signal

Q: "What's the difference between a balanced and unbalanced signal?"   A: An unbalanced signal is one that is traveling through an audio path (such as a cable) that contains two conductors; a hot wire to transfer the actual signal and a shield to act as a ground. Instrument cables fall into this category which is why they are often referred to as unbalanced cables or TS (Tip, Sleeve) cables. An unbalanced signal is a perfectly serviceable method of connecting your guitar and amp, but you do have the possibility of running into noise or hum issues if you happen to be using a long cable, with the problem getting worse the longer the cable. Continue reading →

So, you love your buddy’s tone and really dig the speakers he’s been playing for the past six months! You go out and buy the very same speakers, put them in nearly the same rig, but it just doesn’t sound the same. Your dilemma is not uncommon. Many variables could be responsible for such a situation, but most likely it...

THIS IS YOUR LIFELINE. Your umbilical cord. Your main vein. Well, you get the picture. Call it a lead, a cord, or a cable, whatever— that sheathed, shielded wire is a vital link in the tone chain. However marvelous and expensive your guitar, amp, and pedals, none of it will sound very good with a poorly made cable carrying your...