Audio Theory: Balanced vs Unbalanced

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In this video we are going to learn about the difference between balanced and unbalanced audio.

Unbalanced signal is typically used for line and instrument level audio; while balanced is used for mic level audio and some line level audio. The best rule of thumb is that short signal paths are often unbalanced, but longer paths are always balanced.

Unbalanced Audio is seen most often in consoles, signal processing units, small stereo systems and consumer audio equipment. On stage it's used in guitar and keyboard signal chains where shorter cable lengths are used.

Unbalanced cable consists of one positive lead, surrounded by a ground. The signal travels down the positive lead while the ground absorbs most interference.

Balanced audio is more applicable in professional studios or live venues where longer cable runs are required.

Balanced cables consist of a positive lead, a negative lead, and a ground. The positive and negative leads both carry audio. The negative carries the signal in opposite polarity to the positive lead. Both leads will pick up interference, but since the negative is opposite polarity of the positive, the interference is canceled out. The ground serves as extra protection from unwanted interference.

Balanced is more commonly used in professional applications for several reasons.

First, balanced cable can be run for longer lengths than unbalanced. the preferred cable length for unbalanced is only 10 ft, while the maximum cable length for balanced is 1000 ft.

Second, Balanced cable often has a cleaner signal as the interference is cancelled out.

[ethanflackmusic]

Thanks so much for making these videos. As a worship director it is an incredible resource to me and my teams. You have created such a powerful, yet simple and excellent teaching resource!

[ritwikshivam]

Can tell how did you create that arpeggiation in the background?

[woopygoman]

Can you make a video about balanced DACs and balanced amps?
If there's any sonic benefit to buying balanced gear? Are balanced topologies worth it?
I'm thinking of buying a Schiit Jotunheim because of it's balanced topology.

[alexromancov]

Need to know - its not about wires or plugs.Its about internal construction of euqipment.Its not enought just take TRS pluged cable, and connect all your stuff with it.
Not complete video.

[paozgonz]

What happens with the signal when the polarity of the negative signal is inverted again? I understand why noise is cancelled but the negative signal when is inverted again won't add up with the positive signal? the final signal won't be double in amplitude as they are 2 indentical signals?

[HaharuRecords]

So its possible to use balanced cables connected to a mic on the middle floor of the Buruj Khalifa while Audio engineer is operating the mixer in the ground floor or on the top terrace of the building...

[Rijo]

Question please: can you use a balanced cable on a mono output? Ik use a Roland SPD-SX wit( one cable output to a mixboard more than 10 ft away. Thanks for your explanation, great!

[alstonsam]

i not really understand the 100 feet unbalance and 1000 balance