In this post, the main focus is on analog audio cables xlr, trs, ts and rca. This is where only one channel of audio can run over a single xlr cable. S service, o oilresistant jacket, j junior service 300 volts. The ultimate guide to audio cables for home recording ive compiled an indepth look at all the mustknow facts of this important subject. Audio cables transmit sound signals between components of a home entertainment system. Confused about which audio cables and connectors you need. Cable types and connectors are organized by the primary purpose of the signal being transferred video, audio only, data i.
These cables share the same physical characteristics as other types of network cables except that patch cables tend to be a shorter length. Audio and security cables unshielded multiconductor. Xlr, trs, ts, rca and midi, mini jacks, 14 inch jack cables. In fact were connecting all kinds of old, new, analog and digital gear together more than ever. But you will also find out about 3 very common digital audio cables too midi, usb and thunderbolt cables. Voltage drop special conditions, such as the presence of corrosive agents, flexibility and flame resistance 6. Whether as microphone connector, on lighting applications or any kind of sound equipment, the xlr is. The video adapter features an ftype jack and a quickconnect type plug to adapt male ftype cable ends to quickconmect plugs.
Guide to cables, connection and ports hp official site. If you dont know your cables yet, by the end of this post you will. Universal serial bus typec cable and connector specification. What are the different types of audio cables and connectors. In order to get full surroundsound performance, the right cables must be utilized. Cables and connectors offers a wide range of products from standard pc products, network cables, and hdmi cables to custom cable assemblies and wiring harnesses, we also offer a large salection of electronic parts and accessories.
Use this guide to quickly identify the cables needed for your pc, tv and other electronics. Computer inputoutput ports and interfaces 7 port or interface name data width data transfer rate typical use comments connector appearance or port icon type a receptacle on a computer host or a hub type a plug above to a host or hub, and a type b plug below to a device on the ends of a typical fullsize connector cable. This video will give you all the detail you need on analog audio types. Nov 07, 2011 mx rca cables and connectors mx 2 rca cables and connectors composite audio mx ep stereo cables and connectors mx ep stereo female cables and connectors mx ep mono cables and connectors mx ep. Hooking up all about connectors, cables and adapters so you spring for a brand new, super high quality soundcard. These different cables use special connectors and a good tech should recognize the different cables and their connectors. From audio and video connectors, to adapters learn the most essential info by joining chet davis in these video lessons. Audio cables are the necessary thing you need to connect up all your recording gear and interface. Connection types digital audio connections optical. Type i, class a cable, special purpose, electrical, low tension. Learn about audio cable types for your home recording studio.
Types of cables and connectors in networking the home depot. A visual guide to computer cables and connectors digital. Audio connectors and video connectors are electrical or optical connectors for carrying audio. Xlr the xlr connector is primarily used for professional microphones and balanced microphone level signals. The cable is unusual in that it cant be plugged into itself each end has a different type of connector.
In the professional broadcast and audio industry the 2pole connector is used in combination with unbalanced cables for short and interferenceinsensitive transmittals guitar cable. Some types of connectors are used by multiple hardware interfaces. This guide highlights the different types of audio formats, cable types and connector types that are available. Monster cable audio video cable how to choose video and audio cables how to choose video and audio cable for vcr, dvd, tv, hdtv. Matt compares microphone, instrument, and speaker cables with 14 ts and trs connectors, xlr connectors, and other plugs and jacks. Xlr aka cannon, xlr combo phone, aka ts, trs, 14, 6. Provided below are explanations of the different types of available video and audio cable connections. Well cover them hear for you and youll find it easy. L3pole male female xlr cable connector with integrated capacitive shield to shell connection to avoid rfinterference. Cables and connectors sourceload when you connect two devices, one is the source and one is the load. With so many different types of cables and ports used for todays electronics, figuring out how to connect everything can be overwhelming. Cabling and connectors general media considerations broadband versus baseband basebandtransmissions use digital signaling and time division multiplexing tdm broadband transmissions use analog and frequency division multiplexingfdm dialog modes.
Whether as microphone connector, on lighting applications or any kind of sound equipment, the xlr is all over the entertainment industry. Yeah i know, audio connectors might not be the most exciting part of. Simplex, half duplex and full duplex media interference. A complete guide to audio cable types for home recording studios. Audio and video interfaces and connectors wikipedia. Audio connectors are only a tiny fraction of the tens of thousands of types of connectors in the world of audio connectors, most of us only have to be concerned with the four shown above stereo connectors allow the hookup of 3 wires left, right and ground mono connectors only all the hookup of 2 wires signal and ground. Reliable and robust easy to assemble, simple to use excellent cable protection and retention. Introduction to network cables and network cable types. We havent forgotten about professional users, however. Now its time to demystify the most common types of audio connectors. Those special connectors are most often used with multipair cables there is. There are several different types of cables ranging from cables used in construction and the erection of suspended bridges to those that can transmit electricity and other telecommunication signals.
The locking mechanism helps make good electrical connections. Compact devices like smartphones, cameras, and camcorders use mini hdmi type c, or micro hdmi type d because of their small form factor. There must be 50 different random audio connectors on the market today and many are designed for special markets. Cabling and connectors michigan technological university. Fivepin xlr connectors are used for some stereo microphones, like the shure vp88. Cables, connectors and analog audio signal types explained. Singlewire connectors used frequently for analog audio include. Male connectors plug into things, while female connectors have things plugged into them. Headphone connectors and other 18 plugs are also trs connectors, where the. Ranking video cables from lowest to highest picture quality. Many coaxial connector types are available in the audio, video, digital.
Cable connector reference chart computer video audio male older tvsmonitors. Uses of rca connectors the rca cables are usually used for connecting your dvd player, stereo speakers, digital camera and other audiovideo equipment to your tv. Below, i present a digest of important information about coaxial connectors. No matter what kind of connection you are trying to set up, there is sure to be an audio connector or adapter that is perfect for the job. The terms male and female in regards to cables and ports refers to the type of connectors of the cables. The first section contains several items on recentlydeveloped flat conductor cable fcc technology, the second section describes a number of new electrical connectors, and the third section contains several additional articles on cables and connectors. Most of these are for rf and microwave frequencies, but a few of the more common ones used for lower frequencies are included for completeness. Male connector types male 1280 x 720 hd 720 1920 x 1080 hd 1080 2560 x 1600 wide quad xga 3840 x 2160 quad full hd. Mildtl55116 radio connectors and cables selection guide series 152 hiper 55116 audio connectors pg.
In stock and readytoship pro connectors in our inventory include xlr, 14, speakon, din, and banana plugs. Sep 29, 2015 this video covers what i feel are the most commonly found cables and connectors in the pro audio industry as of late 2015. Ill let you figure out where the terms originated from. Home audio enthusiasts will appreciate our comprehensive selection of rca, 3. Transmits and protects ed digital video and audio at speeds up to 10. In many cases, digital gear uses cables that resemble their analog xlr or rca counterparts. S pdif can be hooked up using rca, xlr, bnc, and even optical toslink. The spdif connection is actually a type of digital audio format and not a specific cableconnector type. This means that in some cases not all components with physically compatible connectors will actually work together. A guide to cables and connectors used for audiovisual tech. They can be used as a line level cable from balanced inouts. Cable matters 3pack polarized grounding adapter 3 prong to 2 prong adapter allows a 2 prong outlet to accept 3 prong plugs. They snap into place so you wont unplug them by mistake if you pull on them think of all the punk shows this has saved.
This article will help you sort out the various types of audio cables and connectors. Pro audio cables and connectors an overview youtube. So heres an illustrated audio cable guide i wish this was around when i was learning. They are made of the same alloys and have the same color.
Types of audio connectors and adapters digitalaudiowiz. Analog av connectors often use shielded cables to inhibit radio frequency. External thermal conditions such as ambient temperature, proximity of other cables, adjacent sources of heat, thermal conductivity of soil, etc. Coaxial rf cable, which is the most basic type that can transmit a dualchannel stereo signal with an analog video signal, dual rcs cable, which is the standard audio option and comes with a white plug for the left speaker and a red plug for the right. Mar 20, 2017 it might be a bit terrifying to older djs, but many new djs dont know anything about audio cables, wiring, and preamps. Xlr male xlr female xlr xlr audio cables are also balanced, thus reducing noise. In this post, i cover all the important audio cables to know for home recording, including. Nov 30, 2017 the use of cat5e ethernet audio cables is becoming more and more common in todays audio world. Even your home can have many types of connectors and cables for telephone service, cable television, internet routers and security cameras. This added complexity is because, along with carrying data, usb cables supply power, and the different connector types keep two devices supplying power from being connected to one another. To carry digital audio signals in a way that is accessible to the average consumer. Shop online for digital audio cables and connectors from the top brands at best buy. Jack any female receptacle of an audio or video connector into which the plug, or male connector, is inserted.
Rcatype plugs and jacks are also used for other types of audio connections, such as multichannel analog hookups, and are also the design model for coaxial digital audio cables. The speakers have one type of connector on them and the new soundcard has a. Component video uses three separate cables to send red, green and blue signals to provide the. Other variations of xlr connectors include fourpin versions, which are used as the standard for 12volt power in the broadcast, film, and television industries. Audio cables and connectors this tutorial explains the different types of audio cable and connectors. Mar 11, 2006 any set of cables or connectors that link av equipment of all kinds, however, most commonly the term designates lowlevel rca audio and video connectors rather than speaker cables. This is essential reading for every new dj pass it along and share your own mustknow knowledge in the comments. They are used on almost all pro audio equipment to carry balanced audio signals. Uses of rca connectors the rca cables are usually used for connecting your dvd player, stereo speakers, digital camera and other audio video equipment to your tv. Powerline network systems utilize a homes standard electrical wiring for data communication using special adapters plugged into wall outlets.
Find an optical or rca audio cable to deliver amazing home theater sound. Not only do they have the ability to transmit multiple audio signals over very long distances, they are also capable of supplying power at the same time. Whether you are repairing old cable terminations or creating your own custom interconnections from scratch, youll find the best connectors here and at the best price. You can plugin an rca cable to the computer via a video capture card and this will let you transfer video from an old analog camcorder into your computers hard drive. They carry audio and video data along with control signals, lowvoltage power, ethernet, and copy protection. Yeah i know, audio connectors might not be the most exciting part of your music studio setup but recording a clean and loud enough signal from guitars, synths, drum machines, and mics into your daw has a lot to do with the audio cable types you choose. Analog connections are the foundation of a digital studio. Hooking up all about connectors, cables and adapters. A comprehensive source for identifying cables and connectors potentially used for audiovisualmedia preservation.