasiaGeorion]

I learn so much from these videos. Thank you so much Scott. You're a great teacher.

[Jobotubular]

nice - especially appreciate the wiring diagrams, showing what you were talking about

[K.Reimann]

I really had trouble understanding the whole balanced/unbalanced thing.
You did a great job of explaining in a video how the whole thing works and what I have to do in which case.
For me it's also about connecting various synthesizers to a Behringer x32 (as seen in your video)

Thank you for the explanation. Video is liked and i subscribed to your channel
Greetings from Germany
Kurt

[craigturb]

Thank you Scott. Wonderfully informative video - I have been meaning to sort out my cables for some time, so this is exactly what I was looking for. I even heard a radio show coming through my headphones the other day, so something is definitely not right! 😀

[Geepstar]

Ok. Thanks Scott. Now I have to re-organize my studio. Haha. Oh no. I use balanced cables mainly. But now I know why. 🥳

[Miicrowahvei]

Thank you for very clear explanation and mentioning the DI box!

[odmusicman]

Excellent Scott. Despite our comfort in our knowledge, it is always important to review as life in music trends to pull us away from remembering important fundamentals. It is why certain important professions make you re-certify your skills regularly. Joe

[MemoGrafix]

Great Explanation. I am considering simply switching out all of My TRS Cables to Balanced.
I was wondering if I could make do with both or not. So far I don't have issues with distortion/humming but I figured I will at some point. I don't have as much equipment as You, but it is growing.

[stitchmywoundz]

thankyou so much for explaining this so well! Fascinating and very useful info!

[nelsonclark]

Thanks, Scott, very informative and helpful! So many of us do not know all this but we should!
Naclark Philadelphia