XLR versus TS

[dg27]

I just bought a PreSonus 26c interface to replace my MBox3.

I'm connecting the interface to a PreSonus BlueTube preamp.

When connecting the inerface to the preamp does it make any difference whether the connection to the from the interface is TS or XLR?

I've always used an unbalanced 1/4" TS Male to 3-Pin XLR female audio cable.

Would it be better to use an XLR M to XLR F microphone cable?

(I have to replace the XLR to TS cables I was using because they're too short .)

[JFreak]

TS is unbalanced (2-wire) and XLR is balanced (3-wire) so obviously you better use balanced connections.

[dg27]

Thanks. I was confused because I always used TS --> XLR with the MBox. I've attached a connection diagram.

It's a bit of a PITA because the inputs on the MBox were front and rear; on the PreSonus they are front only, which means I have to go around to the back to connect to the preamp. That's why I have to replace my cables.

[JFreak]

From that pic you cannot tell if it is TS (2-wire) or TRS (3-wire)

[dg27]

Thanks for your help.

It accepts either (like a guitar jack or an XLR mic cable). Maybe you can tell on this.

It was the same type of connection on the MBox and I always used TS out of the MBox and XLR into the preamp.

[JFreak]

That looks like a Neutrik combo XLR/TRS connector so whatever you choose you should have balanced (3-wire) option

[dg27]

Originally Posted by JFreak

That looks like a Neutrik combo XLR/TRS connector so whatever you choose you should have balanced (3-wire) option

Yes--that's what it is.

This is my fault. I was confusing TS with TRS.

I just checked what I have now: it's like this:

Hosa Technology HXS-005 Balanced 3-Pin XLR Female to 1/4" TRS Male Audio Cable (5')

The question I should have been asking is whether the above is fine or whether I should be using this instead:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...lite_4000.html

[JFreak]

You usually use XLR-XLR cables with microphones, but whatever 3-wire balanced cable you use does not make a difference

[dg27]

Originally Posted by JFreak

You usually use XLR-XLR cables with microphones, but whatever 3-wire balanced cable you use does not make a difference

OK. Thanks.

This is what I have now only shorter.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...3_Pin_XLR.html

[JFreak]

Yes, electrically it is just the same. However XLR cable can lock to your gear but TRS plug cannot. I would take XLR any day, but whatever works for you.