Sound Engineering Explained, 2nd Edition

8   Sound mixers

Part 2

Inputs and connections

In dealing with the inputs to a mixer, or indeed any other connections, we must make clear a most important distinction which exists between professional and non-professional sound equipment: professional equipment invariably makes use of what is termed balanced wiring for connections between different items. Domestic equipment, on the other hand, almost always uses unbalanced wiring. Semi-professional systems may use either or both.

In balanced wiring there are three conductors: two carry the audio signal and one is for an earth connection, the latter often being in the form of a ‘screen’ of braiding. Care is taken to ensure that the two signal wires are as similar as possible to each other in electrical ...