What describes cables that have a ground wire and carry analog signals in reverse polarity to reduce noise?

Balanced cables are designed to carry analog signals while minimizing noise and interference. They achieve this by utilizing two conductors, where one carries the positive signal and the other carries an inverted or reverse polarity version of the same signal. This configuration allows any noise or interference picked up along the cable to affect both conductors equally. When the signal reaches its destination, the receiving equipment can effectively cancel out this extraneous noise through differential amplification, resulting in a cleaner audio signal.

In addition to the two conductors, balanced cables typically include a ground wire that serves as a shield against electromagnetic interference, further enhancing their ability to deliver high-fidelity audio over longer distances without degradation. This is particularly useful in professional audio environments, where maintaining signal integrity is crucial.

Understanding how balanced cables function helps clarify the importance of their design in high-quality audio applications. Other types of cables, such as unbalanced cables, do not incorporate this noise-cancellation mechanism, making them less effective in environments with potential interference.