Balanced circuit

A balanced circuit is a way to connect electronic systems together so that they can exchange electrical signals (like sound) while avoiding interference.

To do this, one uses a cable with two or more wires. The cable is balanced if the impedances of the two wires are the same. This causes the noise to be common-mode (the same on both wires). Since it is easy to remove common-mode noise, a balanced circuit is a good way to keep noise out of electronic systems.^[1]

When used to send sound, balanced cables use XLR connectors or phone connectors. Balanced circuits first became common in early 20th century telephone lines.

References

↑ G. Ballou, Handbook for Sound Engineers, Fifth Edition, Taylor & Francis, 2015, p. 1267–1268.

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[AES-1] G. Ballou, Handbook for Sound Engineers, Fifth Edition, Taylor & Francis, 2015, p. 1267–1268.

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