T/S and T/R/S

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 1:21 pm

Just realized I have been using T/S case to connect Konos to the QSC k10 speakers. QSC allows for T/S cables but the Kronos manual says T/R/S. everything sounds good, has been this way since I bought it and I do not perceive any noise, so what reason would I have for going out and replacing them with T/R/S cables at this time?
Any and all advice welcome.
Thanks Bertotti

kaptainkeyboard · Post by **kaptainkeyboard** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 1:36 pm

Here ye go.....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balanced_audio

T/S cables are unbalanced and are ok for short cable runs, hence the reason ( I guess ) why you don't hear noise and signal loss in your system.

T/R/S cables are balanced are are usually the preferred option in pro setups requiring long cable runs.

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 1:46 pm

Thanks for the link I did understand that but usually the manuals say wether they are accepted and I didn't find any thing saying use them or not just a note about xlr and T/R/S so I wanted to make sure Indidnt miss a reason it was omitted. I wouldn't want to cause any damage to my x61 or be in a position where I could possibly cUse damage as remtely as it might be. Thanks! I will run with what I have. Should be a fun day since I am going to integrate my little hammy mixer and the rp301 and SL 89mk2. I haven't tried this yet!

PianoManChuck · Post by **PianoManChuck** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 1:50 pm

What kaptainkeyboard said!

Basically, TRS adds a ground to the 2-wire connection, and if that ground is "wrapped around" the 2-wire connection in its entirety (the whole length of the cable run), it acts as a shield from any outside electromagnetic interference.

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 1:54 pm

Yep understood thanks!

jeremykeys · Post by **jeremykeys** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 3:25 am

Ir pretty much depends on how log your cables are as far as I know. I don't own any TRS cables so if I have a long run to the mixer I usually us a direct box.

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 4:12 am

My cables are under 20'. I did on e have a noise issue and I went to xlr and that took care of it. I sometimes forget I am not dealing with a a guitar tube head and cab where the cable from the head to cab does make a difference and can cause damage.

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 7:54 am

If you run TRS out to XLR on a mixer you are actually in danger of causing damage, either to the mixer by frying the mic preamp, or to your Kronos by accidentally applying phantom power. Especially smaller mixers have only a universal phantom power switch, so if the singer needs it for her mic...

It totally depends on the application. I've never used a balanced cable in my life on my synths, though of course for most live band venues I use DIs.

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 8:11 am

It wasn't from the mixer it was from an amp line out to te QSC PA. I think that was ok, at least in that case no chance of phantom power. Was it still a bad idea? Someone told me on they er phantom power was only applied to the xlr connection and that the balanced 1/4" trs did not have it applied when turned on. I should double check the specs to be sure! Thanks for reminding me! I a tuly started this thread thinking maybe I should put a couple xlr adopters on the end of my ts cables, completely forgot about phantom power! Thanks!

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 5:12 pm

Should be safe in that situation. I just meant to say one type of cable isn't per definition better than another.

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 5:54 pm

Gotcha! thanks!

firstlovedan · Post by **firstlovedan** » Mon Jul 22, 2013 4:09 am

Ran into a very peculiar problem. I was transferring vocal tracks from my Motif to my Kronos w/ a balanced cable. I kept noticing how 'Thin' my vocals were sounding. I figured it was the Kronos' Pre amp, or A/D converter, and just tried to fix it w/ EQ and other effects. Apparently the Kronos does not have Balanced Inputs. Which to my understanding you can not mix the 2. I used an unbalanced cable, and solved the issue. Hope this helps someone. I was ecstatic at how great it sounded after the switch! It just took another whole day of transferring vocals!

Synthee · Post by **Synthee** » Mon Jul 22, 2013 9:42 am

firstlovedan wrote:Ran into a very peculiar problem. I was transferring vocal tracks from my Motif to my Kronos w/ a balanced cable. I kept noticing how 'Thin' my vocals were sounding. I figured it was the Kronos' Pre amp, or A/D converter, and just tried to fix it w/ EQ and other effects. Apparently the Kronos does not have Balanced Inputs. Which to my understanding you can not mix the 2. I used an unbalanced cable, and solved the issue. Hope this helps someone. I was ecstatic at how great it sounded after the switch! It just took another whole day of transferring vocals!

Kronos has balanced inputs. Its Motif that dont have balanced outputs.

firstlovedan · Post by **firstlovedan** » Tue Jul 23, 2013 4:40 am

Thanks Synthee!

pedro5 · Post by **pedro5** » Tue Jul 23, 2013 6:47 pm

Unbalanced into the Kronos (balanced input) will work without any problems……according to Korg UK. and will accept a TS connection without causing any damage.

I was told this when I asked about connecting a Korg NX5R (unbalanced output) into the Kronos.

Although I did try it successfully,but opted to route the NX5R via a mixer instead,which,in my case, can accept either balanced or unbalanced inputs.
Then use the aux sends(balanced) to the Kronos,using TRS connectors.

My understanding is that it is also acceptable to use unbalanced connections from the Kronos,many do this without any problems.
However,I'm using balanced connections from the Kronos though,via mixer, then onto balanced input monitors,which were part of a recent gear "upgrade" and chose the balanced method just to maintain similar connectivity.

Interesting links….

http://tweakheadz.com/all-about-cables/

http://www.rane.com/note110.html