AUDIO CONNECTORS | XLR, 1/4-Inch, 3.5mm, SpeakON, RCA, & More

Check out the FULL POST with a more complete list of audio connectors here: audiouniversityonline.com/aud...
This video will introduce you to the most common connectors in professional and consumer audio. You'll see each audio connector, how each audio connector works, and the common uses of each audio connector!
Full Post (Audio University Website): audiouniversityonline.com/aud...
Need help setting up your new studio? Check out these free resources I've created for you...
Recording Studio Checklist: audiouniversityonline.com/free...
Speaker Placement Guide: audiouniversityonline.com/spe...
0:00 - Introduction
0:27 - XLR Connectors
1:03 - 1/4-Inch Connectors (TS & TRS)
2:16 - 1/8-Inch (3.5mm) Connectors (TS, TRS, & TRRS)
4:17 - RCA Connectors
4:56 - Phoenix (Euroblock) Connectors
5:44 - SpeakON Connectors (NL2, NL4, & NL8)
6:16 - Subscribe to Audio University!
CONNECTORS & CABLES:
XLR Cable -
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/WDJo4Z
- Amazon: amzn.to/3bCWYy2
- B&H: bhpho.to/2T0xzYj
XLR-M Connector -
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/EaGD9Q
- Amazon: amzn.to/3qxCjjt
- B&H: bhpho.to/3d6DP7y
XLR-F Connector -
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/n1jdN9
- Amazon: amzn.to/3oJpKkz
- B&H: bhpho.to/3vSDR9U
1/4-Inch TS Instrument Cable -
- Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/rQ1v73
- Amazon: amzn.to/3sn6qvv
1/4-Inch TS Speaker Cable -
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/ORoA9r
- Amazon: amzn.to/35HhZnv
- B&H: bhpho.to/2TW9Jgr
1/4-Inch TS Connector -
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/RyYVOR
- Amazon: amzn.to/3qeemNI
- B&H: bhpho.to/3gR1Di7
1/4-Inch TRS Cable -
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/EaGDqD
- Amazon: amzn.to/38GIHi0
- B&H: bhpho.to/35NtR77
1/4-Inch TRS Connector -
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/vn1d4y
- Amazon: amzn.to/3oLzpXx
- B&H: bhpho.to/3zVoZdS
3.5mm TS Cable -
- Amazon: amzn.to/3nKQoIa
- B&H: bhpho.to/3gPiOAE
3.5mm TS Connector -
- Amazon: amzn.to/35I8BA3
3.5mm TRS Cable -
- Amazon: amzn.to/3qlFBWU
- B&H: bhpho.to/3xOJN4Y
3.5mm TRS Connector -
- Amazon: amzn.to/3iduLza
3.5mm TRRS Cable -
- Amazon: amzn.to/35G18kY
- B&H: bhpho.to/2SRvj5L
3.5mm TRRS Connector -
- Amazon: amzn.to/35Fym4e
RCA Cable -
- Amazon: amzn.to/3qkszca
RCA Connector -
- Amazon: amzn.to/3nGWRUM
- B&H: bhpho.to/3vRtH9t
NL2 Cable -
- Amazon: amzn.to/3bySsAO
- B&H: bhpho.to/2UxR2jz
NL2 Connector -
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/5bmJk1
- Amazon: amzn.to/2XBzO2W
- B&H: bhpho.to/3gQZpiP
NL4 Cable -
- Amazon: amzn.to/3bySsAO
- B&H: bhpho.to/3zSOuN7
NL4 Connector -
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/kjQd4V
- Amazon: amzn.to/2XBA8yG
- B&H: bhpho.to/361Ty4d
NL8 Cable -
- Amazon: amzn.to/2XFG7mk
NL8 Connector -
- Amazon: amzn.to/2XG95lW
- B&H: bhpho.to/2TYCsRM
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[@AudioUniversity]

Need help setting up your new studio? Check out these free resources I've created for you... Recording Studio Checklist: audiouniversityonline.com/free-home-studio-checklist/ Speaker Placement Guide: audiouniversityonline.com/speaker-placement-guide/

[@markmartinloyola]

I am a band director, and I have been plagued by the 3.5 millimeter unbalanced cables making unwanted noise on the speakers we use for metronomes/click-track. Now that I know the difference between balanced/un-balanced cables and the fact that 3.5 mil will always be unbalanced I am really going to rethink how we set up our classrooms. It is the little things in life that can make a huge difference. Thanks!

[@Vic_714]

yes and when all those little things add up it gets hard to determine real issue. Process of eliminating all these things first makes it so much easier for a rookie like myself.

[@isweartofuckinggod]

I think, in your case, a TRS 3.5mm would work. It's got nothing to do with the cable itself, and really depends on the device that's sending the signal. I mean, if your metronomes aren't sending a balanced signal, changing the cable type won't do anything to alleviate noise.

[@himanshu4269]

that is Some significant video after months of nonsense youtube search ... u r Doing great bro ....informative , simple and to the point. Most of all your info is accurate.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks! I’m glad to help!

[@lankanathliyanagamage]

Thank you very much for your clear explanation of audio connectors.

[@mikeeygauthier2959]

Thanks for your vid! I bought a pair of Focal solo 6 studio monitors for my home stereo. It only has BALANCED inputs!

[@michaelsotomayor5001]

thank you so much for this! Awesome channel. I just wanted to simply hook up my audio interface 1/4 output to my gauge cable speakers. Didn't understand at all but I get the idea now.

[@assad_uz]

Bro, very important and best video for knowing each and every audio jack interface. Thanks, man. Peace.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks! Glad it’s helpful!

[@trizvfx]

thanks for the clarity!

[@machatambi]

Hi there. A big thank you for all the free info shared. I've tried getting AF from a wireless mic receiver into my phone with mixed outcomes. One way was out the AF with an adapted(1/4inch) aux cable into a trs to trrs adapter and then phone. I can hear audio coming thru but not very loud. I've also tried swapping the trs to trrs adapter with a mic and headphone splitter with a trrs on the other end. Aux cable connected to the mic line on the mic headphone splitter. Nothing comes thru. What am I doing wrong? Thanks in advance

[@Chambalero]

i have a question! why are the patch cables in guitar pedals thick? Can't they be as thin as headphones cable? GREAT VIDEOS! you have!

[@user-mx5we1li2l]

Excellent informative video!

[@GeirRssaak]

The best electrical leader is gold!

[@mannytorres341]

Is it possible to connect a banana plug to a 1/4 trs connection. I’m trying to connect passive speakers to an amp and the amp to an audio interface

[@aniruddhasitar]

I have a question if 3.5 mm jack and quarter Inch jack works same, then why companies don't shift to 3.5 mm as it is compact and common these days on professional headphones, to connect these headphones to interface we need to use quarter inch jack adapter

[@Lucas-wy3jb]

Curious as to why you would call it sleeve instead of shield? The conductors tip and ring are inside of a shielded cable.

[@KimKim-jf8cv]

How can I connect my 3.5mm connector of headset/microphone combo to which 1/4'' port on the mixer ? Thanks.

[@jordantherubio]

Im using a small mixer and i have 1/4 to aux both trs and a aux trs to left and right 1/4 cable and im monitoring with 1/4 headset and found the on of those cables is making noise when all vol. levl is zero. Is this caused by a cheap or bad cable? I did more testing and most of the sound seems to be coming from the 1/4 to aux trs. How could this noise issue be fix thanks!

[@josephsoto7328]

Really great video!

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad you liked it, Joseph! Thanks.

[@kenjomdeori8106]

Please help, Should I use TS cable or TRS cable for my guitar to audio interface focusrite 2i2 ?

[@headphonecable]

Good video!

[@mikepruett1745]

How do I work on the speakon connectors? I have a dead one on the speaker can I take it apart and maintain it

[@sasalucic2832]

Top-notch knowledge and experience presented in video clip... well done

[@JWYF_Production]

helped me a lot, thanks

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to hear that!

[@biliharp9839]

Hi. I like to connect my sm 58 (vocal mic) to the amp and also my harmonica mic (with xlr -xlr cable) to the amp so can you tell me or link me what 1/4 inch connector/adapter will be best ? Type and brand etc. i like to have good one. I will be grateful. Regards

[@twt000]

SPDIF optical out from PC dedicated Sound Card sounds the best over anything else. Why?

[@Jimmy95x]

I have cheap clip on microphone with a 3.5mm TRRS connector designed for phones and stuff. I want to convert it to a 1/4in TS connection or an XLR to plug into a mixer or audio interface, but when I use a 3.5mm to 1/4in adapter I lose signal. I assume its because the adapter is designed for 3.5mm TRS not TRRS but I'm not sure. Is what I'm trying to do possible? does that connector exist? could I make one that does work? I have some crude soldering skills but I have repaired a decent amount of XLR's so I'm willing to tear the thing apart if need be as its pretty cheap.

[@jobaecker9752]

I have a lot of different cable connectors and adapters. Usually, the one I need is missing, or one end is wrong. ;)

[@prithviraja8425]

Hi to audio University I want know all instruments cable which to connect n mixer & audio interface& amplifier

[@chhana101]

Can I make L+R TRS connector to one XLR? Need one for our Piano which only have TRS/TS output.

[@AudioUniversity]

I’d recommend only using the left output or using two separate channels.

[@stiven_ph8656]

How about 4.4mm trs is that balanced?

[@evelic]

Thank you, goor Sir.

[@leobardobivianomedia]

how can I get the best sound if I want to connect my (Via 3.5mm) Phone to my mixer. I just want to play music for live audience. Thanks for your Video

[@AudioUniversity]

Check out this video for some options: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWPOkqOjadxnbMU Be careful with option number 1... I made another video about the dangers of using an adapter like that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYuZq5mbbsaeaLs I hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@joeycmusic]

Great Video!! is a mic cable (XLR) the same as a speaker(XLR) & can I use them on each? I purchased speaker wire on amazon. when it came it had Microphone cable written on it! I'm confused! Thanks in advance!

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes you can! The "microphone cable" label can be confusing, but an XLR cable can be used for any analog XLR connection (mixer, speaker, microphone, DI box, etc.). Thanks for watching, joey! Hope this helps.

[@vernonnelson1224]

I have a powerworks PW50 power speaker that has a line in for a 1/4 inch plug. I want to use it with my AV receiver that only have outputs for wires line out left and right. How do I hook up this power speaker?

[@user-zk5xo9he6g]

Did u ever figure this out I'm trying to do same thing n coming up with zip tia

[@sunshinebrissett6238]

Thanks God Bless

[@Scrapy5]

Yo question so i know this sounds dum but i have 2 active speakers and they take in xlr but i want to use speakon for longer distances can i use at my mixer a xlr to speakon and at my speaker a speakon to xlr adapter?

[@Scrapy5]

Also i never used speakon so i wanted to know if i could use it

[@patmidlam1927]

If I use aTRS adapter on my TS connector, does that actually balance the signal?

[@AudioUniversity]

No. Unfortunately, it does not.

[@avriyas007]

Thanks

[@baymax001]

1:50 I have an audio interface but I don't have a 1/4" Headphones. I have a 3.5mm normal headphones, So Is it okay if I connect the 3.5mm TRS aux cable to a 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adopter and then connect the 6.35 mm adopter to the audio interface's headphones jack? #help

[@geraldtorres4246]

My budget condenser microphone is a usb type (plug and play). Is there any way for me to plug it to focusrite scarlett 2i2? What adaptor should I use?

[@AudioUniversity]

The microphone you are using has an audio interface built-in. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 only accepts analog signals, so there is no way to connect a USB input. Your best option would be to get a microphone with XLR output or simply use your microphone directly to your computer.

[@geraldtorres4246]

@@AudioUniversity thank you so much. Is it okay to use cheap dynamic microphones with "okay" quality if you are using a good quality audio interface?

[@AudioUniversity]

Of course! You do get better quality sound with more expensive microphones, but you’ve got to start somewhere! I recommend the Shure SM58 - $100.

[@Hanirecords755]

Bro i have behringer um2 but I don't know how to connect this to studio monitor

[@AudioUniversity]

Hi Abhishek. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmGVdp-fjcurgdE

[@tidusdream12]

I am effing pist atlona puts no cable recommendation for the Phoenix. I wish they would just list a cable type for god's sake. I am just going to have to wing it I guess

[@Wolf762x39]

Really hoping I get an answer here because I'm getting desperate, but I'm trying to start making mixtapes, but I only ever get the left channel because I record off of my phone. Would a 3.5mm TS cable work for getting both channels?

[@AudioUniversity]

Potentially. It depends on the pinout of your phone. It’s worth a try.

[@Wolf762x39]

@@AudioUniversity Thank you, I'll give it a try.

[@tjcookmusic]

Is there a specific name or measurements for extremely small Euroblock/Phoenix connectors? I have an amplifier for a baseball field sound system at the school where I work, and it uses small, two- and three-pin Euroblock connectors that are quite tiny. I'm desperately trying to find this standard that connects to a female XLR. I made a cable myself that worked for awhile, but it's going bad, and I'd rather be able to order one directly. Thanks for any help, and thanks for the great video!

[@AudioUniversity]

I don’t think there is a standard. You probably need to make one. If you don’t want to solder, it might be easier to buy an XLR cable and cut one end off.

[@tjcookmusic]

@@AudioUniversity Thank you! That is actually what I did before! : D

[@alexamderhamiltom5238]

can i use RCA to 2.5mm for headphone? and is it balanced or unbalanced?

[@AudioUniversity]

RCA and 3.5mm (stereo) are unbalanced. Also, the RCA output doesn't have a built-in headphone amplifier like a headphone output would. You will need to connect the RCA output to a headphone amplifier and then connect the headphone amp to the headphones. Check out this video to learn more about this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/navFmoKbpsd4iKc

[@alexamderhamiltom5238]

@@AudioUniversity thank you for replying, but what i want to do is : 1. desolder my non-detachable headphone, then put female RCA. 2. buy 2.5mm to 2RCA male cable 3. connect it to my headphone amp which have 2.5 balanced connection 4. ........ 5. STONKS ? edit : i ended up watching a lot of your videos. good contents mate.

[@muteralon]

What diferrent of silver plated and gold plated connectors sir?

[@AudioUniversity]

I believe the main difference is that gold is more resistant to corrosion.

[@muteralon]

@@AudioUniversity kebanyakan konektor yang mengatakan gold plated, itu hanya barang berupa sepuhan atau dilapisi luarnya. Setelah dipakai beberapa lama, semua akan pudar dan menyisakan warna silver atau warna cat dasarnya saja. Saya sangat sedih melihat keadaan ini.

[@teemuronkainen]

Can i use NL4 if i dont have NL2?

[@AudioUniversity]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYHXe5iqd9lkeqs

[@kamilkachnic7360]

This stuff is more comlicated than I preaviously thought.

[@jakegascon9727]

Done

[@Dmaccabees]

💯🥊

[@sasalucic2832]

👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@TheBadurpa]

I always subscribe to intelligence.....

[@dearhorse085]

Man why do we take free teachings like this for granted... This kinda stuff used to be paid in the old days now you just go on youtube

[@SrChalice]

Why the hell are speakons so hard to find and when you do find them, they are over $120.

[@Waferdicing]

💜💙💚❤️

[@echospace7347]

I put a shure sm58 into my Rockville speaker with a male to female Xlr and it doesn’t detect my mic do I need an amp or something?