XLR vs TRS | Which Cable is for Pro Filmmakers?
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 2. 11. 2020
- On this episode of Sound 101, Andrew tackles a big time question on the film set. Is XLR or TRS more PRO? There's lots of myths and misconceptions to sort through when it comes to which cable is for pro filmmakers. Some think that XLR is more pro than 3.5mm by default and it is not always the case. This should help you discern when XLR is better than TRS.
Andrew explains the difference between XLR and TRS cables in terms of usage and design, as well as nuances between the different types. He also explains the difference between TS, TRS and TRRS connectors. 3.5mm is not always worse than XLR. People always wonder which cable has the best audio quality, if XLR is better than TRS, and this should help explain it.
We also tackle questions about what it means if a cable is balanced or unbalanced and how cable shielding works. If you have any more questions about TRS vs XLR cables, ask us in the comments below.
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Summary:
Deity Microphones produces weekly digital web content to help filmmakers and sound mixers grow in their education. Deity Microphones shares this free web series in hopes that the next generation of filmmakers grows in their video production quality and changes the world.
Deity Microphones produces free educational web content to help filmmakers, vloggers, sound mixers and sound designers grow as creatives and take their production quality (be it independent, TV, or studio) to the next level. Deity Microphones believes that budget should never be a constraint to creativity.
In the spirit of life-long learning, I was going back and trying to learn more about cabling (XLR vs. TRS, etc.) as Iâm rewiring my guitar rack. I learned a lot from your video!
I have been in the pro video/TV business since 1983! I knew this... but your explanation was quite simply the best explanation I've ever seen. Fantastic! And it's clear you know what you are talking about. Although the cuts from head-on to side shots might have been edits... or the edits might have been covered by the graphics/animation... thanks for not jump cutting the crap out of a great video. Being old -- and understanding how to use jump cuts correctly -- your video flows, unlike so many what jump cut every other sentence. Smooth. High energy. Good information. And the shotgun (?) sounded great. The S-Mic 2 is on my shortlist of new mics I might purchase. Thanks again!
Thank you! A lot of new users end up expertly using all this gear but don't always know exactly how everything works, so hopefully we can help a bit here and there. Glad you enjoyed it.
This is brilliant. I have a little over a year in broadcast and clearly articulated descriptions of audio equipment are really valuable. I subscribed because of Kai W. Thank you!
Always good to hear that the more tedious information is still appreciated!
Awesome video! This explained EVERYTHING I needed to know. You saved me from rewiring my Rode shotgun mic with an XLR plug and sticking it into a TASCAM 70D recorder. You have a new sub.
#Tip:
Do not try to connect Wireless GO to BMPCC4K via MiniXLR while turning on phantom power. It'll fry. Been there, done that.
Is it worth using if you turn off phantom power in camera? Also leave a link to XLR if you could :)
@@danielkeegan7238 Didnt work either ways. Kondor Blue or sth like that.
Great video and you explained these differences well!
I would have liked to see short summary of different mics in this video, though. There are 3 different mic classes and 2 of those need phantom voltage or bias voltage:
- Condenser microphone: requires 48 V phantom voltage to work, uses XLR
- Electret microphones: requires 5V bias voltage, may work with voltage in range 1-10 V, uses some more or less random connector
- Dynamic microphones: doesn't require any voltage for input, uses 3.5 mm TS connector or 6.35 mm (1/4") TS plug (sometimes called instrument plug, too).
Dynamic microphones are most compatible but those usually have really really low signal strength so the noise level usually gets pretty high because you have to use a lot of amplification.
Surprisingly many still think that only dynamic or condecser microphones exist and they totally ignore the electret microphones.
Great video !
One thing we ran into interference wise being one a different power source while connected to lets say DIT or video playback then the power they are on. not to mention other dangers to that
Great video, simple to follow.
Perfect explanation thanks!!
Wow! Thank you so much for this! These cables have changed my life!!!
An awesome video as per usual, Andrew. đ đ đ
Cheers to you, my man! đ»
Thank you for such a nice explanation !
We've recently switched out all our XLR cables and replaced them with Cat6 for our conference delivery. We had been getting significant interference (which turned out to be because of the awkward routing, not the cables themselves) but since changing to Cat6 we can run the cables as long as we want, plus we dont need to worry about cables crossing each other and we (so far at least) had no issues. The XLR to Cat6 adapters just plug straight into the mics/recorders at each end of the cables and away we go. They even deliver Phantom power so we can keep using the awesome S-Mic 2s mics we already had.
Ethernet cables are omnipotential. They can work as audio cables, video cables, data cables, control cables, and sometimes even power cables (PoE application)
what specific adapter is that? is it passive device? I imagine it's just connected to one of the 4 pairs and the shilding is used as groud?
Thanks for this. I do pro sound work (three Emmies). The advantage of XLR cables is that they cut interference on long cable runs, but since everything is wireless these days it's not an issue, and many audio engineers will tell you the cleanest signal is passed by a short length of unbalanced cable.
I also did expeditionary work, where compact and durable is critical, and so I often used TRS. I spent a year in the Philippine rain forest shooting a doc with mini-plug super cardioids and wireless lavs, split into two stereo channels, with no problems and excellent audio quality.
Shooting a doc? Buy a splitter for the 1/8" jack, mount a super cardioid and a wireless receiver on top of your rig, turn on the auto gain circuits (no, they are EXCELLENT and have been for decades) and go shoot!
Very well explained, as always.
Another video said the XLR is made to be ALWAYS used with balanced inputs/outputs , this is not always the case with TRS.
Golden info and advices, thank you!
The thing that most people don't get is that the cables simply have a certain number of separate wires inside that can be used any way that a device maker wants. So when we say the tip is the hot, it doesn't mean that it can't be used in another way. Being the hot is only the standard. It is vital to understand that as step one in ones goal of fully understanding cabling concepts. It is confusing and not really right t call a cable balanced. It is the signal that is balanced or not. In order to have a balanced signal, you need 3 wires in the cable, and the mic and the preamp has to deal with the signal as a balanced signal. So everything has to work together in order to have a balanced signal. XLR cables are typically used, but it's the number of wires and knowing which wire has what that is the important thing to the system. I have a cable with an XLR plug at one end and a TRS on the other. It works as long as The mic and the preamp sends and re wives to the proper connector wire inside the cable. Thanks for your video. It's very hard to get this concept across to others . I think that most seasoned users of balanced equipment know why balanced is better but not exactly what's going on with the signal. They sort of know, but not really. Sorry for the long comment.
This is an amazing video! Thank you, thank you.
Very educational. Much appreciated.
Just found your channel. So much good info here đ
Lots of thanks for the best explanation on the issue, indeed.
fantastic video! thank you!
Hi! What kind of adapter should I use if I want to connect my VLav to a mixer or recorder with an XLR connector? Wasnât 100% whether it should be the Rode VXLR+ or VXLR (for example). Thanks!
Wow that's a lot of good information in a small video. Great stuff!!!
Glad we aren't boring anyone with this episode đ
Thanks for the video ! I have one question, but who has nothing to do with this video. Whatâs for you the best battery mark ? Thanks you so much.
I don't know how come this channel does not have 1 mil subscribers.
Thanks for this! Cheap cables also introduce hissđ€Šđ»ââïž
Great Video! Which cable brand do you recommend? Thx
Really interesting video! I'm really lucky to have not damaged my recent V-Mic D3 Pro because I connected it to a phantom powered sound card with a TRS 3.5mm to XLR cable (that was before watching this video). I usually use it for my DLSR but I also wanted to do some recording in my home studio.
I finally found a place with the D-XLR adapter in stock and I hope to receive it soon (I didn't know that adapter had active circuitry to translate voltage levels).
I have two questions:
* Is D3 Pro protected against a phantom powered jack? The mic is still working perfectly. We I connected to the phantom powered sound card the green led was turned on and I was able to record sound but with a lot of noise background.
* Is there any reason why the mic doesn't turn on with its internal battery when is connected with the phantom power off? I guess it is due to the auto-poweroff feature but I'm wondering if there is a way to force it to turn it on.
Thank you very much.
Wow, I didn't glaze over once. Thanks Andrew! :)
Awesome video like always. And I think that shotgun mic which is on the boom arm is there just as a prop. It's is not used for sound. Because ther is literally no bump noise when bump your hand into it. I may be wrong. đ
No, that's the mic I'm using. The Rycote shockmount is absorbing all the bumps.
great video
It's also good to mention cable shielding allows for longer cable runs. TRS cables, even well-shielded ones, can only run about 25ft continuously until they are subject to interference, while XLR can stretch several hundred feet if needed. Great video otherwise.
what about balanced TRS cables?
@@MrFrambooise balanced just means it does mono rather that stereo i believe (stereo being unbalanced).
Shotgun question: I record voice overs and use an old shotgun mic for some video productions. I had read that for boom mics it's preferred to point the mic at the solar plexis of the person talking. Is it the same for VO or should the talent speak directly into the mic (end)? Thanks in advance. #mailbag
Hi how would I be able to check my cables for any shorts.
Wiggle them 1ft at a time and if the audio cuts out thats where the short is. They typically happen within the first 2ft of cable by either connector.
So for example, when you use a Focusrite Scarlett audio interface, or Zoom H4n Pro, or iZotope Spire Studio, it has those XLR and TRS phone sockets. So do those sockets assume when you plug in XLR, it is balanced mono, and when you plug in TRS, it is unbalanced stereo? (although, theoretically, XLR can be stereo unbalanced, and TRS can be balanced mono, if both sides of the devices use it as such)
XLR: 1Ground, 2 is Left (Usually red), 3 is Right (Usually white)
TRS: Tip is Left (red), Ring is Right (white), Shield.
Is a full XLR cable better for a scarlett 2i2 3gen, or a XLR to TRS? and what is the difference between these two in relation to the scarlett 2i2? thanks.
Mic ports are mono, if you want to convert mic 6.35mm connector to 3.5mm audio Jack, then connect hot wire to the tip (left channel) and bridge ground and right channel together. Now you have a mono 3.5mm audio jack, but with 2 rings
#mailbag question: What is the best cheap audio solution for filming myself(under $50)? I would be moving around a lot, so I can't use a boom. What would you recommend?
Shotgun mic?
Reeeeally long LAV?
On camera mic(*terrified gasping noises*)?
#Mailbag: Any tips on how to best record extreme action scenes via wireless and boom? what mics should you use?
Nice explanation thanks!
I was thinking that TRS cable could be a balanced signal (mono) as XLR cable. And that the TRS are unbalanced when there is a stereo signal. Is that right or wrong ?
Of course.
Tip = XLR pin 2 (hot/plus), Ring = XLR pin 3 (cold/minus), Sleeve = XLR pin 1(ground) Is a balanced signal, as long as the devices used is balanced.
It was explained in the video that the Ring = XLR pin 3 is return, well, only when used as insert cables (not balanced, and in mono). But the presenter didn't say insert-cable.
Used as a straight balanced cable, the Ring / XLR Pin 3 (Cold/minus) works as a equal signal as Tip / XLR Pin 2, but phased 180 degrees. This cancels out noise, hence why longer distances when balanced can be used. I find the signal much hotter and purer, but it is due to the cancellation and electronics provided to do so.
#mailbag Learning a lot about audio cables! I had no idea about the differences
#mailbag question:
How do different mics work for unintended situations? Is a shotgun mic or lav mic okay for voiceovers? Can I use a voiceover/podcast mic on a boom pole?
Would that work, and why?
#mailbag question. What is the essential equipment for foley recording? And what is the lowest price for some basic setup?
Hi deity team. We were shooting the other day a scene with our current Deity d3 pro connected directly to our sony a7iv and we got tons of awfuk interference while an interview. But it was in the fields, outside city.
Do you know why was that?
And how to prevent it?
Do I need an xlr microphone to not having interference?
I know guitar center and other music stores sell branded xlr cables to their company that carry a lifetime guarantee. The CSR said they look for their store brand on the cables and if they go out for any reason you don't need a receipt they are always replaced with a brand new cable. Do you recommend these cables for Location sound or sound department in film?
Love your content! I was just doing a shoot this weekend with a V-mic and a Pocket 4k. I was not sure if I was better off converting the mic to XLR (with the Deity D-XLR) to run into the camera XLR, or just running a TRS cable to the camera TRS input. I ended up just using the TRS to TRS and it sounded great. I did have my other cables on standby just in case.
I do have a question about cables. Where can I get Deity yellow small coiled TRS to TRS cables? The Pocket 4k does not play well with TRRS cables and the last thing I want to do is plug a red coiled cable into my Deity mic. A Deity yellow XLR cable would be nice too, but I do see those available on Amzon.
Use a TRS to TRS cable with your Pocket 4K. As for the yellow cable, coming soon as a separately sold item.
I probably missed this, but what is the brand of the TRS cable you recommend?
#Mailbag Here's a followup question to this topic - I've been using a Rode (sorry) Video Micro as a boom mic by using an adapter to convert from TRS to XLR, and run that into my audio interface into Adobe Audition. Now that it's been made clear that there's actually a bunch of differences between the two cable types, are there any problems I should be aware of with a setup like this?
I should really just get a V-Mic shouldn't I...
ty sir
which is better for studio monitor?
Which is better 6.5mm or XLR in terms of sound quality and sound volume for instrument at live concert ?
great vid! i saw you used a device next to the cable to check for shielding. what is it, and do you recommend getting one to test the integrity of a cable? p.s. love your v.lavs!
I'm having audio feedback in my KRK 4 Studio Monitors whenever my computer is handling huge loads. My Studio Monitors (2) are plugged into my sub with TRS cables, the kind that only has 1 black line around it, not so expensive cables either. Whenever I'm on my editing software scrolling with the playhead I'll hear static, and during renders I will hear static. My KRK sub is the S10. Other than that, I don't have any feedback when doing anything else on my computer.
8:45 Was that lightning outside the window or someone using a flash?
sun's reflection in car windows driving by our studio
or the paparazzi setting on a 120D mkII... who could say đ
Hi! Awesome vid! Ok, Iâm a complete sound-rookie and was hoping you could help me understand the difference between XLR and 3.5mm mics. Does one sound better than the other? Or does the whole advantage of XLR resides on the cables (more reliable, less interference) and not on the microphones themselves? Or am I missing something? If that was the case though, and if I happen to be someone who preferred to keep things simple and not to buy one of each⊠Couldnât I get the best of both worlds by buying a 3.5mm mic (which tend to be more versatile, like the D3 Pro) and just use your 3.5mm to XLR converter when I needed the reliability of an XLR cable?
The problem is that if microphone require phantom power then it's simply not gonna work, technically it's not a problem to use trs the same way as xlr but it's "illegal" move, typically TRS devices is not expecting 48V phatom power so gotta be careful.
Which of the two would be more reliable for a vocalist.
i don't know if you say that in the video I didn't watch all the video. But they're used for different usage
Are there any quality issues other that interference between 1/8â and 1/4â jacks? I ask because of a karaoke machine we just upgraded to for better speaker quality but it only has 1/8â auxiliary and USB input but no 1/4â microphone input. I want a wireless mic if that matters. Itâs just hard to find answers about this without an engineering degree.
#Mailbag What would be the best way to use a 3.5mm TRS mic with an XLR interface/recorder?
Bonus: what brand cables do you use in these videos?
#mailbag Good one! How to record an interview with 2 talents (3 people total) with 2 shotgun mics if you don't have LAV's at that time? What is the best way to position mics? Also considering that one has a great sensitivity (Rode NTG 5) and the other one doesn't (Sony ECM-XM1). Thank you!
#mailbag : what are the key differences between recording audio to an audio recorder like the zoom f4 compared to recording audio to a phone if the audio source is only a TRRS connector.
#mailbag : Would daisy chaining shorter XLR or even TRS cables risk introducing more noise even for say a 20 ft run?
(I'm asking as I have a few shorter cables but I'm planning on needing longer lengths for a setup soon and wonder if I should invest or just make it work)
2 years late response, but I think there should be no noticeable difference if the XLR couplings have metal housing, if the cables are twisted inside, then you are losing some interference protection, but I wouldn't care about that much. Probably more important is not run it close to noisy devices. Now I'm curious what you did and how did it work?
@@MrFrambooise wired boom mic and dynamic mic to a pc usb interface while shooting with a lens to a stage for a hybrid event. Ended up being fine all around. Very ad-hoc with the equipment we had.
whew! That was a lot of information. I wasn't ready. lol But, I think I leaned something. I think.
#Mailbag : How much does brand name effect your cables, and is there a way to repair broken cables?
I have an IPhone that I run directly into my mixer with 3.5 TR jack, while calling into my Conference phone line. During phone conference, I sing and play keyboard with a line mic and keyboard that runs into separate channels of my mixing board. Problem is... when Record and playback, the music sounds like Iâm under water/voice sounds far away and music, sounds cloudy! Iâm was that by connecting my phone to a âTRR Jack should resolve this problem. Before I go buying the TRR 3.5 jack, please tell me, is that the way to go? And if so, will I need two separate TRRs? One, that connects to my phone? And the other to my mic? HELPPPP!
please i want to ask . can i use trs for guitar or drum or connect from aux to speaker ?
2. can i connect ts or trs to insert on mixer without effect the sound on mixer ?
3. what is the different be trs male female or ts female and trs male ?
3. It's TRanny Signal vs Trans Signal
Hello, I have a question, I have the Deity v-mic d3 pro and I want to connect it to a preamp that only has Xlr connection. What do you guys recommend? Thanks a lot. #mailbag
You need the Deity D-XLR or Rode VXLR+
#mailbag do you find right angle xlr connections wear out less than a straight xlr connection?
Can you use a XLR to 3.5mm for a dynamic mic?
Thank you very much for the video. I have a question that so far I have no answer
I have a condenser microphone that I bought for my PC. The cable is XLR female to 3.5mm male. This cable has pins 1 and 3 attached.
I want to use one that doesn't bridge between pins 1 and 3.
I want to use one that has its independent pins in the 3.5mm male and in the Xlr female.
I want to know if it will work on my condenser microphone + the phantom power connected to my PC
Thank you for your possible reply : )
Which field recorder is best for professional usage?
What's your budget? what are you wanting to record?
#mailbag Hi! Awesome vid! Ok, Iâm a complete sound-rookie and was hoping you could help me understand the difference between XLR and 3.5mm mics. Does one sound better than the other? Or does the whole advantage of XLR resides on the cables (more reliable, less interference) and not on the microphones themselves? Or am I missing something? If that was the case though, and if I happen to be someone who preferred to keep things simple and not to buy one of each⊠Couldnât I get the best of both worlds by buying a 3.5mm mic (which tend to be more versatile, like the D3 Pro) and just use your 3.5mm to XLR converter when I needed the reliability of an XLR cable?
When do we use 192kHz recording? I'm using a Nagra LB from home and a Zoom Handy H6 at work and both have the option if I'm not mistaken. I've never used it
Ive used 96khz for slowing sounds in postpo and make new sounds with it, its like recording at 100fps on a camera to do slow motion.
You typically only need to oversample audio when you plan to slow it down and pitch shift it in post. In the video world this is done when recording sound effects.
Thank you! This will lead me in the right way on my research path. I'm new to your channel and fairly new in the industry. The videos I've watched so far are a major help. Thank you for your brilliant work đ
I desperately want to know, how rare are ribbon mics on film sets? I love their sound, but can't see them being used much.
They're basically never used as an audio source on a set. Phantom power can easily fry a ribbon mic, and more pertinent the diaphragms on ribbons are extremely fragile and don't hold up well to anything except a controlled climate. That said I have used them for some ambient recordings I add in post, they have a nice old-timey sound (that's a technical term) that can be difficult to replicate
Never. They are too delicate.
Please explain how to mic for ski on ice scene. Thanks God bless
I always use XLR cable, balanced, if it goes longer than 20ft (sometimes even shorter). If the audio source is not balanced, I use DI Box to convert unbalanced to balanced signal. Otherwise, it was picking up FM radio like crazy. I don't trust any 3.5mm cable above 10ft, no matter how quality it may be.
#mailbag Why do I keep hearing static? I have a quarter inch to 3.5mm cable plugged from my mixer to my black magic atem mini pro to input sound into my VMix production software. Iâve bought three new cables, but nothing seems to be working. I always hear the low static. What is possibly causing this? Thanks!
I have a question that even google can't answer. What is the best shape for a sound booth?
I mean, if corners produce too much bass why have corners at all? Why not round sound booths? Or some other shape?
Guys, cables using TRS connectors can be balanced. Look at the back of a Focusrite Scarlett interface or most powered studio monitors (speakers).
We don't address output or line signals in this video. Only microphone signals, and well there is some dynamic microphones that can be balanced via TRS these are often karaoke Hi-Z microphones. Nothing you'd find on a film set.
Hey bro .. I have JBL 104 Monitors & a Presonus Audio Interface ..!
When i Use RCA(JBL) To Headphones(AudioInterFace) , it Sounds very Loud But When I use TRS(JBL) To TRS(AudioInterFace) it Sounds Very Low.. Almost Half Of RCA To Haedphones
What Is The Reason ? Please Reply
Now you got me worried. I bought a XLR to 3.5mm adapter that specifically said in the description "Phantom Power Converter" (Rode VXLR+). Is that a thing or I should throw that item away before I fry something?
That is a thing. It's an adapter not a cable. That's going to take 48V and convert it to 3v.
@@DeityMicrophones Thanks for clarifying this!
Hi. Great vid thanks. Iâve had people tell me not to plug a computer or iPod (anything using 3.5mm output) directly into an XLR or Jack socket on my mixer due to voltage issues and it can damage your mixer. The line voltage you mentioned may be the reason. Can you please clarify? #mailbag
How to buy those cable
I feel like that TRS=Unbalanced affirmation is misleading. Of course, a TRS cable carrying a left and right signal won't be balanced but on a balanced TRS output (IE. sound card) you would get the same kind of connection as an XLR: Ground, audio signal and phase inverted audio signal.
Now, correct me if I'm wrong but I think the statement XLR=Balanced and TRS=Unbalanced is applicable to mics only as there are a bunch of cases where TRS could be balanced.
Great subject for a vid!
We don't address output or line signals in this video. Only microphone signals, and while there is some dynamic microphones that can be balanced via TRS, these are often karaoke Hi-Z microphones. And even then, some are gonna be rare as most karaoke microphones don't even feature a transformer.
@@DeityMicrophones Fair enough!
So i cannot connect a microphone with XLR to a interface with a TS jack?
You said you canât use phantom power canât be used on TRS but on the tascam DR40 you can stick those fatter TRS cable they have 3.5 to the fatter ones where you can plug it in to the XLR phantom power slot what stops it from blowing out the microphone
Page 13 of the DR40 manual says don't turn on phantom power when using the TRS jack and that it will damage your device.
#MAILBAG
I recently bought a Presonus Audiobox so that I could record my music to the computer.
This video you made made me have a question in my head.
I have two microphones, a Shure sm58 and an XML 990. I know they are two totally different microphones. What would you recommend to record at my home?
Would it depend on the type of voice of each person? Which of the two would you choose to record voice-overs and for musicians or instruments?
Thanks a lot!
I bought an XLR lav mic and i dont know why
#mailbag. Thanks for this video . I didn't realize they were so different.
How can I hide a lav under clothing without getting noise from the clothes when the talent moves?
In my experience using expendables from professionals sound brands do the job. Brands like Bubblebee industries, Viviana or Ursa. Also you can watch videos in their channels here in CZcams for more info, uses and tips. I always use the concealers from Bubblebee, theyâre easy and fast to put on and sound amazing.
do you see noticeable difference between 10ft n 15ft TRS cable!
for speaker monitor use from audio interface...
#mailbag What mic setup would you recommend if I use a phone/tablet as my recording interface, around $150 assuming phone/tablet is already owned.
Usb-c dongle + Deity V.Lav = $59
XLR External Line Return The ground is dedicated , does not also carry the return signal.
#mailbag I would seriously love to see you guys recording a band. Even a three piece would do it for me. Could you plz do eet?
When are you going to look at ethercon cables and adapters for Audio on Set The same on the Dave rat sells
Ok where can I get high Quality cables
Would you show us the editing workflow for syncing with timecode? What about multi cam with timecode? #mailbag Optional Bonus: show it on both Premiere and FCPx... And Resolve.
Noise if any on Balanced XLR is cancelled out by differential device.