Unit 1b – Cables and Connectors

“Don’t Worry – We will be

having a look at this in
detail in the 4th week.”

Balanced and
Un Balanced
Connections
 Tip / Sleeve (T S) Cable/Connector
• Often referred to as unbalanced, guitar cables or instrument cables available with both 1/4 th and
1/8th inch connectors as shown below.
• Tip (T): The end of the connector, typically carrying the audio signal in mono configurations.
• Sleeve (S): The base part, which usually serves as the ground or shield.
• Keep as short as possible, because they are always unbalanced.
• Allow you to connect mono (one-channel) audio sources.
• Example: Guitars, effects pedals, and drum machines to amplifiers, mixers, and audio interfaces
T S Cable/Connector Advantages

Ease of Use: TS connectors are straightforward to use, with just two contacts (tip and sleeve),
making them easy to understand and connect.

Commonality: They are widely used in various audio applications, especially with electric guitars,
instrument cables, and some mono audio equipment.

Affordable: TS connectors and cables are generally less expensive compared to balanced
connectors like XLR or TRS.

Compact: TS connectors, especially the 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) and 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) sizes, are
compact and can be used in tight spaces.

Standardized: They are standard in many consumer and professional audio devices, ensuring
broad compatibility.
T S Cable/Connector Disadvantages

Signal Loss, Noise and Interference: TS connectors carry unbalanced signals, which are more
susceptible to signal loss, noise and electromagnetic interference, especially over long cable runs.

Ground Loop Issues: Unbalanced connections can sometimes lead to ground loop problems,
resulting in hum or buzz in the audio signal.

Mono Only: TS connectors are typically used for mono signals, limiting their use in applications
requiring stereo or balanced audio.

Instrument Level Only: They are often used for instrument-level signals and might not be suitable
for all types of audio equipment or professional applications.
 Structure:
Tip / Ring / • Tip (T): The end of the
connector, typically carrying
Sleeve (T R the left audio signal in stereo
configurations or the positive
S) Cable signal in balanced audio.
• Ring (R): The middle section,
typically carrying the right
audio signal in stereo
configurations or the negative
signal in balanced audio.
• Sleeve (S): The base part,
which usually serves as the
ground or shield.
 • Looks like TS cables and
available with both 1/4th and
Tip / Ring / 1/8th inch connectors as
shown below.
Sleeve (T R • Can either be balanced or
unbalanced.
S) Cable • TRS cables can be balanced
with a positive, negative, and
ground conductor when used
on mono equipment
• TRS cables can also carry 2-
channel audio, making them
unbalanced because the left
and right audio channels take
up two of the conductors
with a common ground.
Tip / Ring / Sleeve (T R S) Cable
Advantages:
Versatility, Balanced and Unbalanced Signals: TRS connectors can carry balanced mono signals or
unbalanced stereo signals, making them useful in various audio applications.

Multiple Uses: Commonly used for headphones, balanced line-level connections, and insert points
in audio equipment.

Noise Reduction: When used for balanced connections, TRS cables help reduce noise and
interference, making them ideal for professional audio environments.

Compatibility with Wide Range of Applications: TRS connectors are standard in many audio devices,
including mixers, audio interfaces, and musical instruments.

Stereo Signals: TRS connectors are used for stereo audio connections in consumer electronics, such
as headphones and portable media players.
Tip / Ring / Sleeve (T R S) Cable
Disadvantages:
Complexity, Potential Confusion: The dual use for balanced and unbalanced signals can sometimes
cause confusion, leading to incorrect connections.

Incompatibility Issues: Using a TRS connector in a TS input or vice versa can result in signal issues or
malfunction.

Higher Cost: TRS connectors and cables are generally more expensive than TS connectors and
cables.

Durability, Potential for Damage: The more complex design with additional contacts (tip, ring, and
sleeve) can be more prone to wear and damage over time compared to simpler TS connectors.
 X L R Connector
• This is a type of electrical connector primarily used in professional audio and video equipment. It is known for its balanced
audio connections, which are designed to minimize noise and interference.
• This connector of this balanced cable shown below was, invented by the James H Cannon founder of Cannon Electric
Company.
• XLR name comes from a particular X connector from Cannon Electric, which was modified with a Latch and a synthetic
Rubber compound.
• XLR also stands for External Line Return.
• Used in microphones, speakers, PA systems, DMX lights, and certain instruments.
XLR Connector
Continued

• Type: Balanced, 3-pin connector.

• Usage: Primarily for microphones and balanced line-level signals.
• Pins: Pin 1 (Ground), Pin 2 (Hot/Positive), Pin 3 (Cold/Negative).
• Phantom Power: Supplies 48V for condenser microphones.
• Locking Mechanism: Ensures secure connection.
XLR Connector Advantages

• Balanced Connection: XLR connectors provide balanced connections, which significantly reduce noise and
electromagnetic interference, making them ideal for long cable runs. In other words maintains the integrity of the
audio signal over longer distances.
• Robust Construction: XLR connectors are built to withstand the rigors of professional use, ensuring reliable
performance in various environments.
• Locking Mechanism: The locking mechanism prevents accidental disconnections, ensuring a secure connection.
• Compatibility: Ensures compatibility across different brands and types of audio equipment.
XLR Connector Disadvantages

• Bulkiness: XLR connectors are larger and bulkier compared to some other types of connectors, which can be a disadvantage
in compact setups or portable systems.
• Expense: XLR cables and connectors can be more expensive than unbalanced alternatives like TS or RCA connectors,
potentially increasing the overall cost of an audio setup.
• Wiring: Requires careful wiring and understanding of balanced audio, which can be more complex for beginners compared to
simpler, unbalanced connectors.
• Phantom Power Risks: Improper use of phantom power can potentially damage some equipment, especially if it’s not
designed to handle it.
• Incompatibility with Consumer Electronics: XLR connectors are less common in consumer-grade audio equipment, making
them less versatile for non-professional use.
Note:
With XLR, TRS and TS cables, there are plenty of methods of converting
between the connector types.
XLR Connector
Conclusion

Overall, XLR connectors are favored in professional audio environments for their durability,
noise resistance, and ability to deliver high-quality, balanced audio signals. However, they come
with trade-offs in terms of size, cost, and complexity.
An XLR-TRS Combo
jack

An XLR-TRS combo jack is a versatile input

found on many audio devices, such as
mixers and audio interfaces. It combines
both XLR and TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve)
connections into a single jack, allowing for
flexibility in connecting different types of
audio cables.
An XLR-TRS Combo Jack -
Advantages
Versatility, Dual Functionality: Combines both XLR and TRS inputs in a single jack, allowing the use of either balanced XLR or
balanced/unbalanced TRS connectors.

Space-Saving: Saves space on audio equipment by combining two types of connectors into one, reducing the number of input jacks needed.

Ease of Use: Simplifies the setup process by accommodating different cable types without needing adapters or separate inputs.

Flexible Connections: Can be used for microphones (XLR) and line-level/instrument-level sources (TRS), making it versatile for various audio
applications.

Balanced Audio: Supports balanced audio connections for both XLR and TRS, which helps reduce noise and interference, particularly over long
cable runs.

Standardized: Common in professional audio gear, ensuring broad compatibility with industry-standard equipment.

Fewer Inputs Required: Reduces the need for multiple input types on audio equipment, potentially lowering manufacturing costs and
simplifying design.
An XLR-TRS Combo Jack -
Disadvantages
Potential for Confusion, Misconnections: Users might connect the wrong type of cable if they are not familiar with the combo
jack, leading to potential signal issues.

Understanding Required: Requires a basic understanding of when to use XLR versus TRS to ensure proper functionality and
signal integrity.

Durability Concerns, Wear and Tear: The more complex design with multiple contact points can be more prone to wear and
damage over time compared to simpler jacks.

Maintenance: May require more maintenance and careful handling to ensure longevity and reliable performance.

Size and Space, Bulkier Design: While it saves space on the device, the combo jack itself can be bulkier than a standard single-
type input, which might be a concern in very compact devices.

Panel Space: Though it combines two functions, it still occupies a significant amount of panel space compared to single
connectors.
Other types of Connectors
Speakon Cables
• Mostly used for connecting professional speakers and amplifiers.
• Typically unbalanced.
• Highly durable.
• Their connector as shown above locks in place to avoid accidental
disconnection during live performances.
 Radio
Company of
America (RCA)
Cable

• The name RCA derives from the company Radio Corporation of America
• Unbalanced cable which has only two wires inside
• It should be as short as possible.
• RCA Phono connector or Phono connector shown above is is used in cables which is commonly used to carry audio and video signals.
• Used as a Tape Input/Output connector in mixing consoles.
 Banana Plug Cable

• Unbalanced with the connector shown below.

• Used for nonprofessional amplifier to speaker connection like home
audio/hobbyist audio production.
 Sony/Phillips Digital
Interface cables
• These connectors are found on cables that transmit
digital signals.
Toslink (Optical) Connector
• Found on mainstream consumer A/V systems (set
top boxes, games consoles, and TVs).
• They come in optical (also known as Toslink), and
coaxial (RCA) form.

RCA Connector
 Multichannel Audio
Digital Interface
• (MADI) or AES10
Visually identical to the SPDIF cables.
• Audio Engineering Society (AES) standard that
Toslink (Optical) Connector
defines the data format and electrical characteristics
of an interface that carries multiple channels of
digital audio
• supports serial digital transmission of 28, 56, or 64
channels; and sampling rates of up to 96 kHz with an
audio bit depth of up to 24 bits per channel

RCA Connector
Musical
Instrument • MIDI cables are Used to
Digital send event messages,
rather than audio signals
Interface • Consists of a cable with a
Cable five-pin-din connector
• Used interchangeably for
MIDI In, MIDI Out, and
MIDI Through connections