Editing Balanced audio (section)

== Applications ==

Many [[microphone]]s operate at low voltage levels and some with high [[output impedance]] (hi-Z), which makes long microphone cables especially susceptible to [[electromagnetic interference]]. Microphone interconnections are therefore a common application for a balanced interconnection, which allows the receiver to reject most of this induced noise. If the [[power amplifier]]s of a [[public address system]] are located at any distance from the [[mixing console]], it is also normal to use balanced lines for the signal paths from the mixer to these amplifiers. Many other components, such as graphic equalizers and effects units, have balanced inputs and outputs to allow this. In recording and for short cable runs in general, a compromise is necessary between the noise reduction given by balanced lines and the cost introduced by the extra [[Electronic circuit|circuitry]] they require.

Some devices, usually with a transformer output, provide a balanced output that is "floating" with respect to ground; the impedance to ground from each side of the output is high. More commonly, devices drive one or both sides of the balanced interface with a signal referenced to ground. When one side is not driven, care is taken to assure that the impedance to ground is equal to the impedance of the driven side.