Cables are the most overlooked part of a studio setup. A $2000 microphone into a $100 cable is a $100 recording.

XLR (Balanced)

The professional standard. Three pins carry positive signal, negative signal (phase-inverted), and ground. The balanced design rejects electromagnetic interference over long runs.

**Use for:** Microphones, studio monitors, outboard gear.

TRS (Balanced Stereo or Unbalanced Insert)

Tip-Ring-Sleeve connectors look like headphone jacks. They can carry balanced mono signals or unbalanced stereo signals.

**Use for:** Headphones, line-level gear, inserts on mixers.

TS (Unbalanced)

Tip-Sleeve connectors carry unbalanced mono signals. They are simpler but susceptible to noise over long distances.

**Use for:** Guitar cables, instrument connections, short patch cables.

RCA

Consumer-grade unbalanced connectors. Common on turntables, consumer hi-fi, and some budget interfaces.

**Use for:** Turntables, consumer electronics, S/PDIF coaxial (digital).

Avoiding Noise

1. Keep power cables away from audio cables
2. Use balanced cables for runs longer than 6 feet
3. Do not coil excess cable near power supplies
4. Ground lift switches are a band-aid — fix the actual ground problem

The Bottom Line

Buy the best cables you can afford. Mogami, Canare, and Sommer are safe bets. A good cable lasts decades.