Why Aren't Balanced TRS Cables Used on Guitars and Basses?
When it comes to professional audio applications, balanced TRS cables (Tip-Ring-Sleeve cables) are widely used for their ability to reduce noise and interference over long distances. However, they are not typically found in the world of guitars and basses. This article explores the reasons behind this observation, detailing technical, practical, and historical factors that influence this choice.
Impedance Matching
Electric guitars and basses are designed with high-impedance outputs, which are perfectly suited for unbalanced connections such as standard TS (Tip-Sleeve) cables. Using balanced TRS cables in this context can lead to impedance mismatches, potentially affecting the tone and overall sound quality.
Signal Type and Noise Reduction
The output from electric guitars and basses is a single-ended signal, which is unbalanced. This means that they do not inherently benefit from the noise-canceling properties of balanced cables. Balanced connections are most effective for low-level signals, such as those from microphones, over long distances. Since the signals from guitars and basses are generally not low-level, balanced cables provide marginal benefits in these cases.
Simplicity and Tradition
The use of unbalanced TS cables has been the standard in the guitar industry for decades. Musicians are accustomed to this setup, and it simplifies the signal chain. Many guitar effects pedals and amplifiers are designed with unbalanced inputs and outputs, making it easier for musicians to connect their instruments to various devices.
Cable Length and Practical Considerations
Guitars and basses are usually connected to amplifiers or effects pedals over relatively short distances, typically less than 20 feet. The benefits of balanced cables, which are most pronounced in longer runs, are not as significant in these scenarios. Shorter cable lengths mean that the noise and interference reductions provided by balanced cables may not be as noticeable.
Cost and Availability
Unbalanced cables, such as the TS cables, are generally more affordable and widely available than their balanced counterparts, the TRS cables. This makes them a more convenient and cost-effective option for musicians who are looking for a practical solution rather than the most technically advanced one.
In summary, while balanced TRS cables offer advantages in some audio applications, the nature of guitar and bass signals, industry standards, and practical considerations contribute to the preference for unbalanced TS cables in these contexts. The choice of cable, like many aspects of guitar and bass setup, often boils down to tradition and the right sound rather than the absolute best sound.
It is worth noting that the use of balanced cables in guitar and bass setups is not without its supporters. Some musicians and engineers argue that modern cable designs and innovative solutions can mitigate the drawbacks of using unbalanced TS cables. However, for the vast majority, the unbalanced TS cables have held their ground as the preferred choice for decades.
So, if you are a guitar or bass player, rest assured that the choice of unbalanced TS cables aligns with the industry's long-standing traditions, practical considerations, and perhaps even your personal preferences for the 'right sound'.