Soldering 1/4 inch TRS Connectors Like A Pro

[@YusifRefae]

man, the tip about pre-soldering the cups made my life so easy wiring up these TRS cables just now. thanks my man, i've referenced this video several times.

[@michaelfarrow4648]

Whenever there was a soldering project at the studio, I was immediately "promoted" to coffee boy. The world was better for it. Thanks, Brad!

[@anblanco]

Hello. I am 61 years old and I am a TV technician with 40 years of experience. I solder the XLRs leaving the ground conductor (1) shorter. The reason is that, being more resistant, it is the conductor that will receive the force in the event of a pull, releasing conductors 2 and 3 from that extra force. Greetings

[@biasedaudio]

Logical. A good strategy.

[@duroxkilo]

was about to say the same... i've had pertinent experience fixing lots of 'concert cables' and in the vast majority of cases where the fault was broken wires in the connectors, the ground wire was longer or same length as the signal wires. so, keeping tension off the signal wires (having them slightly longer than the ground) prolongs the life of the cable. if the cable sees lots of use and abuse, it's critical the crimping is done properly as the ground wire will 'stretch' over time (it basically settles in the jacket) and eventually there will be tension on the signal wires... there are other ways to make cables for 'concert use' but that's a different topic. plus in the end no cable is indestructible no matter what. the best practice is to retire and repurpose those cables before they start presenting faults. ps: for making lots of cables, like for an entire studio, a solder bath saves considerable time. it makes tinning super fast and consistent w/o any risk of melting insulation...

[@dandelnegro]

Thanks for this vid! Was trying the old "wire through the hole / tighten / solder" routine with a pretty small female TRS jack with no luck...this method worked a lot better!

[@biasedaudio]

Glad I could help

[@larryhall2805]

I was taught how to solder 40+ years ago but never had the proper tools. I never had enough hands. Watching this has allowed me to forgive myself as well as refreshed my memory. A lesson on replacing guitar pickups would be good.

[@Digmen1]

Great video Nice work, very clean. I'm English, and its our language and the word is SOLDER - not sodder!

[@biasedaudio]

Good thing I wasn't talking about Aluminum SolDer. ;)

[@chrispoole2438]

good practical tips. I'm less of a hamfisted neandertal - which is good progress!! Thanks - keep up the good work!

[@IntoThePromiseLAND]

Big thanks for the video! Had to splice a new TRS cable to my Sennheiser headphone cord that was separating at the plug. The explanation of tip, jacket and ground connection was vital! My solder work leaves much to be desired but they still work!

[@stevelucas2117]

This is great! Thank you for the video. I'm getting ready to solder a ton of 1/4" and a few XLR cables for my new guitar pedal board.

[@biasedaudio]

You're welcome glad it was helpful.

[@iankelly49]

superb video, really clear, thank you very much.

[@stretchedbag1963]

Great video. I came here searching for a technique to crimp the strain relief… but I see that your technique is the same as mine; good ol’ needle nose pliers! I figured that an experienced pro like you would surely have a purpose built crimper for that job. But no. Nevertheless, very instructive and amazing soldering and assembly skills. Many thanks for posting, glad I subscribed. Cheers!

[@biasedaudio]

I did have one comment on this video that they used a BNC or RF connector crimp on quarter inch strain relief. It sounds like a good idea but I haven't tried it myself.

[@ineedstuff8286]

SOOO glad i watched this priot to buying bulky connctors🎉🙏🏻🙏🏻👊🏼👊🏼

[@Filip_K_Shapethesound]

Wow, I wish this channel had more videos, but I'll be sure to check at least most of them, because I like the way you show things. Btw came here to see the video about opto compressors and stayed even for soldering :) Great job! :)

[@biasedaudio]

Thank you. I've had a very busy year and hope to get back to creative video soon.

[@lazzar0ne]

Great video! Consider doing a video on a multi channel mixer (like 5 inputs and 2 outputs) and a line selector, that would be great

[@jubinsebastian1991]

Could you do some videos on how to solder cat5 and 3.5 mm cables? Would you be able to provide some insight into the type of cable to use? I found these videos to be very helpful. Thanks a lot

[@RR-ok4wz]

This is great. Thank you so much! Looking forward to making my first set of trs cables now.

[@mattmattga]

this is awesome!!! building out my studio and this has been super helpful

[@Princeton_James]

I have learned if you dont use the insulating sleeve or heat shrink you'll have all kinds of issues. The heat shrink also helps a lot to connect any sleeving to the connector if you are using sleeving.

[@punknugget561]

Great Vid - Thank you! Now I'll get the "Older" style TRS connectors as they seem easier to attach wires to.

[@TweezerBleezer123]

Damn thanks for uploading these vids

[@itchardhen]

hey i know it's an older vid (so sorry for the necropost) but just wanted to say that this series is great, even for folks who have been around the block. i recently had to solder hundreds of trs & xlr plugs and jacks for a fixed install patch panel job and your videos had a handful of tips that made things much easier on me and neater for the project. kudos on the great content. liked n sub'd!

[@biasedaudio]

Hey thank you. Positive comments are always enjoyable. I hope to get back to posting. I like to consider this channel like a reference library,. :)

[@robjustaguy]

I’d love to see you explain an on air light wiring to the mixer

[@benbassist]

Thanks for sharing. Clear and concise video.

[@alexwright4275]

Great videos man. Much appreciated!

[@biasedaudio]

Thank you Alex, comments like that keep me goin.

[@flamencoprof]

Pretty close to how I do it, but here in NZ I can't seem to find "sodder", and have to make do with "solder". 🙂 I was taught to use the holes in the terminals, and that the tinned wire and terminal should have a good mechanical connection first; then the sodder guarantees the electrical connection, and the wire cannot move while the sodder is cooling, which prevents crystallisation.

[@biasedaudio]

Well your right that using the holes is stronger, and will prevent movement when cooling, it also causes me to curse much if I ever need to desolder. Good thing I wasn't using aluminum solder, that would have an aural disaster 😂.

[@flamencoprof]

@@biasedaudio Yeah, aluminium is much better! 🙂

[@ervano798]

Very strange how you solder the shield, but i think the idee is not so bad. The next time i need to solder a TRS jack i wil try it out.

[@JohnSAitken]

I found that the old type of jack (non Neutrik) centre connecting tab becomes separated from the stud holding the tab. If the cable is in a situation where it is not moving around a lot, this will be fine. The spacing you mentioned, this I understand. I would never use this model of Jack for Guitar or Microphone.

[@biasedaudio]

I think the issue you describe might be related to the brand of the connector. There are a lot of copies these days. I prefer the Switchcraft Brand 1/4 connector which are durable and I have never had that problem, if one wanted to use this style connector.

[@sunshinebrissett6238]

Thanks for this vid just what I needed

[@ChrisAlves_17]

Thank you so much for share this videos. Do you have someting for multichanel LK connectors?

[@biasedaudio]

I don't. They are a bit easier than a DL or elco. Very similar process as the D-Sub but I would work from the center out.

[@TheStudio49]

Thanks for the grate videos id love to see diy cat6e to xlr

[@tmurrell6511]

Could we see a video showing the replacement of the socket side, as the line in and line out of an amplifier/mixer/reciever? Perhaps a good lesson with toggle switches. Very good video, I definately subscribed, and agree about your idea on Audio Education. Thanks

[@narutouzumaki4710]

Thank you for the video, you made this look a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. Would these be classed as balanced or unbalanced? If these are unbalanced, how would I make them balanced? Sorry if these are dumb questions, new to owning studio monitors.

[@biasedaudio]

This 3 wire trs connector would normally be balanced. Hot , cold, ground. If it was too connectors Hot and shield or ground it would be unbalanced

[@kunad2294]

you're the best.

[@AndersonPEM]

TRS MEANS TIP RING SLEEVE? :O I'd never get it by only reading the acronym. Even though it's obvious now that I heard it out loud.

[@Rogesindustries]

The finest example of a tutorial vid iv seen to date. Had zero bull, nothing but the necessary. the pov and the level of delivery👌.. well dominos can only dream about. A dash of comedy re: comments on extra heat shrink on the solder point or something and it all got put to bed very nicely🔥 Thanks for the vid dude, helped me out alot. Could’ve save some time if utube just showed me this first tho, il get onto them. Ha! cher🫡

[@RememberToLove]

Do you have a recommendations for a decent soldering iron that is in the $30 - $50 range? Hoping to find a good one in this price range.

[@biasedaudio]

Hello, I did this video on choosing a soldering Iron. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJibaIOZZ9mNd6M I would be careful as there are many soldering irons that look good in that price range but are not. I would only recommend something I had tried myself. If you can spend a few more dollars you might be less frustrated. The TS-100 is the type I recommend. There may be others that are less expensive that are ok, but since I haven't tried them I cannot suggest. Good luck!

[@RememberToLove]

​@@biasedaudio Thank you, I really appreciate it! Kind regards.

[@Ulgulanproduction]

Thanks brother...

[@Digmen1]

HI I often have problems stripping my wires, sometimes I cut them right through, which is a real pain. Should I practice more, or are there better wire strippers?

[@biasedaudio]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zn3OdGaLgqynd5Ysi=K6bP4zaQEsmmJpeo This video near the begining shows a good alternate stripperfor beginners .

[@marlobetanio4254]

is it possible two female XLR to RCA connector? Pls.and how?thank you.

[@biasedaudio]

Short answer is no. Two female xlr's tied together would short the outputs. The solution is beyond the scope of this video.

[@bobbyburns4257]

I purchased a double trs jack wall plate in order to remove one jack and replace it with a volume pot for a headphone input. How would I solder the volume pot to the trs jack?

[@BigChieff93]

Thank you! Would it be possible to make a cable that is male 1/4" TRS on one end and 1/4" female output jack on the other end? All I can find close to it are 1/4" female coupler adapters and I would like to buy/make a 3 foot 1/4" Male to 1/4" Female TRS cable. If this is possible, could you tell me the schematic for how to wire the female end since this video shows the male side. Thanks again!!!

[@biasedaudio]

Cameron. You should be able to find the complete cable or parts on Amazon.com Also Redco.com sell these parts. In most all cases you would wire the ground( sleeve) to the ground of the other connector, and the tip to the tip, and the middle sleeve to the sleeve. If you look close you should be able to sort this out as I show in the video. I think most female connectors are easier to figure out than male. This web page might help. Good Luck! www.cuidevices.com/blog/understanding-audio-jack-switches-and-schematics

[@BigChieff93]

@@biasedaudio Thank you so much! The closest thing to what I was looking for on amazon was showing me a female to female 1/4" coupler adapter, or 1/4" TRS Mono to Stereo Cable. Great information THANKS A TON!!!

[@medusanyc]

Is there any particular Cable brand or spec that you recommend to create these cables. Anyone can recommend would be great!

[@biasedaudio]

I'm a big fan of mogami. And Redco.com is where I purchase. No affiliation.

[@medusanyc]

@@biasedaudio Thank you for the quick reply. I am really not familiar with this so need to know, As far as the cable type this would be standard balanced microphone cabling? or is it something more or less fancy

[@wellfedstarvingartist]

How do you solder and unbalanced connector? Where do you solder the cold wire? To the ground?

[@biasedaudio]

Yes hot to tip cold to ground or sleeve

[@Music_Musica-Sounds_Sonidos]

Thank You :)🔴®👍✌

[@jeffwills3939]

excellent thank you

[@biasedaudio]

You are welcome!

[@LaterHolmes]

How do we now which side the red/black wires should go on?

[@biasedaudio]

The Red or "Hot" should go on the tip or center connector

[@themagicalducklings]

Excellent..

[@biasedaudio]

Thank you

[@NinoMakos]

I have a couple of TS guitar cables (unbalanced). Would it be possible to take two of those and end with a 1/4 inch TRS Connector (stereo)? Any issues with that or other recommendations what cables to pick for 1/4 inch 2x mono -> 1x Stereo TRS cable to connect a stereo synth to a mixer single line input. Thanks!

[@biasedaudio]

You could cut that cable and use it. Guitar cable is usually quite bulky for the proper shielding and low capacitance. So using guitar cable it might be tough to fit both cables in a single TRS connector. These adaptors can usually can be found on amazon for not much money . If you want to make your own I would use Redco TGS-01 which is pretty thin. Wire both shields to the single trs. Wire one hot to the tip, and the other hot to the ring. Then wire both TS connectors normally.

[@NinoMakos]

@@biasedaudio Thanks. Thought so. Will look for a proper shielded cable that can accommodate both 1/4 inch mono and the stereo TRS.

[@louiecabral4385]

i have ground, red, and white cable, what is the positive?

[@louiecabral4385]

the cable is mogami w2552

[@biasedaudio]

I would use Red as Hot or High or +, white and neg, low or - and shield ( bare copper ) as ground

[@louiecabral4385]

@@biasedaudio THANKS!

[@stevelee6667]

yes, i am late to the game. great video anyway.

[@-_AjB_-]

Is there a way to test my cable if i dont own a dedicated cable testing machine?

[@biasedaudio]

Best way is with digital voltmeter to test continuity between connectors.

[@maorhaugland6025]

QUESTION: i have a headphone that i want to turn ro a balanced type. i want to then have a cable that goes from 4 pin xlr to 3 pin xlr. can you show how it is done? thanks

[@biasedaudio]

Maor . 4 Pin to dual 3 Pin or 4 Pin to single 3 pin?

[@maorhaugland6025]

@@biasedaudio 4pin to 3 pin

[@Drtydeeds]

Ok, but what TRS cord are you using?

[@biasedaudio]

Not sure, It was something I had lying around. If I was buying at would buy Redco TGS-1 or Mogami W2552 both can be bought online in the US at Redco.com

[@Drtydeeds]

@@biasedaudio I ended up finding 2552 so alls well. Thanks for the video and reply.

[@vivid_clarity]

Which TRS Connector is that? Is it the Switchcraft 297?

[@biasedaudio]

I believe so

[@stardombhumbeats]

Is it balanced trs?

[@biasedaudio]

yes

[@DamnDealDone]

I started as a musician doing a bit of audio engineering. I then bought a soldering iron to fix my own guitars and cables. I did this adequately for a while, about as good as you in this video. I then got into electronics and now work fixing games consoles and making surface mount electronics kits. Soldering SMD components for 4 years daily with very few breaks. What am I getting at? I can now no longer watch the "pro" soldering jobs of audio techs on KZbin without squirming at all the tiny mistakes. When you say "seen better" about your own soldering, it's a bit strange. Soldering is a science. It should be perfect every single time. If it isn't then the technique, process, or steps are not correct and need looking at.

[@paulclare6589]

does switching red and black wires reverse polarity of the signal?

[@biasedaudio]

Yes

[@molonlabe8792]

@@biasedaudio What happens if the polarity is reversed? I thought the red signal wire belongs on the right side connector but you have it on the left.

[@paulmathew7090]

Otherwise you gonna hate life😂😂😂😂

[@danielhooke6115]

You didn't show which terminals (TRS) you soldered the red/black wires to. (-1) [no audio]

[@biasedaudio]

Actually I do. At about 8:50 I mention tip ring sleeve, hi low ground. You can see clearly where the wires are connected

[@danielhooke6115]

@@biasedaudio Sorry, I have *no audio*. You labelled the ground *on screen*.

[@nbj127]

Why would you waste our time and not specifically explain what color wires from the trrs cable to connect to what color wires on the trs cable. Thats the whole point of making the video, and you did everything but the most important for those of us who don't know shit about electrical wiring.

[@biasedaudio]

Unlike electrical wall power wiring, there is no absolute color code for audio cables. The color can change depending on the wire manufacturer. As a general rule, red is usually hot or tip, and black is low. But some wires have different colors usually on multichannel cables, and in those a clear plastic insulator is lowm headphones again will vary by manufacturer. So these are good guidelines but not absolute. It's best to look at the other end if possible. If not you need to test with a voltmeter. Beyond the scope of this soldering video.