Balanced and unbalanced audio signals by Ric Ording

All leads are prone to Radio Frequency, or RF, interference from electromagnetic radiation, caused by radio waves, adjacent electronic circuits and devices, and even the suns rays. This is because they can behave like antennas. Also, cables have a property called resistance, which is like friction to an electrical signal, causing signals to lose some of their energy, particularly high frequencies. The longer the lead is, the more problematic these issues become.

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Unbalanced

The unbalanced lead employs a cable with two wires, an inner insulated Live wire which is surrounded by a braided Earth wire which is itself protected by an outer insulation. The audio is sent down the Live wire. The Earth wire shields the Live wire from unwanted radio wave interference.

The Live wire may also be referred to as ...

Send
Positive
Hot

The Earth wire may also be referred to as ...

Screen
Shield
Sleeve
Ground

The unbalanced lead has 3 disadvantages ...

If the lead is too long the earth will be unable to stop some interference getting into the audio wire.
If the lead is too long there will be a certain amount of audio signal loss mainly in the higher frequencies.
It cannot carry Phantom Power.

For these reasons, the unbalanced lead is unsuitable for carrying Mic level signals which are quiet/weak and need extra protection.

In the studio the mono unbalanced lead terminates in 1 of 2 primary types of connector ...

1. Phono plugs

phono plug

Note: A connector of this type can also be used to carry 2 channels of unbalanced SPDIF digital audio.

2. 1/4" (mono) jack plugs

jack plugs

Balanced

The balanced lead carries a "professional" quality signal and employs a cable with three wires. These are Live, Return and Earth. The audio is sent down the Live wire and is returned through the Return wire. The Earth wire just shields the Live and Return wires from unwanted radio wave interference.

The Return wire may also be referred to as ...

Negative
Cold

The balanced lead has 3 advantages ...

In long leads high frequency audio loss is reduced.
Interference from radio waves is completely eliminated in leads of all lengths.
A balanced lead can carry Phantom Power to a microphone or D.I. (Direct Injection) box.

In the studio, the mono balanced lead terminates with 1 of 4 primary types of connector ...