Balanced Input VS. Unbalanced Input
02-08-2007, 11:27 AM
#1
Balanced Input VS. Unbalanced Input
I was wondering if someone could explain this for me. What exactly is the difference between balanced input and unbalanced input? Also, which is better? advantages / disadvantages. Thanks.
02-08-2007, 11:40 AM
#2
If you go to the soundstream website, lookup a user's manual for one of the discontinued amps like the Reference 1000 or Rubicon series. The users manual describes what the balanced input provides.
I can't remember myself exactly... Although I am running a Soundstream which has the balanced inputs as well.
I can't remember myself exactly... Although I am running a Soundstream which has the balanced inputs as well.
02-08-2007, 12:53 PM
#3
Balanced audio is normally used professionally, TV, Radio Recording Studio's, production etc.
A balanced signal has voltage on both conductors, 180 degrees out of phase.
The amplifier must be built to accept a balanced input. The idea is that any induced noise (AC, Power suplies, flouresent lights) will be canceled out.
Balanced audio cable is usually shielded and the shield is attached to ground at one end only. This is refered to as a drain, the shield is not a ground conductor. Balanced usually uses XLR or 1/4"TRS connectors.
Unbalanced, home or car equipment, consumer grade, is normally small coax, but can be twisted pair. Outter conductor is ground and the center is live.
Usually uses RCA connectors. Not meant to go long distance.
Really good RCA cables are wired "as-if" they were balanced, the idea is to cancel noise.
Really really really good RCA car audio cables are wired "as-if" they were mircophone cables. These are refered to as double-balanced, or star-quad. A twisted pair is used for + and a twisted pair is used for -, the 2 pairs then are twisted again, then it's shielded. sometimes the shield is connected to one RCA, like monster cables, sometimes the shield is left open for you to connect to ground. These are the 100.00 + RCA cables nobody can afford. I made my own.
Real balanced equipment doesn't exist in the car audio world. Most high end amplifiers use what they might call a balanced input, but really its a differential input, to cancel noise.
A balanced signal has voltage on both conductors, 180 degrees out of phase.
The amplifier must be built to accept a balanced input. The idea is that any induced noise (AC, Power suplies, flouresent lights) will be canceled out.
Balanced audio cable is usually shielded and the shield is attached to ground at one end only. This is refered to as a drain, the shield is not a ground conductor. Balanced usually uses XLR or 1/4"TRS connectors.
Unbalanced, home or car equipment, consumer grade, is normally small coax, but can be twisted pair. Outter conductor is ground and the center is live.
Usually uses RCA connectors. Not meant to go long distance.
Really good RCA cables are wired "as-if" they were balanced, the idea is to cancel noise.
Really really really good RCA car audio cables are wired "as-if" they were mircophone cables. These are refered to as double-balanced, or star-quad. A twisted pair is used for + and a twisted pair is used for -, the 2 pairs then are twisted again, then it's shielded. sometimes the shield is connected to one RCA, like monster cables, sometimes the shield is left open for you to connect to ground. These are the 100.00 + RCA cables nobody can afford. I made my own.
Real balanced equipment doesn't exist in the car audio world. Most high end amplifiers use what they might call a balanced input, but really its a differential input, to cancel noise.
Last edited by Tom.F.1; 02-09-2007 at 04:59 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
