What is an audio connector?
Definition: the audio connector is a kind of electronic or fiber-optic connector used in music equipment, and it transmits the audio signal. The connecting part is desperate or exchangeable.
Classification:
The audio connector is classified as male, female, plug, jack(usually be fixed on the panel) based on the PIN structure.
Male(plug)/ Female (jack):
|
|
male |
female |
|
plug |
male plug |
female plug |
|
jack/ chassis |
male jack/ chassis |
female jack/ chassis |
Function:
The signal contains analog signals and digital signals. The information of signal can be studied by recording or video equipment. The influence factors of the audio signal are cable numbers, cable types, voltage, frequency, light density…etc. The jack would be installed on the audio or video equipment (television, receiver), then use the plug which is assembled in audio equipment ( microphone ) plugging into the jack. Electric current flows through the cable and transmits the analog or digital signal. The audio connector is the bridge of signal connecting, so we need to assure the quality of the audio connector to keep the stability of current and signal.
Application:
Audio, Video, Multimedia, Broadcasting equipment
What are the common audio connectors?
6.3 mm, 1/4" Phone Jack & Plug:
The front of the Phone Jack ( = 6.3mm ) is 1/4" plug or jack. The style of plug and jack depends on mono or stereo. 1/4" stereo phone jack contains two black grommet rings, and departs the front area into the tip, ring, and sleeve. The functions are transmitting the positive signal, negative signal, and ground. It is used in low impedance & balanced signal devices and high impedance devices.
Application: Electronic music equipment, electric guitars, microphones, home stereo system equipment.
Another name: Jack 6.3, ¼” jack, phone jack, audio jack, jack plug、TRS connector
Figure 1. 6.3mm phone stereo plug (left side); 6.3mm phone mono plug ( right side)
Figure 2. 6.3mm Phone Jack
The structure is similar to 1/4" Phone Jack, also classified by mono/stereo. The difference is 3.5 diameters of plug &jack.
Application: Computer sound card, personal stereo headset
Figure 3(left). 3.5 mm phone mono Jack
Figure 4(right). 3.5 mm Phone stereo Jack
RCA stands for Radio Corporation of America, and it has 2 PINs. PIN 1 is sleeve, it can shield and return path. PIN 2 is a metal pin in the front of the connector, as the tip, and it can transmit positive and unbalanced signals.
Application: Home audio & video equipment, TV, DJ mixer, Hi-Fi
Figure 5. RCA connector
It can be classified as a male plug, female plug, male jack, female jack. It contains 3 ~7 pins, transmitting balanced audio. Take 3 Pin connector as an example, Pin 1 shields the signal, Pin 2 transmits the positive signal, and Pin 3 transmits the negative signal. Transmission direct from male to female. The related connector is mini XLR, a mini type of XLR, it is used in desk and conference microphones.
Application: audio equipment, microphone, monitor speakers, loudspeaker, karaoke
Another name: cannon
Figure 5. female XLR, male XLR, female Mini XLR, male Mini XLRs
Ring connector, Sound plug CB Type
The port of connectors is circular, it contains 2~8 PINs. It is also applied in the automotive industry, mold industry.
Application: Broadcast equipment, broadcast host amplifiers, karaoke amplifiers.
Figure 6. CB connector
Small connectors, the port of connectors are circular, the material of shell usually use black plastic, and diameter of the connector is 3/8’’ (= 9.5mm). The related connector is Mini Din, a mini type of Din connector, It is usually applied in the mixer, computer, stage lighting.
Application: mixer, computer, stage lighting
Figure 7. Din Connector, Mini Din Connector
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