Balanced vs. Unbalanced Outputs
A "balanced" line runs the signal on two wires of opposing polarity, as a
‘twisted pair’ surrounded by a grounded shield. Doing so, it can send a
‘hotter’ signal over a longer distance with less added noise. Using a TRS
(tip-ring-sleeve, sometimes referred to as “stereo”) plug on the 1/4” outputs
of the DMP3 will give you this balanced line—tip positive, ring negative,
and sleeve ground. Generally speaking, if the DMP3 outputs connect to a
system that accepts a balanced line at +4dB (nominal level) operating level,
you should use TRS plugs on the outputs.
An unbalanced line on the DMP3 outputs connects to a 1/4” TS (tip positive,
sleeve ground) plug on a shielded cable with a single conductor, and is
appropriate to use when your sound card or sound system accepts a 1/4” TS
plug, RCA plug, or the right or left mono side of a stereo mini-plug. Typically,
the signal on unbalanced lines has an operating line level of –10dB (nominal
level), though this may vary somewhat.
You may want to consult the user guide of your sound card, recording
device or signal processor, mixer, or sound system if you’re not sure what
type of signal it can accept. If you need to, find a primer on recording or
sound reinforcement to learn more about this and the other subjects
covered in this manual.
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