In the world of AxcessAbles gear, we get one question more than any other: "What’s the difference between a TS and a TRS cable?" Using the wrong one can lead to unwanted hum, lost signals, or even mono sound when you wanted stereo.

Here is the quick guide to getting it right every time.

1. The TS Cable (Tip-Sleeve)

• Appearance: One black ring on the connector.

• The Job: Carries an "unbalanced" signal.

• Best For: These are your standard Guitar Patch Cables and Synthesizer Cables. Because they are unbalanced, they are best kept in shorter lengths (under 20ft) to avoid picking up noise.

• Pro Tip: If you're plugging a guitar into a pedal or an amp, reach for the TS.

2. The TRS Cable (Tip-Ring-Sleeve)

• Appearance: Two black rings on the connector.

• The Job: Carries a "balanced" signal or a "stereo" signal.

• Best For: Connecting your audio interface to studio monitors or using headphones. Our 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch TRS cables use that third connection point to "cancel out" noise, making them perfect for long runs and professional studio connections.

• Pro Tip: Use TRS cables whenever your gear supports "Balanced" inputs to get the cleanest sound possible.

3. The Specialty Connections

While TS and TRS handle the bulk of audio, your setup likely needs more:

• XLR Cables: The gold standard for microphones and pro-level balanced connections.

• DMX Cables: They look like XLR, but they are specifically for lighting data. Don't swap them!

• 1/8-inch (3.5mm) Aux: The standard for connecting phones, tablets, or laptops to your mixer or speakers.

The AxcessAbles Advantage: Color-Coding

Nothing kills a creative flow like tracing a "dead" cable through a dark rack. That’s why we offer our Cables in vibrant colors. Assign Red to your main outputs, Blue to your synths, and Teal to your outboard gear.

Ready to clean up your signal chain? [Shop the AxcessAbles Cable Collection]