Instrument & XLR Cables

Two cable types come up constantly around guitar playing and recording. A standard 1/4-inch instrument (TS) cable carries an unbalanced signal and is the cable used to connect a guitar to an amp, a pedal to another pedal, or a guitar to an audio interface's instrument input. An XLR cable carries a balanced microphone-level signal and is used to connect a microphone to a mixer, audio interface, or PA system — for example, running a dynamic mic that's been placed in front of a guitar amp back to a recording interface. Using the wrong cable type, or a poor-quality one, is a common source of hum, noise, and signal loss.

Types

• 1/4-inch instrument (TS) cable — unbalanced, used for guitar-to-amp, pedal-to-pedal, and guitar-to-interface connections.
• XLR cable — balanced, three-pin connector, used for microphones and other professional line-level connections; more resistant to noise over long cable runs.
• 1/4-inch TRS cable — looks similar to a TS instrument cable but carries a balanced or stereo signal, used for connecting studio monitors, headphones, or certain interface outputs.

How to use it

1. Use a 1/4-inch instrument cable for guitar-to-amp and pedal-to-pedal connections, keeping cable runs as short as practical to minimize signal loss and noise.
2. Use an XLR cable to connect any microphone to a mixer or interface's XLR input.
3. Keep cables coiled loosely (not tightly wound) when storing, and avoid running instrument cables parallel to power cables, which can induce hum.

Care

Inspect cables periodically for fraying, loose plugs, or intermittent connections, which are common causes of crackling or dropped signal. Store coiled in a bag or case rather than left tangled, and avoid yanking cables out by the cord instead of the plug.