difference between speaker cables and instrument

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Member Since: Dec 18, 2004

what is the difference? will using one in place of the other cause issues? permanent damage?


also what is a "trs" 1/4 inch and should i get that instead if it just means higher quality?

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Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Jan 11, 2005 09:48 pm

Speaker cables are made to carry high current and have less shielding than instrument cables. I would recommend not exchanging them.

TR and TRS come from old telephone switch operaters. TR or Tip Ring is a two conductor cord. TRS or Tip, Ring, Sleve is a three conductor cord. They have different uses per the design of the equipement you are using. TRS is not a statement of better quality.

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Jan 12, 2005 12:41 pm

i've always had the understanding that using a TRS cables with TS jacks, sends a redundant signal 180 degrees outta phase which has noise cancelation properties....i've alwayse tried to use balanced cables in my chain whenever possible. it gets expensive though!! i just spent $70 on cables last night to wire up my patchbay. in any case if you're using TS, try to use the shortest ones you have.

peace

wyd

I am not a crook's head
Member
Since: Mar 14, 2003


Jan 12, 2005 12:55 pm

This is the way I understand it:

TRS cables can carry a balanced signal. However, the redundant signal is a characteristic of balanced jacks, not of the cables themselves. If plugged into an unbalanced jack, a TRS cable will still only carry a signal on 1 conductor, just like it was a TS cable.

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Jan 12, 2005 01:22 pm

i think you might be right there Tadpui, that makes sense to me.

peace

wyd

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jan 12, 2005 10:35 pm

And honestly, the only real reason to use balanced cables when patching is if it is a very noisey environment, lots of AC current, power supplies near it and longer cable runs. All my bays and racks are wired with TS even though they will accept TRS. I have taken the time to insure everything is loomed and away from any noise causing area's. And I have not suffered any extra noise at all.

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