Do studio monitors require balanced audio cables? There are some audio interfaces that will only accept one balanced audio cable of any specified length. These audio interfaces will usually need an additional RCA cable to send the sound from the interface to the monitor.
There are also studio monitors that use line in-line outputs and these will also require a balanced audio cable to be used with a microphone or amplifier that is connected to the front of the monitor. Some amplifiers have pre-outs that will accept only balanced audio signals; this is especially true for studio monitors that are connected to multiple output devices, such as tape machines, record and playback machines and mixers.
Do all signal sources require balanced cables? A basic guideline to remember when designing a recording or music set up is that you always want a minimum of three conductors (two conductors for the left and right channels and a single conductor for the ground) transmitting the signal from their source to your monitor. In general, most common types of recording equipment will have three conductors for the left, center and right channels. Some microphones will have three conductors, whereas others will have two. It may be necessary to add additional wiring if your system has a microphone that operates without a ground wire.
How does the presence of an earth wire affects the use of balanced cables? Earth wires are not used for any purpose other than to prevent interference. Interference occurs when two or more signals traveling in the same path produce a frequency difference that is audible. Interference can occur with unbalanced cables because the earth wire acts as a barrier to reduce the strength of electric fields from power lines and telephone lines. The presence of a ground wire reduces the potential interference from other sources, but if the earth wire is connected incorrectly, then it can introduce some unwanted interference.
Is it possible to install balanced cables over a coaxial line? This is not usually possible, although some manufacturers have created a special unbalanced cable that can be installed over a coaxial line. However, this option is rather costly and may not be within the price range of many home audio enthusiasts. If coaxial lines are to be used, then it is usually a better idea to replace the balanced cable with an unbalanced cable.
How do I connect my headphones to my monitor? Most home audio systems allow the use of standard headphones or microphones without any connection to the monitor. It is generally recommended that the headphones are connected using RCA connectors. When connecting the cables to the monitor, make sure that the audio cables have been disconnected from the headphone and the plugs have been placed into the ground. Then place the trs plugs into the appropriate holes on the back of the monitor.
Can I use headphones to output sound through speakers? Sometimes, it can be quite difficult to place speakers correctly around an electronic device. This can make it difficult to get a clear sound when using headphones. In these situations, it is usually recommended that the unbalanced audio outputs are connected directly to speakers via RCA connections.
