Balanced TRS vs XLR

mipearson · 1st March 2007

I've always secretely wondered this.

Is there any audio quality difference when using balanced TRS instead of XLR?

I mean, they're both balanced connections, right?

Kiwiburger · 1st March 2007

They do the same thing (3 wire connector). TRS is cheap and uses less real estate. XLR is more sturdy and should last longer. But as long as they make a good connection, the sound quality is the same. Keep them clean with contact cleaner and you should be right.

tINY · 1st March 2007

Always use the XLRs on mic connections. TRS can do really bad things when plugged with phantom power on.....

-tINY

Sid Viscous · 1st March 2007

XLR is a better connection, but I have to wonder how much difference it makes.

dementedchord · 1st March 2007

assuming that it's a solid connection ABSOLUTELY... no diff... as was mentioned watch out for phantom power if your setting up a patch bay for instance...

1st March 2007	#1
mipearson Gear interested Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 24 Thread Starter	Balanced TRS vs XLR I've always secretely wondered this. Is there any audio quality difference when using balanced TRS instead of XLR? I mean, they're both balanced connections, right?

1st March 2007	#2
Kiwiburger Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,075	They do the same thing (3 wire connector). TRS is cheap and uses less real estate. XLR is more sturdy and should last longer. But as long as they make a good connection, the sound quality is the same. Keep them clean with contact cleaner and you should be right. __________________ My carbon footprint is bigger than yours.

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tINY Gear Guru Joined: Jul 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 10,233	Always use the XLRs on mic connections. TRS can do really bad things when plugged with phantom power on..... -tINY

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Sid Viscous Gear Guru Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 15,878	XLR is a better connection, but I have to wonder how much difference it makes.

1st March 2007	#5
dementedchord Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 885	assuming that it's a solid connection ABSOLUTELY... no diff... as was mentioned watch out for phantom power if your setting up a patch bay for instance...