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Collaboration, Voice & AV · Foundational

Balanced Audio

Audio transmission using two signal conductors of opposite polarity plus a shield, allowing noise rejection at a differential input.

Definition

Noise induced equally on both conductors (common-mode noise) is canceled by the differential receiver, a property called common-mode rejection. Balanced lines use XLR or TRS connectors and allow long cable runs at mic and line levels. On XLR, pin 1 is shield/ground, pin 2 is hot (+) and pin 3 is cold (-).

Example

A 50 m balanced XLR microphone run remains quiet even alongside lighting cable.

Exam tip

Know XLR pinout: 1 ground, 2 hot, 3 cold. Balanced lines reject common-mode noise.

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