7
Plug and connection assignment
This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable
equipment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is ensured.
Please note these advices, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated:
Even if a plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed
power amp, a short circuit or ‘just’ in poor transmission quality!
Unbalanced transmission is mainly used in semi-professional environment and in hifi
use. Instrument cables with two conductors (one core plus shielding) are typical rep-
resentatives of the unbalanced transmission. One conductor is ground and shielding
while the signal is transmitted through the core.
Unbalanced transmission is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, especially at
low levels, such as microphone signals and when using long cables.
In a professional environment, therefore, the balanced transmission is preferred,
because this enables an undisturbed transmission of signals over long distances. In
addition to the conductors ‘Ground’ and ‘Signal’, in a balanced transmission a second
core is added. This also transfers the signal, but phase-shifted by 180°.
Since the interference affects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase-shifted
signals, the interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result is a pure signal
without any noise interference.
1
Signal
2
Ground, shielding
1
Signal (in phase, +)
2
Signal (out of phase, –)
3
Ground
1
Signal (left)
2
Signal (right)
3
Ground
Introduction
Balanced and unbalanced transmis-
sion
1/4" TS phone plug (mono, unbal-
anced)
1/4" TRS phone plug (mono, bal-
anced)
1/4" TRS phone plug (stereo, unbal-
anced)
Plug and connection assignment
mixer
20
