Audio Wiring Reference¶

Balanced Connections¶

Any of these connectors can appear on either side of a balanced connection.

NOTE: In the case of an XLR connector, the Female attaches to an output, while the Male attaches to an input.

Unbalanced Connections¶

The RCA connector and the 1/4" TS connector are unbalanced connectors, wired with a single strand shielded wire and can be placed on either end of an unbalanced connection.

Unbalanced Connections:¶

Unbalanced out to balanced in¶

The RCA connector and the 1/4" TS connector are unbalanced connectors. However, the wiring differs depending on if they are sending to, or receiving from, a balanced connector.

In this example, the unbalanced connector is sending signal to a balanced connector. When wiring this connection, use a shielded twisted pair cable. The balanced side wires the same as a standard, balanced connection. On the unbalanced side, you wire the white (minus) wire together with the ground. This provides some common mode rejection at the balanced input.

Unbalanced Connections:¶

Balanced out to unbalanced in¶

When the output requires a balanced connector, but the signal being sent is to an unbalanced input, the rules change. Use a single strand shielded wire. Wire only to the plus and ground terminals of what would typically be the balanced connector.