Audio & Music Production

Balanced / Unbalanced

Japanese name
バランス接続/アンバランス接続

A balanced connection uses two signal conductors so that noise picked up along the way is easy to cancel. An unbalanced connection has a simpler structure and is widely used for short cable runs.

The basic idea

Balanced connections have the advantage over long distances and in noisy places. Also check that the gear at both ends supports it.

What to check when you use it

XLR or TRS does not automatically mean balanced, so look at the specifications of the gear and not only at the connector.

TS cables are generally unbalanced, and XLR is commonly used for balanced connections.

Sources & review

Last reviewed July 16, 2026

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