PS-2A Line Out, TS or TRS cable?

Stage & Studio Power Station PS-2
1

Hi there. I’m using my PS-2A by this routing: Guitar tube amp head → PS2A’s Amp In → PS2A’s 1/4 Line Out → IR Loader pedal(Two Notes OPUS) → Audio Interface

I just did an experiment about using TS vs TRS cable for the connection Line Out → IR Loader. The Line Out Level knob is at max. Both cables are from the same Ernie Ball Flat Ribbon series with same 24" length. Some things I noticed:

(1) When amp only (set to light overdrive), two cables offer similar output level; When I engage an overdrive pedal to push my amp, TS cable offers noticeably higher output (volume), while TRS cable doesn’t change the output too much, only involving additional gain.

(2) Overall, TRS cable offers a bit more clarity, while TS cable feels warmer and a bit more compressed.

I wonder if these differences are normal, and what’s the “officially” correct/recommended cable use? Thanks in advance.

2

Itsu,

The Line Out is unbalanced, so using a TRS cable serves no purpose. Any perceived differences in sound using different cables on the unbalanced out are going to be attributable to cable quality.

Only the XLR out is balanced.

Dave

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