introduction
If you are also a sound engineer or are planning to become a sound engineer, it is important to know the types of audio connectors and jacks. Connector names are very important and are somewhat a prerequisite for the job. In fact, the connectors are used to connect two cables to transmit audio to each other.
Basically, there are many types and categories of audio connectors that neither my knowledge nor my time will allow them to be fully introduced. In this site I want to introduce you to a limited number of the most used ones.
XLR connector
This connector is usually used for (Balance) connections such as a microphone to the audio mixer and for the output from mixers to power. This connector is also used to send the mixer to active bands. The good thing about these connectors is that there is no noise inside them. This connector consists of two types of male and female, which are usually male for signal input and female for signal output. Of course, there are no restrictions on the use of inputs and outputs in this connector, and what I have said is only a contract between the manufacturers of electronic equipment. There are three pins in this connector:
- Pin number one: Shield or Homa is a ground connection.
- Pin number two: positive pole
- Pin number three: negative pole
TS connector
This TS Unbalance connector is available in quarter and eighth inch sizes. This connector is commonly used in mixers, power mixers and amplifiers. The audio transmission in this connector takes place in single channel and mono (Mono). The standard professional connector has a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) diameter. Its smallest size, used for portable devices such as cell phones and laptops, is 3.5mm (one eighth of an inch).
TRS connector
This Cain connector is shaped like a Balsnce, available in quarter and eighth inch sizes. This connector is typically used for inline and stereo sound transmission. Of course, this connector is also widely used for records. In some mixers, you will see that there is a jack called insert, which has different uses, and I will talk about this in a separate article. Just know that this connector is also used for the output from the insert jack. Among the mixers with this jack are Dynacord mixers.
RCA connector
This connector is in the form of UNBalance. This connector is used for both audio and video transmission. Surely you've seen these connectors too. The connectors are connected to the AV cables. In televisions, these connectors are used to transmit audio and video from other devices such as DVDs or VCDs. In digital, analog and DJ mixers, these connectors are also used for audio input and output. Mixers usually have a section called REC Send or Record و which is used to record sound. Usually in analog mixers, the connector in this section has an RCA connector. Among these mixers we can mention the Dynacord mixers.
Speakon connector
This connector is used to connect amplifiers (power supplies). But most of it is used to connect bands. Due to the connector's ability to lock, this connector has many capabilities. On the back of the mixers there are usually 2 Speakon connectors which are used to output the sound to the bands and speakers.
Powercon connector
At first glance, the slim connector is very similar to the Speakon connector. And it can be said that almost the same structure is used in it. This connector is used to transfer power to active bands. This connector is capable of passing direct current up to 40 amps. And thanks to its sturdy plastic body, it's impact resistant. In other words, we are confident it will not break in any way. Another advantage of this connector is that, because it is similar to Speakon connectors, it can be locked.
