Audio connections: the main differences
Some audio connections are common, others are more exotic. But they all have certain advantages and peculiarities and many can be converted into one another via adapters. In this practical tip, we will introduce you to the various audio connections and their differences. In the following picture gallery we show you photos of the respective plugs and sockets as well as of the adapters.
Widely used: the audio connector of the audio jack
The audio jack is available in various sizes and designs in radios, computers, microphones and other devices.
- The most common are 3.5 and 3.6 mm jack plugs and sockets.
- Depending on the version, they run two, three or even more lines that are separated by rings. When plugging in, occasionally short-circuit the lines, which can be heard as a crack.
- With three lines, typically two channels are either transmitted asymmetrically (as with most stereo headphones) or one line is transmitted symmetrically. The flexible assignment is a strength of the audio connection.
- The 3.5 mm jack is particularly widespread and space-saving. This is another strength.
- In further practical tips, we will show you how to repair jack cables and solder headphone cables.
Cinch connections in the audio-video area
You will find cinch particularly in the audio-video area, since the yellow video cable is very common here. In further practical tips, we will go into more detail about the differences between RCA and jack and show you how to solder RCA plugs.
- Cinch has become widespread at least since the advance of analog video cameras and video recorders.
- Most of the time, the red cable transmits the right audio channel, the white cable the left audio channel and a yellow cable the image material.
- Since one cable is on the inside and one on the outside of the plug, you do not create a short circuit while inserting the plug.
- Since only one channel can be transmitted asymmetrically, Cinch is not very flexible and relatively susceptible to interference. Due to the wide distribution, cinch can still often be found in professional equipment.
Audio connection de luxe: XLR for audio professionals
XLR can be found almost exclusively in the professional audio sector. In a practical tip we explain the exact differences between jack and XLR:
- XLR plugs are significantly larger than other standard audio plugs.
- A channel is typically transmitted symmetrically over three lines. As a result, there is little noise caused by electromagnetic interference even with long cable runs.
- With most condenser microphones, power is supplied via one of the lines and signal transmission via the other. You can find more information about phantom power in another CHIP practical tip.
The audio exotic BNC
BNC is mainly used in the field of radio and radio frequency transmission. You can get even more information about BNC in another practical tip.
- Like Cinch, a BNC cable carries two lines for the transmission of an audio channel.
- Similar to DVB-C cables, BNC cables are typically coaxial cables in which the outer cable is a wire mesh around an inner cable. This reduces the damage caused by electromagnetic interference.
- Flexible L and T plugs are widespread for BNC and even condenser microphones work with the two lines from BNC using ICP technology.
- Thanks to its bayonet lock, BNX connectors are rock solid.
In further practical tips, we will show you how to connect your electric piano to a PC, how to record an electric guitar using a jack cable and how to hide your tangled cables.
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You probably run into the male jack plug (left) and the female jack socket (right) every day. They are used in headphones and headsets, computers and mixing consoles.
With an adapter (left) you can insert a small 3.5 mm plug into a 6.3 mm socket. Jack plugs with three rings (right) can be used for headsets, for example. If you know which signal you are carrying on which line, you can of course also build unusual adapters and signal paths yourself (right).
Cinch is more of a low budget solution. The male plugs (left) and female sockets (right) can each transmit an audio channel asymmetrically.
Especially in the AV area, for example with digital cameras, you will find cinch to micro USB adapters (left). With an adapter plug (right) or an adapter cable, Cinch is compatible with an asymmetrical jack.
XLR is particularly popular with live music. The plugs can snap into place and are then firmly seated. In addition, there is no short circuit when plugged in, since the cables are next to each other and not one behind the other. Due to the symmetrical transmission, there is little noise even with long cable runs.
There are combination sockets into which you can insert both the jack and the XLR (left). With an adapter or adapter cable you can connect XLR to a balanced jack.
BNC can also be firmly plugged together. In addition to audio, digital signals such as word clock are also transmitted to synchronize devices.
