3 ms·

I've seen older stage monitors use powered TRS cables. I still see it in amp heads and cabs. Powered signals on exposed conductors. Better not touch it.

• jacquesm 4y ago
  Oh, that must work great when you insert them and short the connectors against ground...
  • duped 4y ago
    It's actually not that bad since the only thing on the other end is a transducer that's already rated for a lot of current. It's just rather dangerous to have powered audio signals on exposed copper so you generally don't hot swap the things. It's not so bad for amps since the cables are very short and inaccessible, but for stage monitors you can accidentally unplug it on stage.
    • jacquesm 4y ago
      I've been zapped by microphone stands more than once and seen one musician take a serious hit just after plugging in his guitar. Stage gear is handled quite rough by non-experts and there is a ton of wear on plugs and cables. Especially outdoor concerts can be pretty nasty from an electrical point of view.
      • Kye 4y ago
        I wonder how many shocks it took before Van Halen's brown M&M clause emerged.