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digital audio - stereo audio - multichannel audio - balanced audio - subwoofer - speaker - adapters
Balanced Audio Cables
"Balanced" audio interconnects, supported on the best consumer gear, provide superior noise rejection as compared with "unbalanced" (coaxial) interconnects, because they benefit from a phenomenon known as "common mode noise rejection," where outside electrical noise affects both conductors equally and, in effect, cancels itself out. If your gear supports balanced connections, your sound may benefit from making use of them.
The Cable: Belden 1800FOur balanced audio cables are made with Belden 1800F, Belden's best STP (shielded twisted-pair) cable. Belden 1800F provides extremely low capacitance (13 pF/ft), and excellent "french braid" shielding which allows great flexibility without compromising shield coverage. Belden 1800F is an AES/EBU 110 ohm cable, which means it's suited even for the most demanding balanced digital audio applications. At right is a photo showing the construction of this cable. View the Technical Specs for Belden 1800F. |
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The Connectors: Neutrik XLRsMost balanced cables are terminated with XLR connectors; we use the Neutrik XLR connectors with gold-plated pins. The Neutrik is a solid, well-built connector, with a good strain relief to prevent stress on the cable from being transmitted to the solder joints. |
As with all of our products, we offer a complete and unconditional return privilege. If for any reason--or for no reason--you're not completely, utterly satisfied, just return the cables within 30 days and we'll refund your purchase price in full.
Other Alternatives:
Cable: Canare L-4E6S Star Quad
As an alternative to Belden 1800F, we now offer the popular Canare L-4E6S "star quad" balanced audio cable. This cable uses two pairs of conductors in a quad configuration for better common mode noise rejection, surrounded by a full tinned copper braid. The capacitance of the star quad design is higher than for a single-pair cable, but its noise rejection characteristics are excellent.
Other connectors:
In addition to the Neutrik XLR connectors, we also carry 1/4 inch TRS Phone Plugs from Canare; these are intended for use where balanced lines are run in a TRS configuration--not, of course, where the 1/4 inch TRS plug is being used for stereo unbalanced audio. Additionally, we do carry Canare solder-type RCA plugs which can be attached to these cables to make a balanced-to-unbalanced connection; however, since there's no single accepted standard for wiring an XLR-to-RCA cable, we ask that you write to us and let us know what pinout you need before ordering such a cable.
To Order:
Just fill in your cable length in feet in the appropriate form below, select your connector configuration, and click "Calculate" to display the price. To purchase, click "Add to Cart." To see a list of sample prices for common lengths, see our Balanced Audio Price List.
| Belden 1800F Balanced Audio Cable (AES/EBU, low-capacitance, high-flex cable) NOTE: pricing is per cable; if you need pairs, you must order two. | |||||
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| Canare L-4E6S Star Quad Balanced Audio Cable (Higher noise rejection, but with higher capacitance) NOTE: pricing is per cable; if you need pairs, you must order two. | |||||
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