What’s the difference between a TS cable and TRS cable?
TS stands for tip-sleeve and TRS stands for tip-ring-sleeve (see picture below).
TS (left) and TRS (right) cable, click to explore.
TS cables are generally used for mono, unbalanced signals. These are most commonly used with electric guitars.
TRS cables can be used for mono, balanced signals as well as stereo signals.
- An example of a mono, balanced signal would be the line in or out from your audio interface.
An example of a stereo signal would be what your headphones receive when you plug them into any headphone jack.
Helpful Links
What is the difference between balanced or unbalanced?
What’s the difference between Mic, Instrument, Line, and Speaker level signals?
How do you wire an XLR for a Balanced signal?
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