I believe in most cases you can. I've used TRS as instrument cable by mistake on occassion and didn't notice a problem-- or did I?, I don't really remember-- and I've run my monitors with balanced inputs using a rigged up cable going RCA --> xlr which I understand can be done for very short runs.

Oh, and theassfathasescaped: look behind you :lol: , that is usually were I find mine . :oops:

musicalhair, the reason a TRS cable worked fine is on an unbalanced source, pin 3(neg) and pin 1(ground) were effecivley jumped together, an unbalanced source combines the negative and ground together.

Hopefully this doesn't irrevocabley damage my reputation but please help:
The only way you can really damage your reputation is by pretending you know something you dont, only way to learn is to ask.

Can't I use a balnced cable(trs) to carry an unbalanced signal?
yes you can

And why can't I use a unbalanced cable on a balanced (trs jack) output.
You can do that, but, your unbalancing the connection.

I have a phono patchbay and I'm curious how routing signals will be affected.
is it a TS patchbay? or a TRS?, just because its phono, doesnt mean it isnt balanced.

Thanks so much!
no problem

thanks musical and pound for the replies!

I'm curious why people still buy unbalanced patch cables, since your can use trs ones on both balanced and unbalanced sources. If you have TRS cables that just means more flexibility (can carry either signal)?

Unbalanced cables cost less ...