There are a variety of connectors that are used to join pieces or groups of equipment together so that they can communicate with each other, and so that an audio signal may be passed among them. In some cases, this variety is the result of efforts by equipment manufacturers to develop proprietary connectors designed to fit only their own equipment. In other cases, newer connectors have been developed over time that have begun to coexist with older connectors.
1. The XLR connector
The three pin XLR connector is probably the most common ‘pro’ connector that one encounters on broadcast grade audio equipment. Typically, it has three pins, with Pin 1 used for the shield (or wire mesh) of the armoured cable, Pin 2 for the phase or ‘hot’ signal, and pin 3 for the cold (or reversed phase) signal. The three pin arrangement – four and five are also possible, though less common – make this the connector of choice for balanced connections.
Belkin PureAV Digital Optical Audio Cable (12 Feet)
Since the XLR connector design includes a locking tab that clicks into place when attached - and which must be pressed to release the connector - it is a particularly safe connector. It is impossible to line the connector up the wrong way, or misconnect it.
By convention, the male XLR connector – with the pins – carries the signals out, and the female connector, with the sockets, takes in the signal.
A male and a female XLR connector. Note the tab on top that must be pressed to disconnect the connector.
2. 1/4" phono plug and jack
The 1/4" phono plug comes in two varieties: Two contact or three contact. The three contact point version, with the two visible black bands, is also known as the TRS or Tip-Ring-Sleeve connector. The three contact points can be used for a stereo connection (tip = left, ring = right, sleeve = ground); or for balanced connections (Tip = hot, ring = cold, sleeve = shield). The two contact jacks only have a tip and a sleeve; and are used for mono or unbalanced connections.
A pair of 1/4" phono jacks. Both are mono connectors, as indicated by the single black band.
The 1/8" phono plug – also known as the mini-phono plug – is the small cousin of the ¼" connector. On professional equipment, this is found only on portable equipment – notably field recorders – or on mid-range soundcards. They are, however, more common on consumer grade and home audio equipment.
The mini-phono jack is also available in two and three contact versions, though the latter is much more common. The three contact version is also the TRS variety (see above) and is most commonly used for unbalanced stereo connections.
A 1/8" mini phono jack. This one is a stereo TRS connector, as shown by the two black bands near the tip.
The small size and the (usually) flimsy construction means there are high failure rates with 1/8" connectors, and that they need constant checking when used in ‘pro’ work.
4. RCA jack and connector
The name RCA comes from the Recording Corporation of America (RCA) which was the first to develop this connector for their audio equipment. The RCA is an unbalanced connector, with the jack having a central pin surrounded by a flanged edge which acts as the other contact.
A pair of RCA jacks. Together, they make a stereo pair, with one carrying the L signal and the other the R signal.
Designed for domestic use, it may nevertheless be found on some studio equipment. The connector is prone to usage related wear and tear, as the outer ring often spreads due to careless handling and is then unable to make a clean connection.
5. D-Type connectors
The D-type multi-pin connector is available in male or female versions, and is often used where large amounts of data needs to be handled. The connectors range from 15 pin to 50 pin. They are common on digital equipment and are also often used on studio mixers.
A D-type connector.
6. BNC connectors
The BNC connector is most often found on RF transmission equipment, and has a locking ring system that is similar to those found on a lightbulb. The TNC connector is also quite common, and is a screw type version of the BNC connector. A third variant, the N-Type connector is a larger version of the TNC connector. It is able to handle considerably higher RF powers, and is commonly found on transmission and RF test equipment.
Network, computer and telecom connectors
1. RJ-11 (telephone) connector
The RJ-11 clip connector is used for telephone connections. It is a small four-pin type connector; and is often found on modem and hybrid units. The plastic clip snaps into place, and must be pressed to withdraw the connector from its socket. The connector requires a special crimping tool to be attached to the telephone cable.
An RJ-11 connector. Note the clip on top which snaps into place when it is inserted in its socket.
The RJ-45 connector is a larger version of the RJ-11. It has eight pins and is used for data network cables such as ISDN cables and computer network cables. Standard computer network cards and network hubs have sockets for this connector, often known as an Ethernet or LAN (Large Area Network) connector. This connector needs to be crimped in place within the connector with a crimping tool as well.
An RJ-45 LAN connector. The 8 wires of the LAN cable need to be crimped in place.
USB or Universal Serial Bus connectors are found on computers and some audio devices like MDs and flash recorders. USB devices may be chained to each other to form a chain as long as 128 devices, all of which can be active simultaneously. Nowadays, USB is also used to power some devices like microphones: USB mics are often used on computers.
USB connectors may be classified on the basis of their data transfer standard (USB 1.0 and USB 2.0) or on the basis of their size (mini-USB and standard USB). Mini USB is often found on portable digital equipment and digital cameras. Standard USB is usually found on computers.
USB 1.0 offers data transfers at about 11 MBps (or Megabits per second). USB 2.0, the newer standard, can transfer at a thumping 480 MBps!
Regular size and mini-USB connectors, both male
A Female USB connector
Originally developed exclusively for high speed digital audio and video transfer, Firewire or IEEE 1394 standard connectors come in two variants: Firewire 400 (capable of 400 MBps transfers) and the newer FireWire 800 (capable of a mind-boggling 800 MBps transfer speed.).
This connector comes in a larger and smaller variety as well.
A standard (left) and a mini firewire (right) connector
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