[SoundGoon]

What makes a cables "balanced"? I have some microphon cable that I am using to made some pa cables for a friend and the cable says that it is shilded (I know what that means) and balanced, and I am wondering what it means by Balanced and what makers it that way. Thanks

 

[blip]

Basically a non-balanced cable has two conductors/channel: signal & ground (often the shield)

A balanced cable, on the other hand, has three conductors/channel: +signal, -signal & ground (which can be the shield)

By splitting the signal into out of phase +/- components you allow for much higher resistance to EMI, RFI etc. and also gain a few other benefits.

Here is a fuller explanation: http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/balanced.htm

Anyway, if you are making a balanced cable (single channel I assume) you will probably be terminating it with a 3-pin XLR but check with your friend to make sure.

 

[SoundGoon]

Thanks for the help and info Blip