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Cables Connectors

This document discusses different types of audio cables and connectors. It describes balanced and unbalanced cables, and the electrical components that can affect audio signals like resistance, capacitance and inductance. It provides guidelines for choosing appropriate speaker cables based on wattage and cable length. Finally, it illustrates common connector types including XLR, TRS, TS, RCA, speaker connectors and various multi-pin balanced connectors.

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Raviram Boppay
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© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
72 views

Cables Connectors

This document discusses different types of audio cables and connectors. It describes balanced and unbalanced cables, and the electrical components that can affect audio signals like resistance, capacitance and inductance. It provides guidelines for choosing appropriate speaker cables based on wattage and cable length. Finally, it illustrates common connector types including XLR, TRS, TS, RCA, speaker connectors and various multi-pin balanced connectors.

Uploaded by

Raviram Boppay
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Cables and Connectors

Common Audio Cables


Balanced: Have two conductors and a
shield or ground. Used for low impedance - balanced circuits Unbalanced: Have one conductor and a shield. Used for high impedance unbalanced circuits Speaker wire: 2 conductors and no shield

A Balanced Line

An Unbalanced Line

Speaker Wire

3 Electrical Components of Wire


Resistance/ Impedance: Will decrease the
audio signal level Capacitance: Will roll off high frequencies Inductance: Will alter the frequencies of the signal in various ways

Specs for quality wire


Resistance/ Impedance: Less than 100
ohms per 1000 feet Capacitance: Under 100 picofards per foot Inductance: Depends on how the wire lays - coiled wire has more inductance than uncoiled wire

Wire Gauge
The diameter of wire is measured in
gauges The smaller the gauge - the bigger the diameter Audio cables are typically 20 - 22 gauge Speaker cables can be from 18 and down depending on the system

Comparison of Balanced/ Unbalanced Lines


Balanced
Fairly insensitive to electrostatic noise/ RF interference Can be used in lengths from 25 - 300 feet

Unbalanced
Very sensitive to electrostatic noise At lengths greater than 25, much of the high frequencies in the signal start to disappear TS, RCA Connectors Used for high mics, line level instruments, consumer or semi-pro gear

XLR, TRS Connectors Used for low mics, pro line level gear

Guidelines for Speaker Cable


If you are driving an audio system outputting under 500 watts RMS, and your speaker wire runs are under 100 feet, use 18 gauge speaker cable If you are under 500 watts RMS and greater than 100 feet, but under 250 feet of wire, use 16 gauge speaker cable If you are between 500 and 2000 watts RMS and under 100 feet of speaker wire runs, use 16 gauge speaker cable If you are between 500 and 2000 watts RMS and and greater than 100 feet, but under 250 feet of speaker wire runs, use 14 gauge speaker cable If in excess of 2000 watts, you should refer to the documentation associated with your PA system power amplifiers and use what they recommend.

Balanced (TRS) 1/4 Connectors

T = Tip R = Ring S = Sleeve

Balanced XLR (Mic) Connectors Male XLR

Female XLR

Unbalanced (TS)1/4 Connectors

Sometimes called an instrument or guitar cable

Unbalanced RCA Connectors

Common Speaker Connector found in Studios

Balanced Multi-pin Connectors

ELCO

Balanced Multi-pin Connectors

D-SUB

Balanced Multi-pin Connectors

DL

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