Audio Cable Types: A Complete Guide

Audio Cable Types: A Complete Guide

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Audio cable types are some of the most numerous of any cables, with both consumers and professionals facing varied options for different uses and generations of technology. This can make it difficult to determine which is the best audio cable type for your new setup, whether it's for listening, live performances, or professional and hobby mixing. Considerations include support for digital or analog cables, compatibility with legacy devices, cable length, shielding, and balancing.

The wide array of cables for audio production and enjoyment doesn't need to be intimidating. Here's a comprehensive guide to the various audio cable types available and why you might want to choose some over others.

Balanced vs. Unbalanced Cables

Understanding audio cables starts with the concept of balance. Some cables are balanced, while others are unbalanced. Balanced cables use an additional conductor wire to avoid external electrical interference. They feature two conductor wires and a ground, while unbalanced cables have just a single conductor wire and ground. The two conductor wires in a balanced cable work together to cancel out external electrical noise, preserving the integrity of the audio signal.

For home users, unbalanced cables suffice as professional-level audio clarity may not be crucial. Professional audio creation, however, typically uses balanced cables to prevent signal degradation. For audio systems to be balanced, both cables and the connected equipment need to be balanced. Shorter unbalanced cables can still be used effectively if kept under six feet to minimize potential external interference.

Now that you understand the difference between balanced and unbalanced cables, let’s explore the various cable types.

Audio Cable Types

TS Cables

TS Cables, short for Tip/Sleeve and often referred to as guitar cables or instrument cables, are always unbalanced. They connect mono audio sources like guitars and effects pedals to amplifiers, mixers, and audio interfaces. You can identify TS cables by their single black band on the metal connector. They are typically available in 1/4-inch sizes, but the 1/8-inch (3.5mm) TS cable is also used in consumer products like mono headset microphones.

TRS Cables

TRS Cables look similar to TS cables but have two rubber strips on the connector header, forming three conductors: Tip, Ring, and Sleeve. TRS cables can be balanced or unbalanced, depending on their use. They can carry two-channel stereo audio, making them unbalanced because the left and right audio channels take up two conductors. TRS cables are commonly used in headphones and headphone outputs on instruments, mixers, audio interfaces, and studio monitors. TRRS cables, with three rings, can support left and right-channel audio and microphone audio on a single cable.

XLR Cables

One of the most iconic and durable audio cable types, XLR cables are always balanced. This means you can run very long XLR cables without fearing signal interference. Developed in the 1950s, XLR cables are found on various devices, particularly microphones, speakers, PA systems, and certain instruments. They guarantee a clear and crisp signal, whether running a short six-foot cable or a longer 50-foot one.

SpeakOn Cables

SpeakOn cables are considered the industry standard for connecting professional speakers and amplifiers, typically unbalanced. They lock in place to prevent disconnection during live performances and handle higher electrical currents than other audio cable types. SpeakOn cables are exclusively designed for high-current audio systems. 1/4-inch speaker cables to SpeakOn adapters are available for connecting devices without SpeakOn connections, but different SpeakOn cables are rated for specific configurations.

Speaker Cables/Banana Plugs

Speaker cables, similar in size to TS cables, are designed for connecting speakers to amplifiers, especially in home audio or hobbyist audio production. Banana plugs are not necessary but can make connections neater. They can be used with a banana plug wall plate in home theaters to reduce speaker wire clutter and manage the audio system more efficiently.

RCA Cables

RCA cables are common in home A/V systems and DJ setups, connecting CDJ players and turntables to mixers. Each RCA cable has two wires, making them inherently unbalanced, thus requiring short lengths. Adapters like 3.5mm to RCA or XLR to RCA cables are available for devices that are otherwise incompatible.

MIDI Cables

MIDI cables, used to send event messages rather than audio signals, have been vital for digital audio production since the 1980s. They feature a five-pin connector and can be used interchangeably for MIDI In, Out, and Through connections. MIDI cables are often replaced by or used alongside USB in modern devices.

S/PDIF Cables

S/PDIF, or Sony/Phillips Digital Interface cables, are found on many consumer A/V systems, set-top boxes, game consoles, and TVs. They come in optical (Toslink) and coaxial (RCA) forms and are more antiquated with HDMI largely taking their place. Older devices benefit from using optical connections where HDMI isn't an option.

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USB Cables

USB cables are highly popular and ubiquitous on modern audio devices, available in various types with USB-A and USB-B being the most common. USB-C is increasingly used in consumer and professional devices. USB cables can deliver audio data, power, and MIDI commands, making them versatile for connecting computers to audio interfaces and synthesizers. The USB-C connector supports audio, replacing the 3.5mm TRS connector in many smartphones and tablets. However, older instruments may not be compatible, and quality is essential for professional use.

Thanks for reading our guide on audio cable types. Each type has its pros and cons, and Cable Matters prides itself on creating the best audio products in the market. Visit our store to find the right solution for you or expand your audio knowledge through some of our related posts.