Cables are super important in live sound – they're the unsung heroes that connect all your audio gear and make sure the sound comes through crystal clear.

Therefore, we've got a bunch of basic cable types that are frequently used in live sound, check out before you start plugging things in, here's what you need to know:

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XLR Cable (Microphone Cable)

XLR cables are a staple in live sound. They have three pins and are known for their balanced audio transmission, which helps reduce interference and noise over long cable runs.

Examples:
Connecting microphones to loudspeakers or audio interfaces. For instance, an XLR cable may link a dynamic microphone to a mixer during a live vocal performance.

1/4-inch TS and TRS Cable (6.3mm/quarter inch)

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TS cables are unbalanced and suitable for instrument connections, while TRS cables are balanced and used for both instruments and line-level signals.

Example:
Plugging an electric guitar into an amplifier with a 1/4" TS cable or connecting a keyboard to a mixer with a 1/4" TRS cable.
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1/8-inch TRS Cable (3.5mm)

A 1/8-inch (3.5mm) TRS cable is a common audio cable with a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack on both ends.
It features three connectors:

_{One tip (T), one ring (R), and one sleeve (S)}‍

This cable is used for stereo audio signals and is often used with headphones, mobile devices, laptops, and various audio equipment.
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Example: Let's say you're a musician performing live on stage, and you want to connect your smartphone to the venue's sound system to play backing tracks during your performance. You can use a 1/8-inch (3.5mm) TRS cable to connect the headphone output of your smartphone to one of the input channels on the mixer or loudspeakers.

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RCA Cable

RCA cables are typically used for consumer audio connections. They have two connectors (red and white) and are often used in simpler setups or for sending line-level signals.

Example Use: Connecting audio sources like CD players or DVD players to a mixer or PA system in smaller venues.