TS and TRS cables might look almost identical, but the roles they fulfill can be dramatically different, and being able to tell them apart can be vitally important when setting up your audio equipment and instruments. A TS cable in the wrong place can lead to audio distortion in some cases, while a TRS cable could be overkill in others.
If you're looking at a pair of cables that only seem to be differentiated by how many black bands there are on their connectors, this is the guide for you. Here's everything you need to know about TS and TRS cables, and why you want to pick one over the other.
For more information on different audio cables, have a look at our complete audio cable types guide
What are TS and TRS Cables?
TS (Tip-Sleeve) and TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) cables are essential components in the world of audio signals. TS cables feature two contact points: the tip and the sleeve. These cables are typically used for transmitting mono signals, making them ideal for connecting instruments like electric guitars and keyboards to amplifiers and effects pedals.
On the other hand, TRS cables have three contact points: the tip, ring, and sleeve. This additional contact point allows TRS cables to carry either a balanced signal or a stereo signal. They are commonly used in professional audio settings, such as connecting microphones, headphones, and audio mixers. The presence of the ring in TRS cables helps in transmitting high-quality audio signals with minimal interference, making them a preferred choice for more sensitive audio equipment.
What is a TS Cable and Mono Signal?
TS cables, or Tip/Sleeve cables, are audio cables that feature just two contact points, the titular tip and sleeve. The signal wire sends the audio through the tip, while the ground wire passes through the sleeve, helping to protect the signal from interference. They typically are used to carry mono, single channel audio signals (and are sometimes called mono cables because of it), like those of electric guitars, guitar effects pedals, and single switch amps, connecting them together and to audio mixing equipment.
TS cables are unbalanced, which means that the audio signal is more prone to distortion than other cables. TS cables are typically used for mono, unbalanced signals in various electric instruments. While that would be a problem for sensitive audio mixing equipment or synthesizers, with instruments that only send a mono signal, that’s less of a concern, as mono signals aren’t necessarily at less risk of interference with balanced cabling. They’re available in a range of sizes up to 25ft, giving live musicians more freedom to move around a stage – though 20ft is about the maximum you should target for most uses.
TS cable connectors come in a few different shapes and sizes, from the standard 1/4-inch used in most musical instruments to the 1/8-inch (3.5mm) and 1/16-inch (2.5mm) sizes used in computers and handheld devices.
You can tell a TS cable from its peers, by the fact that it has a single black band dividing the tip and stem portions of the connector.
What is a TRS Cable?
TRS cables, so called because they have three contact points – Tip, Ring, and Sleeve – might look similar to TS cables, but they are fundamentally different. That extra contact point lets them have both positive and negative wires, which balance out a mono audio signal and provide a cleaner sound. TRS cables can also be unbalanced like TS cables and are usually used in this configuration to carry standard 2-channel stereo audio. TRS cables can transmit left and right signals, using the Tip and Ring connections for these signals. In professional audio, however, they are most typically balanced, making them better suited to more sensitive audio equipment like mixers and synthesizers.
Like TS cables, TRS cables are available in a range of sizes, including 1/4-inch, 1.8-inch (3.5mm), and 1/16-inch (2.5mm). There are also adapters to turn 1/4-inch to 1/8-inch TRS connectors, and TRS to TS connectors, including splitter cable options.
The best way to tell a TRS from a TS cable is that a TRS cable features two black bands on its connector, designating the three contact points: tip, ring, and sleeve. The same signal used for headphones is also transmitted through a TRS cable, allowing listeners to experience audio through left and right channels.
Balanced Signal vs. Mono Signal
Understanding the difference between a balanced signal and a mono signal is crucial for selecting the right audio cables. A balanced signal uses two identical audio signals, one positive and one negative, to transmit audio information. This configuration helps cancel out electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI), ensuring a cleaner and more reliable audio transmission. Balanced signals are particularly beneficial in professional audio environments where maintaining audio integrity is paramount.
In contrast, a mono signal uses a single channel to transmit audio information. Mono signals are straightforward and are commonly found in consumer electronics and home audio systems. While they are more susceptible to interference compared to balanced signals, they are perfectly adequate for many everyday applications, such as connecting a guitar to an amplifier.
Cable Applications
TS and TRS cables serve distinct purposes in the audio industry, each suited to specific applications. TS cables are predominantly used for connecting electric guitars, bass guitars, and keyboards to amplifiers and effects pedals. Their simplicity and ability to carry mono signals make them a staple in live performances and studio setups.
TRS cables, however, are more versatile. They are used for connecting microphones, headphones, and audio mixers, where balanced signals are crucial for maintaining audio quality. Additionally, TRS cables can carry stereo signals, making them ideal for applications that require high-fidelity audio transmissions, such as professional recording and mixing.
TS vs. TRS Cables: Which One Do You Need?
The main difference between TS and TRS cables is that one is unbalanced, and the other is (usually) balanced, so which cable you need depends on whether you need a balanced, or unbalanced cable.
For connecting guitars to effects pedals and amplifiers, especially if it's for a live performance on stage, TS cables are best suited. For instruments like guitars which produce a mono signal, TS cables tend to be available in greater lengths, giving the musician more room to move on stage. Don't go over 20ft for any one cable though, if you can help it, as anything longer than that increases the risks of audio signal degradation.
For more sensitive audio equipment or those dealing with a stereo audio signal, like headphones, audio mixers, and synthesizers, you want a TRS cable instead, where the balanced wiring can help maintain the integrity of the audio signal - or in the case of stereo audio, enable carrying two channels of audio. This is particularly important if you're using the audio equipment in any kind of professional capacity, where any distortion of the audio should be avoided at all costs.
TRS cables are typically more expensive than TS cables, especially for the most premium options, so only use them if you really need to. When you do need them though, it's worth paying for the privilege to secure the integrity of your audio.
Cable Identification
Identifying TS and TRS cables is straightforward once you know what to look for. TS cables have a single black ring on the connector, which separates the tip from the sleeve. This single ring indicates that the cable is designed to carry a mono signal.
In contrast, TRS cables feature two black rings on the connector, separating the tip, ring, and sleeve. These two rings signify that the cable can carry either a balanced audio signal or a stereo signal. The presence of two identical wires within the TRS cable helps in transmitting the balanced audio signal, ensuring minimal interference and high audio quality.
Cable Selection Tips
When selecting between TS and TRS cables, consider the type of audio signal you need to transmit. For mono signals, TS cables are sufficient and often more cost-effective. However, for balanced signals or stereo signals, TRS cables are recommended to ensure high-quality audio transmission.
Additionally, pay attention to the length of the cable. Longer cables can introduce noise and distortion into the audio signal, so it’s best to choose the shortest length that meets your needs. Finally, opt for cables made from high-quality materials and with robust construction to ensure reliable performance and durability. Investing in the right cable can make a significant difference in the clarity and integrity of your audio signals.