Have you heard of these audio cables: jacks, XLR, and RCA?
Nowadays, it is very common to record or play music using mobile phones and computers. The cables and interfaces they use are becoming increasingly diverse and varied. Common ones include the Lightning cable, which has always been exclusive to the iPhone, and the Android USB Type-C (USB-C), which is becoming more and more popular. Conversely, the older micro USB is gradually being replaced. I believe everyone can already distinguish these three types, but there are actually many other audio cables that you may have seen but don't quite know how to identify. This time, let Linko’s editor teach you how to distinguish the following types:
3.5mm jack (also known as a small jack or 1/8 inch):
3.5mm jack cables and connectors are very common; they are the ports built into older mobile phones. However, they actually come in different styles: TS, TRS, and TRRS. They look similar, but their functions differ. TRS is an abbreviation for Tip, Ring, and Sleeve, representing different pin configurations. TS has 2 pins and can output unbalanced or mono signals; TRS has 3 pins and can output balanced or stereo signals; TRRS has 4 pins and is usually used for stereo headsets with microphones, allowing for microphone signal input. The black rings in the middle are responsible for separating the different pins.
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TS (one ring): Used for outputting unbalanced or mono signals; relatively rare. |
TRS (two rings): Generally used for headphone cables, desktop speaker cables, camera audio inputs, etc. |
TRRS (three rings): Mostly used for mobile phones, computers, and laptop microphones and headsets. |
6.3 / 6.5 jack (also known as a large jack or 1/4 inch):
The functions of 3.5mm and 6.3mm are identical, but 6.3mm is visually easier to identify and more durable. Most large audio equipment and speakers use them, while the smaller 3.5mm is suitable for small devices like mobile phones.
As for the difference between 6.3 and 6.5, it is mainly a difference in terminology in different places. In Hong Kong, it is mostly called 6.5mm because 6.3 is rounded up to 6.5, whereas in Taiwan, it is called 6.3mm.
Product Recommendation:
UGREEN 3.5mm Audio Computer Headset Microphone 2-in-1 Adapter Cable
Nowadays, many cables can split a sound source into two, or combine two sound sources into one to suit different needs, such as live streaming, meetings, etc. There are also extension cables available, which are very suitable if you want to connect cables over long distances or for recording.
RCA (also known as a phono connector):
RCA cables are similar in construction to TS cables. RCA is mainly used to transmit stereo signals, usually by inputting stereo signals from the RCA/Mini TRS at the other end, and then outputting the left and right channels separately through the red and white connectors. Other than that, there is nothing special about them. They are often used for connecting old televisions, CD players, or DJ mixers. If you add the yellow connector, it can be used as a 3-color video and audio cable to transmit composite video.
Product Recommendation:
UGREEN 3.5mm to 2RCA Red & White Splitter AUX Audio Cable
If a device only has RCA jacks, there are many different types of adapter cables available on the market. RCA to Mini Jack, 3.5mm to 6.5mm, or even mono to stereo are all possible. As long as you choose a reliable and durable cable brand, you can make any connection you need.
XLR Balanced Cable / Microphone Cable (also known as a Canon cable):
Common XLR cables are mostly used as microphone connectors or for DI Box balanced signal output, but they can actually output stereo signals, depending on how the pins are configured. XLR and TRS both have three-pin connectors, and their functions are basically the same. The XLR male connector is usually the input end, used for connecting speakers or inputting signals to devices; the female connector is usually the output end, used for connecting microphones or outputting audio from devices.
Reference websites:
Understand common cable specifications at a glance
FAQ
What is the difference between 3.5mm and 6.3mm/6.5mm jacks?
Both have identical functions; the main difference is the size: 6.3mm is larger, visually easier to identify, and more durable, mostly used for large audio equipment and speakers. 3.5mm is small in size, suitable for small devices like mobile phones. As for calling it 6.3 or 6.5, it is just a difference in regional naming; in Hong Kong, it is mostly called 6.5mm.
How do you distinguish TRS and TRRS connectors?
You can look at the number of rings on the connector: TRS has two rings and 3 pins, and can output balanced or stereo signals; it is generally used for headphone cables and desktop speaker cables. TRRS has three rings and 4 pins, with an extra microphone signal input; it is mostly used for mobile phone and computer headsets.
My device only has RCA jacks, but I want to connect it to a 3.5mm plug; what should I do?
There are many types of adapter cables on the market: RCA to Mini Jack, 3.5mm to 6.5mm, or even mono to stereo—everything is possible. Just choose a guaranteed and durable brand. LINKO Shop (linko.shop) has various UGREEN audio adapter cables in stock, all genuine Hong Kong products.
