What is an audio cable?
Audio Cable – Everything You Need To Know
Audio cable is essential in our everyday activities. We see them every day in our homes and offices; they are virtually everywhere we go, yet we fail to recognize how vital these audio lines are.
Without the aid of audio cables, it will be impossible to enjoy gadgets and electrical appliances.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about audio cables, how they work, the different types, and many more.
Chapter One: What is Audio Cable?
1.1 What is the Audio Cable?
Audio cables are wires with mini-phone plugs used to transfer audible signals such as voice or music.
They can be connected to different audio sources such as stereo, microphones, and speakers.
Audio cables are used to transmit signals properly and curb noise interference, which can distort the proper dissemination of information.
1.2 Basic Components of the Audio Cable
a. Conductors: This is popularly referred to as the powerhouse of the cable. It is also considered to be an intricate part of the structure. Its make-up is copper or silver-coated copper.
Conductors house the gauge of the cable, and the efficiency of the cable to a large extent depends on the size of the gauge.
b. Dielectric: It covers the conductor just like an insulator. Dielectric is made up of foam polyethylene. The covering of the dielectric determines the ability of the cable to withstand electrical current. It is essential because, without this quality, electrical appliances stand a risk of explosion. For this reason, the source and cable must share a similar quality.
c. Shield: This provides coverage for the conductor. It protects it from disturbing noise that can mitigate its signal transmission.
The higher the chances of coverage, the more sophisticated protection the shield assumes.
d. Jacket: It is made up of Poly Vinyl Chloride. It protects the inner material.
e. Connectors: This help connects the cable plug to various electrical appliances; such as computers, musical instrument, speakers, and so on.
Furthermore, audio cables do not exist in isolation but depend on these various basic components to work properly.
Chapter Two: Types of Audio Cable
There are four major types of audio cables. We have the Analog RAC cable, speaker cable, optical digital cable, and coaxial digital cable.
2.1 Analog RAC Cable
Analog RCA cables date as far back as 1960. They are used for connecting old and new components. They are helpful in the connection of microphones, DVD players, and so many more to stereo receivers. Additionally, it can use them for digital enhancements. These cables are not compatible with long distances, and they could become unstable. If the distance is wide apart, it may impair the sound quality, especially when there is a ground loop. Ground loops are present when different equipment isn’t properly connected, and a loop is created.
2.2 Speaker cable
These are used to transmit signals from a stereo receiver to a speaker system. Speaker cables are not balanced cables but are of utmost importance in transmitting audio signals. Speaker cables affect the sound quality if the length of the cable is considered too long when the cable has a poor composition and a poor gauge.
2.3 Optical Digital Cables
It is one of the finest births of audio cable technology. The aids the transmission of digital sound with light pulses and ease. It must first translate the signal from the electrical signal to an optical one. These cables are not easily affected by external sources, which may emit from Radiofrequency interference because light doesn’t suffer the resistance of copper cables. They have a thick guard from external interference and don’t lose their signal over long distances.
optic fiber cables connected to data center
2.4 Coaxial Digital Cables
Coaxial Digital Cables are advanced audio cables that are used to transmit digital signals between components. Coaxial cables are vulnerable to radio frequency interference. If there is any external interference within the system, the coaxial cable easily transfers the distracting sound between the components. These cables impair the quality of sound over long distances.
Chapter Three: Types of Audio Cable Connectors
Audio cable connectors are electromechanical devices that link the audio cable with the output device. Connectors are classified with the kind of signal it transmits. To be regarded as a sound professional, it is pertinent to have in-depth knowledge about connectors to understand their various uses. Connectors are grouped as balanced and unbalanced connectors. The various kinds of connectors can both be used by different professional and individual consumers. These connectors come at different prices and different quality levels. The basic types of audio cable connectors are:
3.1 Analog audio connectors:
An Analog audio connector is an output found on some home electronics such as DVD players and VCRs and is used to connect analog audio cables to receivers and TVs. The various types of analog audio connectors are:
a. RCA connectors: RCA connectors are unbalanced connectors that are used by a large number of professionals. Connectors are used for connecting home stereo systems, video cassette recorders, and so on. They are responsible for ten dB (consumer) line levels.
connectors, RCA connector
b. XLR connectors: Professionals predominantly use these connectors. There are three types of XLR connectors. They are XLR male, XLR female, and TRS. These XLR connectors have three contact points that transmit signals from the ground, positive and negative wires.
i. XLR male: This is essential for connecting a variety of hardware inputs.
ii. XLR female: It is important for establishing a connection between a microphone and a variety of hardware inputs.
iii. TRS: This XLR connector connects both the input and output devices.
c. ¼ Audio connectors: These connectors are generally regarded as phone plugs. They are used to connect cables with various professional and consumer musical equipment such as speakers, musical instruments, amplifiers, and so many more.
3.2 Digital Audio Connectors:
Digital Audio Connectors are more advanced than analog audio connectors. Nonetheless, analog connectors can transmit digital signals just like digital connectors. Some types of Digital Audio Connectors are:
a. S/PDIF: This is an acronym for Sony/ Philips Digital Interface Format. It is used for recorders, CD players, DVD players, MiniDisc equipment, consumer-level AES/EBU digital audio protocol, and audio interfaces.
b. AES/ EBU: This abbreviation means Audio Engineering Society/ European Broadcasting Union. They are used in a professional setup.
c. TOSLINK Optical and AdatLightpipe: It is the most frequently used digital connector that can transmit different digital signal formats. These formats are:
i. S/PDIF
ii. AC-3 and DTS
iii. ADAT Lightpipe
There are varieties of audio connectors on the market. For best results, it is important to learn about audio cables and the connectors that work best.
Chapter Four:3.5 mm Audio Cable VS ¼ Audio Cable
3.5 mm audio cables are used for consumer electronic devices like camcorders, cameras, and portable DVD players. They ensure the proper transmission of audio and videos.
The 3.5 mm can also attach the audio cable to factory stereo and external sources such as a portable MP3 player or another source. There are quite several 3.5mm audio cables.
These cables are used in various capacities. Examples are: Gold plated 3.5mm stereo audio cable to female extension cable, 2- pack 3.5mm stereo audio cable, gold plated 3.5mm to 2- RCA stereo audio cable, two-pack, 3.5mm coiled stereo audio cable in black 5Ft and gold plated 3.5mm stereo splitter 8 inches.
On the other hand, ¼ audio cables are used for musical instruments. Unlike 3.5mm audio cables, 1⁄4 cables are connected to instruments such as guitars and keyboards.
It is known as the most versatile audio connector.
This cable does not perform the same function as 3.5mm audio cables. For the 3.5mm audio cable, it is easier to transmit stereo signals, but not with 1⁄4 audio cables.
When connecting the ¼ audio cables to instruments, it is safer to purchase instruments cables alongside.
The major difference between the 3.5mm audio cables and ¼ audio cables is the structure. While the former can be dual plugs, the latter is generally mono-like.
Furthermore, the capacity of both cables varies. 3.5mm is used for consumer electronic devices and can be used for stereo, but ¼ audio cables are used for musical instruments.
Standard 3.5mm TRRS audio jack to split mic and headphone cable.
Chapter Five: How to Keep the Audio Cable Organized
Audio cables are essential in producing desired sound output and quality.
While this is true, these cables can also be disastrous to human lives and instruments if not properly handled.
Hence, it becomes necessary to keep these cables to forestall accidents but prolong their use in the homes, recording houses, and offices.
There are two different ways of keeping the audio cable organized. They are;
1. Use the snake cables:
Snake cables are a combination of many cables into a single cable with different output connectors.
· Advantages of snake cables
a. It makes it easier to organize cables without creating a mess of it. For recording studios with lots of cables, snake cables enable cables to retain their proper state and working condition
b. It is very portable
2. Use the cable winders:
Cable winders help to keep the audio cables organized at all times. It keeps cables safe from dust and dirt. It can be used anywhere, probably at home or office.
· Advantages of cable winders
a. It is easy to carry around
b. It can adjust to various cable lengths
c. It keeps the cable safe from stains and dust
3 side cable winder, a treadmill in the stadium, is one of the devices used to connect the audio signal to the OB van.
Chapter Six: Need Custom Audio Cable?
Everyone desires to have something worthwhile, especially a service that provides comfort and a pleasant sound. We are readily available to help provide you with cables that suit your needs. You are just four(4) steps away from reaching it. These steps are:
1. Tell us your requirement: To serve you better, we require you to provide us with details of the plug you desire and the length of your choice cable
2. Confirm the samples: Based on the description you have made, we will produce a sample for you to access. If the sample suits your design, we will expect a response in that regard.
3. Produce the bulk order: When you have approved the sample, we will deliver results immediately! We will produce the bulk goods for you.
4. Deliver the goods to you: This is the last of the process. As long as you are comfortable with the samples you received from us, we ensure we send out the goods to you.
Conclusion
Audio cables are straightforward to handle, but one needs to understand the technicalities involved to get the best out of them. I’m sure you’ve learned many new things about audio cables. If you have any questions or you’ll like to know more about audio cable, please feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help!
Our services include guiding and working with you in your choice of audio cables and connectors. We provide a seasoned insight into the world of cables.
Audio Cables: Everything Musicians Need To Know About Audio Cable Types [Infographic]
Music Gear
Recording
Leticia Trandafir · ·Get your audio cable knowledge together.
Cables matter.
Unfortunately wireless music studios aren’t a thing yet. In fact we’re connecting all kinds of old, new, analog and digital gear together more than ever.
Yeah I know, audio connectors might not be the most exciting part of your music studio setup…
But recording a clean and loud enough signal from guitars, synths, drum machines, and mics into your DAW has a lot to do with the audio cable types you choose.
So here’s an illustrated audio cable guide (I wish this was around when I was learning!). It’ll help you get a better sound when playing gigs, recording, or even just jamming.
The Difference between Analog and Digital Audio Cables
First things first, what’s the difference between analog and digital audio cables?
Well, they both transmit audio information. The only difference is that analog cables transmit electrical audio signals while digital cables transmit digital information in binary code (zeros and ones, the language that computers speak).
Balanced and Unbalanced Cables
Now let’s start with the most common question about analog cables…
What’s the difference between balanced and unbalanced cables?
- Unbalanced cables have a bigger chance of picking up radio interference and noise. If you were to cut open an unbalanced cable you’d see two wires: a conductor wire and a ground wire.
- Balanced cables on the other hand are designed to cancel out those interferences and electrical hums. They do it with the help of an added wire inside – so two conductor wires and a ground wire. With the help of that second wire, both wires cancel out the noise.
We’ll look at which cables are balanced and which are unbalanced in a moment. But first…
Balanced and Unbalanced Connections
Now the million dollar question: do balanced cables make a balanced connection?
The answer is no! Here’s a crucial thing to remember: all points in your cable circuit must be balanced for you to have a balanced connection. That includes the:
- Output on your gear
- Cables
- Input it’s going into (like your mixer or PA)
If just one of these is unbalanced, it’ll make your connection unbalanced. This is worth writing on a post-it and sticking it to your bathroom mirror.
I know it might be confusing for now, but keep reading!
How do you know if your gear is balanced?
Your gear is balanced if:
- It has XLR outputs or inputs
- It’s written on it or in the manual
For example: microphones, some mixers, PA systems, some pro gear and synths with XLR out (like the Roland Jupiter 8 and others).
Your gear is unbalanced if:
- It’s a guitar or bass
- It has ¼ inch mono or stereo outputs
- It has RCA inputs or outputs
A lot of gear is unbalanced if it has only ¼ inch outputs. It’s most likely unbalanced if it doesn’t say anything. Always check the manual or do some research if you’re not sure.
Why does all of this matter?
Knowing the difference between balanced and unbalanced cables is crucial for choosing the right cables in each situation. This will prevent nasty signal loss or gross noise interference in your recordings or live sets. The wrong cable might even damage your devices.
If you have balanced gear and a balanced mixer, then by all means use balanced cables that will give you a nice balanced connection!
But if you don’t have a balanced connection, remember to keep cables as short as possible.
Hot tip: for unbalanced connections keep your cables under 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) to prevent interference.
Don’t worry, I’ll go into details below about which cables are balanced and unbalanced in a second.
Audio Cable Types
Phew, I’m glad we got all that out of the way. Now it’s time to demystify the most common types of audio connectors.
ANALOG CABLES
XLR Cables
XLR cables are always balanced cables. They snap into place – so you won’t unplug them by mistake if you pull on them (think of all the punk shows this has saved). XLR cables can be very long without noise interference.
XLR cables are used to connect:
- Microphones>
- Powered speakers
- PA systems
- Instruments equipped with XLR
TRS Cables
TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) are connectors that have three wires inside (two conductors and one ground), as I’ve explained with balanced cables. They’re easy to spot because of the two rubber stripes on the connector.
TRS cables can be both balanced or unbalanced depending on how you use them. They’re the chameleons of cables.
Let me explain!
TRS cables will be balanced when you use them as mono cables between balanced devices. That’s when you use a pair of them, one for the left channel and one for right. That way in each cable, one of the conductor wires will be for the signal, and the other will help cancel the noise.
When you use a single TRS cable in stereo (left and right together in the same cable), both conductor wires inside will be used for the signal. One wire will transport the left signal and the other wire the right signal. So there’s no wire left for noise cancelling. This will be an unbalanced cable.
This situation is most common in headphone cables and headphone outputs on gear.
TS Cables
TS (Tip-Sleeve) connectors are always unbalanced. Why? Because they contain two wires: one conductor and one ground. They’re the ones with one rubber stripe on the connector.
TS cables are also mono. They’re handy for gear that has a mono output: guitars, mono effects pedals, some synths and drum machines. They’re super common in any music studio.
Make sure your TS cables are as short as possible – or else they might pick up noises and electrical hums.
RCA cables
RCA connectors mostly come in pairs to achieve stereo. Most of the time the red is used for Right (Red and Right both start with the letter R!) and the white is used for the Left channel.
RCA cables are similar to TS cables. Each RCA cable has one conductor and one ground. That means they’re always unbalanced.
So the same tip applies: keep them as short as possible.
RCA connectors are the DJ’s bread and butter. They’re the most common wires used to connect CDJs and turntables to DJ mixers.
Hot tip: When you’re plugging your CDJs and turntables, there are two types of RCA inputs: Line and Phono.
Line is for CDJs and other instruments, Phono is always for turntables.
Turntables have a much lower signal, so they need a more powerful preamp to bring them to line level (more on levels below). Always use the correct input when plugging your DJ setup to avoid noise and distortion! For more on turntables, check out Turntable Lab.
DIGITAL CABLES
You’ll find more and more digital cables in today’s home studio.
But I’m not gonna go in depth about them because they’re more straightforward than analog. And yes, I’ve left out some of the less common ones – like AES/EBU, S/PDIF, etc.
Lots of people think that the length of digital cables doesn’t matter (some say it either works or it doesn’t). But from experience if you go really long with digital cables (several meters), there’s more chance of it working improperly. So keep it short!
MIDI Cables
MIDI cables are used to sync and communicate instructions between gear.
As I’ve written in another post, MIDI does not make or transport sound. It transmits event messages.
Today most modern gear has MIDI in, MIDI out and MIDI thru. So the important thing to remember is your MIDI signal flow.
When you’re asking yourself: should I plug my MIDI cable in the IN, OUT, or THRU jack? think about whether your machine is:
- Sending the information = plug the cable in the OUT
- Receiving the information = plug the cable in the IN
- Passing the information along to another machine = plug the cable in the THRU
USB Cables
USB cables have become super common in audio production. They’re on MIDI keyboard controllers, audio interfaces, modern synths and drum machines.
They make information exchange possible between music gear and computers. USB cables also transport MIDI information.
The most widespread types of USB cables for instruments are USB A-Type (the classic flat one) and USB B-Type (the ‘square USB’).
USB connectors are following an ongoing trend in electronics towards miniaturization. Most new pieces of gear come with their own USB cable, so you don’t need to worry.
The important thing to remember is that if it stops working, it’s easy to replace – just look for the corresponding shape. They also tend to be quite fragile, so avoid keeping them plugged in and wrapping them around your gear when you transport them.
Convert Unbalanced to Balanced
This is a scenario that will happen to you at some point.
You’re playing a show, and the PA setup has XLR connectors – which are balanced.
Your gear is unbalanced because you have a guitar, bass, or synth.
Plus, the main mixer console is very far from the stage, so long unbalanced cables will attract noise and interference.
You need to convert the unbalanced connection to a balanced one. What do you do? How do you convert an unbalanced connection to a balanced one?
This is done using a DI box.
What is a DI box?
A DI box (direct injection) is device used in recording and live audio to convert signals and match audio levels (more on levels below). It allows you to plug unbalanced gear (guitar, synth, bass) to balanced inputs on mixers and PA systems – it converts it to a balanced connection. You get noise reduction, no interference and the ability to run long cables. Thanks DI box!
Plug a TS to TRS
You might be asking “can I plug an unbalanced TS plug into a balanced TRS jack?”
The answer is yes. Most of the time those ¼ inch (6.35 mm) inputs are both balanced and unbalanced – they’re built to switch between the two. Manufacturers often write it on the mixer itself: BAL/UNBAL.
As a general rule, read what it says on your gear and mixer! It’s as simple as that.
Audio Level 101: speaker, mic, instrument, and line level
I promised to talk about levels. This is pretty crucial when you’re plugging your devices together.
What’s the difference between Mic, Instrument, Speaker and Line level signals?
- What is Speaker level? Speaker level is the strongest signal. And it makes sense, speakers need a lot of power—as anyone who stands in front of a club sound system will know!
- What is Line level? Line level is the standard signal level (in terms of voltage). Instrument, phono and mic levels need to be boosted to match this level.
- What is Instrument level? Instrument level is somewhere in between. It’s weaker than line level but stronger than mic level. Synths, basses and guitars are usually at this level. A DI box is used to match the level of these instruments to line level.
- What is Mic level? Mic level is the weakest signal. It needs a mic preamp to be brought up to line level, otherwise you don’t hear it.
Taking Care of Your Audio Cables: Maintenance Tips and Tricks
Even the highest quality audio cables won’t last forever if they’re not treated with care.
If you follow these simple maintenance practices, you can significantly extend their lifespan and keep them in good working order.
Proper Wrapping
Here's a first person view of the over-under technique required to properly wrap cables.
It’s crucial to wrap your cables correctly after each use. Avoid the common ‘wrap around the elbow’ method, as this can cause internal damage over time.
Instead, use the ‘over-under’ technique, which involves alternating the direction of your wraps to relieve internal strain on the cable.
Storage
Keep your cables in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, as this can affect the insulation and conductive materials inside the cable.
Try to store each cable separately to prevent tangling and unnecessary strain.
Checking for Damage
Inspect your cables for any visible signs of wear and tear, such as frayed insulation or bent connectors, before and after each use.
If you notice a cable starting to wear down, it’s best to replace it as soon as possible to avoid any risk of injury, potential damage to your gear or loss in audio quality.
Cable Repair
Here's a quick run through of what's necessary to repair 1/4" cables.
Most stop working because of a problem with the jack—usually, some connection is lost or weakened between the wiring and the jack’s connection points.
If you have time, these problems can be fixed at home with a soldering iron, a new connector and some electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing.
However, if the internal wires are damaged or if the cable is not functioning correctly, it’s usually better to replace it entirely rather than attempting a repair.
Untangle Those Cables
Knowledge about audio cable types and audio levels is key when you’re recording music and playing live gigs. It’ll give you the know-how you need to plug in your setup and get your best sound.
Plus, when you’re talking to the sound person at the venue or buying something at the music store, you wanna know what you’re talking about right?
So keep this audio cable guide in your bookmarks and return to it every time you need to.
Because even though ads of gear always show instruments floating in space, the magic of music only really happens when you plug everything together.
Leticia is a lover of acid basslines and hypnotic techno. She DJs and produces under the name softcoresoft. Writer at LANDR.
@ Leticia TrandafirGear guides, tips, tutorials, inspiration and more—delivered weekly.
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