Connectors | ![]() |
A
wide variety of connector and cable types are found in the typical audio
configuration.
Shielded cables of different sizes are used in combination with the appropriate connector type. |
Usually the RCA
type connectors, due to their small size, use the smallest cable, |
with Phone
connectors using a larger cable |
and
XLR using the most robust type for microphone and amplifier/speaker applications. |
RCA |
|
![]() |
advantages
disadvantages
|
![]() |
Phone |
|
![]() |
advantages
types: (comes in 1/8 - mini, 1/4 - standard and 3/16 - Bantam)
disadvantages
|
![]() |
XLR (canon) |
|
![]() |
XLR connectors use a three pin system
to accomodate a shield or ground wire and two wires for the program signal.
Pin 1 is always wired to the ground or shield. There are, however, inconsistencies
in the way the other two connectors are wired. The most common standard
favours "pin 2 hot" with the red (or white) wire connected to pin 2 and
the black return wire connected to pin 3.
advantages disadvantages
|
![]() |
mic inputs | line inputs | outputs | loudspeakers |
balanced XLR/Canon
unbalanced phone/1/4" |
RCA
Phone/1/4" |
Phone/1/4"
XLR RCA |
Phone/1/4"
Banana plugs XLR RCA |