Perbedaan jack balance & unbalance,, mono & stereo pada input📌

Summary

In this video, the presenter dives deep into the basics of audio mixers, focusing on the input section. They explain the importance of understanding different types of audio signals such as vocals, instruments, and MP3 music, and the cables used for each. The video covers the differences between balanced and unbalanced jacks, as well as mono and stereo input signals, and how to use them correctly. Key concepts like cable types, signal paths, and noise reduction are clearly discussed, making this a valuable resource for beginners looking to enhance their understanding of audio mixing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding the role of 'input' in the mixer flow is crucial, as it is the first step before the mixing process and output.
• 😀 Audio inputs can be divided into three types: vocal (using microphones), instruments (using a line path), and music (using Bluetooth or RCA cables).
• 😀 Different audio sources require different types of connectors: XLR for microphones, TS for instruments, and RCA or stereo jack for music.
• 😀 Unbalanced cables, such as TS and RCA, use two conductors (signal and ground), suitable for instruments but less effective at reducing noise.
• 😀 Balanced cables, like XLR and TRS, have three conductors (two signal cables and one ground), which help reduce noise more effectively than unbalanced cables.
• 😀 Balanced cables are more effective at transmitting audio signals and are capable of longer cable lengths (up to 30m) without signal loss, unlike unbalanced cables that should be limited to 4-8 meters.
• 😀 The difference between balanced and unbalanced cables lies in the reversal of polarity in balanced cables, which helps cancel out noise.
• 😀 Mono input paths are used for microphones and instruments, as they are typically processed and mixed before being output in stereo.
• 😀 Stereo input paths are preferred for MP3 or music sources, as they are designed to keep the frequencies separate and maintain a clean signal without much processing.
• 😀 Identifying whether an input is mono or stereo can be done by the number of plugs and channel labels (e.g., 3/4, 5/6, etc. for stereo).
• 😀 It's important to avoid mixing the concepts of 'mono' and 'stereo' with the terms 'balanced' and 'unbalanced' when describing audio connectors or paths.

Q & A

What is the main task of the input in an audio mixer?

The main task of the input in an audio mixer is to detect incoming signals and determine whether they are balanced or unbalanced, as well as whether the signals are mono or stereo, before processing them in the mixer.

What are the three types of audio signals that an audio mixer accepts?

The three types of audio signals are vocal sounds (using a microphone), instruments (using a line path), and music (using MP3 via Bluetooth or cable input like RCA or stereo Jack TS).

Why is it important to understand the different types of audio input jacks?

It is important to understand the different types of audio input jacks to avoid misusing them. For instance, connecting a microphone (which requires an XLR jack) into a line input can result in poor signal transmission and improper sound processing.

What is the difference between balanced and unbalanced cables?

Unbalanced cables have two conductors: one for the audio signal and one for the ground, whereas balanced cables have three conductors: two for the audio signal (positive and negative) and one for the ground. Balanced cables provide better noise reduction and can transmit signals over longer distances without losing audio quality.

Why are unbalanced cables suitable for loud frequencies like those from guitars and drums?

Unbalanced cables are suitable for loud frequencies like those from guitars and drums because they can handle high levels of audio without introducing significant distortion. However, they are not ideal for long cable runs due to their susceptibility to noise interference.

What is the maximum cable length for unbalanced cables before audio quality starts to degrade?

The maximum recommended cable length for unbalanced cables is between 4 to 8 meters. Beyond that, the audio quality starts to degrade due to the inability of unbalanced cables to effectively suppress noise over long distances.

How do balanced cables reduce noise compared to unbalanced cables?

Balanced cables reduce noise by using a technique where the two audio signal conductors transmit reverse polarity signals. When combined, these reversed signals cancel out any external noise, resulting in cleaner audio transmission. The ground conductor also helps reduce noise.

How far can balanced cables transmit signals without degrading audio quality?

Balanced cables can transmit signals up to 30 meters without degrading audio quality, making them more suitable for long-distance use compared to unbalanced cables.

What is the difference between mono and stereo input paths in an audio mixer?

Mono input paths handle a single audio signal, typically used for microphones and instruments, while stereo input paths manage two separate audio signals, commonly used for MP3s or music, which require left and right channels to maintain the stereo effect.

How can you identify if an input path is mono or stereo on an audio mixer?

Mono input paths usually use a single plug and are labeled with a single number, while stereo input paths use a double plug (RCA or TRS) and are labeled with paired numbers like 3/4, 5/6, etc., indicating a stereo signal path.