TS vs TRS vs TRRS AUDIO CABLES: What's the Difference?

What is the difference between a TS connector, a TRS connector, and a TRRS connector? In this video, you'll learn how TS, TRS, and TRRS connectors allow audio cables to carry different types of signals. This video will show you the three component parts of a 1/4-inch and 3.5mm audio connector: tip, ring, and sleeve. You'll see how headphones, microphones, and other audio equipment utilize these connectors to transmit stereo, mono, balanced, unbalanced, and other types of audio signals.
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0:00 - Introduction
0:17 - Tip, Ring, & Sleeve: Parts of a 1/4-inch or 3.5mm Audio Connector
0:56 - TS Audio Connectors
1:39 - TRS Audio Connectors
2:17 - TRRS Audio Connectors
2:55 - Subscribe to Audio University!
TS CABLES
1/4-Inch Instrument Cable:
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/6bXZgb
- Amazon: amzn.to/33aFMvn
- B&H: bhpho.to/3j8biSV
1/4-Inch Speaker Cable:
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/3PX1dk
- Amazon: amzn.to/3cEqr9j
- B&H: bhpho.to/3drlT8b
3.5mm TS Cable:
- Amazon: amzn.to/2GmC5JR
- B&H: bhpho.to/3gPiOAE
TRS CABLES
1/4-Inch TRS Cable:
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/EaGDqD
- Amazon: amzn.to/3jicu3G
- B&H: bhpho.to/35NtR77
1/4-Inch TRS Stereo Headphone Extension Cable:
- Amazon: amzn.to/3jfjNZJ
- B&H: bhpho.to/3wSBXY6
3.5mm TRS Stereo Cable:
- Amazon: amzn.to/33aGxo7
- B&H: bhpho.to/3xOJN4Y
TRRS CABLES
3.5mm TRRS Cable:
- Amazon: amzn.to/36dZx7d
- B&H: bhpho.to/2SRvj5L
3.5mm TRRS Headphone (w Microphone) Extension Cable:
- Amazon: amzn.to/3igsIZr
- B&H: bhpho.to/3jcUeLF
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[@AudioUniversity]

Need help setting up your 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/

[@lensmanicfeleven1847]

but...what if you have a mic with trrs and want to run it into an xlr connection...is there an adapter ?....

[@risheyrsp4519]

Amazing! I wish to have watched this video 3 years back when i was acquiring connectors and cables information in bits and pieces on the internet and then connect them all together to make sense. And now you simply cleared it all in a simple 3min video. Thanks! Helpful as always.🙂

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks! I'm glad to read this, because that's what I'm going for - direct and to the point. Sorry I posted it too late for you! I appreciate your support, @rishey rsp!

[@risheyrsp4519]

Audio University Thanks. You are kind! I am thankful and you don’t have to say sorry. 🙂

[@pokepress]

Another common use for trrs is to have three RCA connections on the other side. This is usually composite video + L & R audio (yellow-white-red), but can also be component YPbPr video (red-green-blue).

[@tonywahab3523]

Very concise and SUPER HELPFUL Video, thank you!!!

[@bhaskarkakati]

Great info. I didn't knew that I needed to learn that but I'm glad I did. I have used this as a ice breaker for so many conversations and it gets people intrigued.

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help, Bhaskar!

[@iVironment]

Great explanation , thanks!

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching, iVironment!

[@FirebrandVOCALS]

I've learned so much from this guy. Cheers for your sharing your knowledge man, it's greatly appreciated! 🔉🔊🎶🎶

[@jintojimson33]

You are the best teacher.....!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks! I really appreciate that!

[@craigpridemore7566]

very helpful. thank you

[@cosmicpuma1409]

Awesome. Thank You!

[@Weirdyx]

Such a great info, I really like to hear your material. Regards my friend and thank you for your work.

[@AudioUniversity]

I'm really glad to hear that, Jonathan! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment! Let me know if you'd like to see any specific topics covered in future videos.

[@mraz1017]

Great ! Very useful...thxthztyz

[@Annette941]

Thank You!

[@GlennFiddles]

I'm wondering about the typical 1/8" inch TRS cables that come with most on-camera cardioid mics or lavalier microphones. In my understanding, these microphones would be a mono source. Does this mean that by sending this mono signal over the TRS cable, that the connection is balanced? I see a lot of people online saying that TRS cables are unbalanced - end of story. But it seems like this isn't the case for a mono signal like that sent from a single-capsuled microphone. Thanks for your wonderful video.

[@71x]

hello, thanks for the video. I got a question in this case. I have a boya by m1 external microphone (trrs 3.5) for my redmi note 9 phone. but when I try to use that microphone with the phone it gives hiss noise. I don't hear any hiss noises with another devices. how can I do with it? thanks.

[@ethanjaimes6252]

Excellent explanation for lay people like me. Do Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones have a TRRS cable? If not, is one able to buy a TRRS audio cable and would it be compatible to use for any headphone (need the mic for online video calls)

[@AudioUniversity]

If the pair of headphones has a mic (and stereo output), it will have a TRRS cable. Unless it's wireless, of course.

[@joshthomas6219]

Thank you !

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help, Josh! Thanks for watching!

[@itsJoel59]

Can I use a TRS-cable for an unbalanced mono-signal from a vintage synth?

[@snowfall8484]

I just got a Scarlett Solo audio interface, and I'm not sure how to plug my Beats Studio Wireless headphones into the output. I think the headphones have a TRRS input, so do you think I'd need a TRRS to TRS adapter? I haven't been able to find TRRS to 1/4 TRS cables, so it looks like an adapter is the only option.

[@box4aza]

Thanks!

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help!

[@victorhugovaldezsoto]

Great video. Very well explained - thank you. I have a question: I usually record audio using external, old devices, connected directly into the computer jack. As expected, these old devices have a jack supporting TRS plugs. I have this specific cable having ending plugs - one is TRRS, while the other end is TRS. TRS goes to the old device jack, TRRS to the computer jack. This cable works great. Problem is - this is the ONLY cable that actually works! I have other cables having that same configuration, and they just don't work. Either no signal, too much noise or any other symptom. I have tried adapters as well, with no avail. What is it that makes this cable work - that differs from the rest? It's a big puzzle to me! Any suggestions?

[@mchlrvr]

Hi great video! Question i have an apple earpods that uses TRRS and when I plug it directly on the computer the audio is great. But when I use it on a splitter that is TRRS to TRS it reduces the sound quality. Is it because of the splitter? Do I need to use a TRRS to TRRS? i want to use it directly to the PC but I needed the splitter cause the length of the earphones is so short

[@guidomunoz9851]

great video! one question, two microphones used to record the same sound, one is TRS and the other TRRS, would there be any difference?

[@BlindLibrary]

Assuming the female inserts would also need to match, yes. Not exactly sure how... Hoping someone can enlighten me? My Behringer mixer's 3.5mm microphone is a TS connecter. My 3.5mm monitor out is a TRS connector. My HP DQ1038WM headphone slot is a 3.5mm TRRS connector. I have a Dukabel combo splitter that goes from TRRS male to TRS females (headphones+microphone) as well as a Dukabel combo joiner from TRS males to a TRRS female (used that like heaven on the hp Pavilion DV7 laptop I used to have)...

[@frankycao3148]

Thank you for your share! That s help me so much when i begin to record vocal at my bedroom Can you guide me what is the cable you for livestream with stereo high sound quality when i streaming by cubase to facebook by iphone

[@IamMusicNerd]

So is there an advantage/disadvantage to using a balanced speaker cable over an unbalanced speaker cable with a guitar amp and a DI into my studio monitors?

[@AudioUniversity]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJjJi5Vnpap8qLc

[@MitchHaman]

Is there a way to get my lapel mic (TRRS 3.5mm)which is powered by a LR44 battery to working in my mixer with 1/4 or XLR connections?

[@AudioUniversity]

What is the model of the lapel mic you are using?

[@MitchHaman]

@@AudioUniversity Thanks for the reply. It's a Vidpro XML Here's the link. www.amazon.com/XM-L-Lavalier-Condenser-Microphone-Camcorders/dp/B00PQYMFU8 It works fine in my 3.5 input on my pc, but would not work in my Mackie Pro Fx8 usb mixer with the included 1/4 jack.

[@AudioUniversity]

I’m not sure why it’s not working. Did you ensure that you’re connecting it to the “Line In/HiZ Input” and not the “Insert”? Also make sure to give it some gain with the gain knob.

[@MitchHaman]

@@AudioUniversity That was it. I was trying it in the insert and not the “Line In/HiZ Input” Thank you so much,.

[@AudioUniversity]

Awesome! Thanks for watching! Good luck!

[@gemini9775]

thanks

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching!

[@DR_1_1]

So I need to connect a TRS line out to a TRRS mic in (smartphone, PC), to monitor the sound with an app... If I'm using a TRS to TRRS cable, and send a mono signal from line out, the microphone of the PC/phone should get a good signal? I'm asking because I need to buy the cable, and I'm not sure the app will get a TRS to USB sound (another possibility)...

[@billbear8024]

Do you know the best place to find a TRRS to XLR male cable? They seem to not exist at the 3.5 mm size. Thanks

[@AudioUniversity]

Are you looking for a breakout from TRRS to (2)XLR-M and (1)XLR-F? I haven’t seen one of these before.

[@temp06j723-pmeighttq]

Just plug in a 3.5mm TRS plug into any TRRS device and you can extract it's Stereo audio from that device. Cable to use is simply available: 3.5mm TRS to 2 XLR-M Be careful though when using these cables into XLR Inputs. Issues with Levels Mismatch & Phantom Power needs to be addressed.

[@temp06j723-pmeighttq]

Also, you wouldn't need to bother with TRRS(3.5mm) if you're just needing it's Stereo HP Out of that device. (just use any 3.5mm TRS) You only need to concern for TRRS(3.5mm) when you want to deal with Feeding Audio INTO the 3.5mm device. In those cases, you'll need a 3.5mm TRRS Headset Splitter/Breakout Cable OR you may want a Custom cable soldered.

[@tannermack5432]

When plugging in my guitar, keys, etc., would I use a TS of a TRS? If both work, what will produce better quality? I'm struggling to understand when to use what. Thanks!

[@AudioUniversity]

You will use a TS cable for those.

[@tannermack5432]

Ok, when would I use a TRS?

[@AudioUniversity]

If you are making a balanced connection between two devices, you’ll use a TRS. Most keyboards and guitars have unbalanced outputs. Some common devices that support balanced connections include microphones, mixers, outboard effects processors, and studio monitors.

[@tannermack5432]

@@AudioUniversity you’re awesome! Thanks!

[@AudioUniversity]

Anytime! Thanks for watching the channel, Tanner.

[@DavidBrackett385]

crazy question, I'm trying to connect my mic and dbx286s that has a 1/4 line out into an audio interface with a 3.5 input. what cable would I need sir?

[@AudioUniversity]

A 1/4” TRS to 1/8” TRS is your best bet. Something like this: imp.i114863.net/doWnKQ

[@DavidBrackett385]

@@AudioUniversity thank you so much!

[@DavidBrackett385]

@@AudioUniversity crazy to think about all that sound compresssion and eq getting bottlenecked to 1/8. I have no idea if it will sound good but gonna try

[@Anonymous-lw1zy]

You stopped before the most important part, which is the various pinouts for TRRS and what each pinout option is used with.

[@hankholland1383]

Need an adapter that will accept a 3.5mm TRRS (Tip Ring Ring Sleeve, 4-Pole) MALE (Headset cable) converting to 3.5mm TRS 3-pole MALE (which plugs into the 1/4 inch TRS adapter to my piano for audio out) POSSIBLE? Is this even possible?

[@MatsueMusic]

What confuses me is the naming. Does a TRS cable actually have a Tip, a rind, and a sleeve in that order? If so, why is the sleeve higher on a TRS cable compared to a TS cable (Tirp- *Ring* - Sleeve (TRS) vs Tip - -Ring- - Sleeve (TS)).

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes. The sleeve is closest to the cable, and (when present) the ring is between the tip and sleeve.

[@gavirubihan]

is any way to plug ts 3.5 mm mic to pc?

[@ak-gi3eu]

i got a presonus eris 3.5 and umc22 audio interface,,it comes with rca to 3.5mm...do u want me to take trs to trs balanced cable,,,does it make diffrence without audio interface or with audio interface is the sound quality more clear?

[@AudioUniversity]

The sound quality will be superior with an interface rather than connecting your speakers to your computer directly. It will also provide a balanced connection rather than the unbalanced connection provided by the adapter.

[@ak-gi3eu]

@@AudioUniversity so you mean the sound will make difference and clear rather than now i connected it with 3.5 mm

[@AudioUniversity]

The quality difference won’t be huge, but the D/A converters and outputs of an interface are higher quality than what you’d find in a computer. Do you plan to record?

[@ak-gi3eu]

@@AudioUniversity ya i record vocals and mix, songs,,so rn i m connected my studio moniters directly ,,,should i get cables ?trs to trs

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes. I’d recommend connecting your monitors to your audio interface with TRS cables.

[@patrickr6505]

Can TRS to Dual TS cables work both ways!?..IE:The dual side coming from a non TRS double out outputs stereo pedal going into the output of a Trs compliant. pedal?

[@AudioUniversity]

The cable certainly works in both directions. It ultimately depends on the devices you’re connecting, but it sounds like this will work.

[@patrickr6505]

@@AudioUniversity Ok..I have a non compliant Stereo effects loop with 2 sends and 2 returns in my amp..I plan to run 2 TS cables going from the Amps sends to my Neunaber Immerse Mk 2 (TS and TRS compliant) 2 inputs..then single TRS from output on Immerse to Red Panda TRS inputs pedal..

[@non-youtuber]

I'm trying to get an audio interface and i have a digital keyboard which cable should i use for the audio interface ts or trs?

[@AudioUniversity]

I would recommend using a TS instrument cable for your keyboard. While it's possible that your keyboard can support a balanced output, it's more likely that it is designed for unbalanced connections. I recommend the Rapco Horizon cables in the description of the video! Which audio interface will you be using?

[@non-youtuber]

@@AudioUniversity Focusrite 2i2

[@AudioUniversity]

Nice choice! That's what I use. Good luck, Dalton! Thanks for watching.

[@non-youtuber]

@@AudioUniversity the keyboard I'm using is Roland Juno DS88 and has phone input will it work with trs cable?

[@AudioUniversity]

Although a TRS cable will work, I'd recommend a TS cable for connecting the output of your synth to the input of your interface. As for the input of the synth, you'll need to use a microphone with a built-in 1/4 connector or use an XLR microphone and adapt XLR to TRS.

[@ouuilikeyourcutg6159]

hey whats the best cable brand you recommend. Please help.

[@AudioUniversity]

What type of cable do you need? I'd be glad to help!

[@ouuilikeyourcutg6159]

@@AudioUniversity trs to ts audio mixer to my pc

[@ouuilikeyourcutg6159]

There’s way tooo many brand

[@AudioUniversity]

Are you sending out of your PC and into your mixer? Or, are you sending out of your mixer and into your PC?

[@ouuilikeyourcutg6159]

@@AudioUniversity linn in and mic in

[@michaeltoyloy7022]

Can i use a trs 1/4" male to connect an active speaker to a passive speaker box

[@AudioUniversity]

I’m not sure what you mean by connecting an active speaker to a passive speaker box. Can you explain it a different way?

[@sulaymanali7636]

If you wanted to plug in a 3.5mm TRS jack with 2 pins into a Headphone splitter and the jack of the headphone splitter is 3.5mm but it is TRRS with 3 pins would it work?

[@AudioUniversity]

I think that should work. What are you connecting with the splitter?

[@sulaymanali7636]

@@AudioUniversity A gaming headset

[@AudioUniversity]

The microphone probably with work if you use the TRS splitter.

[@sulaymanali7636]

@@AudioUniversity would that happend with every headset?

[@AudioUniversity]

You need 4 connections for stereo output and mono input. So, you’d need to preserve those four connections throughout the entire connection.

[@aaronviramontes8304]

but if i plug trrs into trs female will i still be able to heard audio out of headphones per se

[@AudioUniversity]

Most likely, yes. The microphone will just be shorted to ground, but the left and right output will probably still work.

[@dennisverduz6289]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Zimvg]

is it okay to plug a TRS into a TRRS? I've been doing it pugging into a camera. Seems to work

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes. If it works, it’s fine. Some pin outs vary I’ve heard. For example, it may not work on a phone, while it might work on a camera. Or vice verse.

[@thesnare100]

@@AudioUniversity what about a TRRS male connector into a TRS female jack? I'll probably find out beforehand, but just so people know here

[@non-youtuber]

so is TS balanced/mono and TRS is unbalanced/stereo?

[@AudioUniversity]

TS is for unbalanced mono signals. TRS is either for balanced mono signals or unbalanced stereo signals. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching, Dalton!

[@lassenlautta]

I have a 3.5mm TS mic .. can i plug that into my PC even if the female bit is TRS .. or is that even a thing

[@AudioUniversity]

If the input is TRS, it is most likely for stereo output, rather than mono input and output. I would recommend looking at your computer's specs to see if it has a line input.

[@lassenlautta]

@@AudioUniversity what I in general meant is can i plug male TS into female TRS or even TRRS to get sound out and if so what are the downsides if any.

[@DigiSlinger]

Thanks +1

[@thaboshikwambane]

The room you're in lowkey has an echo. 'Audio University' as your youtube name instantly ups the expectations from an audio perspective. Brand and perceived value is important

[@AudioUniversity]

You're right! Good ear! The office space is a work in progress!

[@thaboshikwambane]

@@AudioUniversity pleasantly surprised by your openness and maturity lol. Most people are terrible at taking feedback😭🙆🏽‍♂️. What I can tell by watching other videos is that the sound treatment in the room you were recording got better. And I know that you have more than enough skill to get the sound perfect 👌🏽

[@tluva1020]

Many 3.5mm mic cables are only TRS