What is an Unbalanced Audio?

Unbalanced audio is a method of transmitting an audio signal using two conductors: a signal wire and a ground wire. The signal travels through the signal conductor while the ground provides a reference and shielding.

Because unbalanced connections carry only a single signal path, they are more susceptible to noise, interference, and signal degradation, especially over longer cable distances. Electrical interference from nearby equipment or power sources can sometimes be introduced into the signal.

Unbalanced audio connections are commonly found in consumer audio equipment, instruments such as electric guitars, and short cable runs. Typical connectors used for unbalanced signals include TS (tip-sleeve) instrument cables and RCA connectors.