There are so many different types of audio cables out there, whether you are a regular consumer or a professional. Each has its own purpose and comes from different generations of technology. This can make it tricky to figure out which cable is best for your new setup, whether you are just listening to music, performing live, or working on some mixing, either for fun or professionally. Some devices only work with digital or analog cables, while older equipment may need outdated cables to function. You also have to think about how long the cable is, and whether it is properly shielded or balanced.

But, all these choices do not have to be confusing or overwhelming. Here’s a simple guide to the different types of audio cables and why you might pick one over another.

Balanced vs. Unbalanced Cables

Before getting into the different types of audio cables and what they do, there is one important term to understand: balance. Some audio cables are "balanced," while others are "unbalanced," and it is helpful to know when balance matters for the sound you hear. In some situations, it is crucial, but in others, you may not need to worry about it.

A balanced cable is specially designed to avoid interference from outside electrical noise by having an extra wire inside. Balanced cables have two conductor wires and a ground wire, while unbalanced cables have just one conductor wire and a ground. The two conductor wires in a balanced cable work together to cancel out any outside electrical noise that could mess with the signal and affect the sound the cable carries.

Most regular cables you see for home use are unbalanced because, for everyday listening, perfect sound quality is not always the top priority. However, cables made for recording or professional use are almost always balanced to avoid signal problems—though there are still a few specific situations where that might not be the case.

Balanced vs. Unbalanced Cables

For an audio system to be truly balanced, it is not just the cables that need to be balanced—the equipment does too. Any devices connected with balanced cables must also be balanced; otherwise, the signal will lose its protection from interference when it reaches that device.

However, unless you are setting up a super high-end professional audio system, you can usually get away with using some unbalanced devices or cables. Just make sure to keep the cables short. Shorter cables are less likely to pick up interference from outside, which can help avoid the issues that unbalanced cables sometimes cause. The sweet spot for unbalanced cables is to keep them under six feet long.

Now that you know the difference between balanced and unbalanced cables, let’s move on to the types of cables.

Audio Cable Types

ADAT Cables

ADAT cables

ADAT cables are digital cables designed to connect two pieces of compatible equipment. They get their name from the ADAT optical interface protocol used in these devices.

ADAT cables use optical connections, which let you transfer up to eight channels of high-quality audio at 24-bit/48kHz all through one cable.

You will often find these cables in studios that need to connect extra preamps or inputs to audio interfaces. Although ADAT cables have the same connector heads as S/PDIF cables, they operate using different protocols.

Dante Cables

Dante cables

Dante cables are a newer addition to the digital audio world. Actually, Dante cables are not cables in the traditional sense; they refer to the protocol used for transmitting audio. This protocol works with either CAT-5 or CAT-6 ethernet cables.

You are starting to see more and more Dante setups in live sound situations, and it looks like it will become the new standard over time. One of the big advantages of Dante is that it can transfer up to 256 channels through a single ethernet cable, which is fantastic for live performances with a lot of tracks.

Dante setups often come in the form of stage boxes or digital snakes that connect to a digital mixer. We are also seeing Dante in some audio interfaces, taking advantage of how easy it is to use ethernet connections.

TS Cables

TS cables

TS cables, short for Tip/Sleeve, are often called guitar or instrument cables. These are unbalanced cables, so it is important to keep them as short as possible to avoid picking up interference. TS cables are used to connect mono (one-channel) audio sources, like guitars, other unbalanced instruments, effects pedals, and drum machines, to amplifiers, mixers, and audio interfaces.

While TS cables look similar to other cables like TRS, you can usually tell the difference by looking at the connector. A TS cable will have just one black band around the metal connector, while a TRS cable will have two black rings.

TS cables mostly come in a 1/4-inch size, but you will also see 1/8-inch (3.5mm) TS cables used in things like mono headset microphones. The 1/4-inch TS cables usually have better shielding, making them the better choice if you want to reduce the chance of signal noise.

TRS Cables

TRS Cables

TRS cables look a lot like TS cables, but you can tell them apart because TRS cables have two black rings on the connector, which give them three parts: Tip, Ring, and Sleeve. While the single ring on a TS cable means it is unbalanced, just seeing two rings on a TRS cable does not automatically mean it is balanced. TRS cables can be either balanced or unbalanced, depending on how they are used.

When used with mono equipment, TRS cables are balanced because they carry a positive, negative, and ground signal. However, TRS cables can also carry two-channel stereo audio, which makes them unbalanced, since the left and right audio channels use two of the three conductors.

You will most often find TRS cables used in headphones, headphone outputs on instruments, mixers, audio interfaces, and studio monitors. There is also a version called TRRS cables (Tip, Ring, Ring, Sleeve), which have three black rings. These are used in similar situations, but the extra ring allows the cable to carry both stereo audio (left and right channels) and microphone audio. This is helpful when a device has a built-in microphone, and you want to keep the mic audio separate from the other audio channels.

Both TRS and TS cables can be adapted to other types. For example, you can easily convert TRS to TS or use adapters to switch between 3.5mm and 1/4-inch sizes.

XLR Cables

XLR cables

XLR cables are some of the most recognizable and durable audio cables out there. They are big and sturdy, and because they are always balanced, you do not have to worry about interference, even with long cable runs. Unlike TS cables, which can pick up noise over longer distances, XLR cables can handle much longer lengths without losing signal quality.

XLR cables have been around for a long time. They were first developed in the 1950s as an upgrade to the old Type O connector, with a locking mechanism and rubber insulation added around the three contacts. The XLR design we use today has barely changed since then.

You will find XLR cables in all sorts of equipment, from vintage gear to the latest tech. They are especially common with microphones, speakers, PA systems, DMX lighting, and some instruments. XLR cables are perfect for connecting these devices to mixers or stage speakers, ensuring a clear and strong signal, whether your cable is six feet or 50 feet long.

Not all XLR cables are the same, though. High-quality XLR cables, like those from Cable Matters, are made for professional use. They often have extra features like strain relief on the connector, gold-plated pins for durability, and special insulation and shielding to further protect the signal from noise. You can also find various adapter cables that convert XLR to 3.5mm, TRS, or RCA.

If you are just doing some casual audio work at home, you might not need the highest quality XLR cables. But if you are an audiophile or working professionally, it is worth investing in better cables. Cheap ones can get the job done, but high-quality XLR cables will make a noticeable difference, especially in professional audio production.

SpeakOn Cables

SpeakOn cables

SpeakOn cables are not used with consumer devices but are considered the go-to choice in the professional world for connecting speakers and amplifiers. Although they are usually unbalanced, they are still favored over 1/4-inch speaker cables because they can lock in place, preventing accidental disconnections during live shows. SpeakOn cables are also designed to handle higher electrical currents than other cables like TRS and XLR, and they often come with reinforced braiding to make them more durable and resistant to wear and tear.

Since SpeakOn cables are specifically made for high-current audio systems, they are ideal for connecting speakers and amplifiers. Before SpeakOn was developed in the late 1980s, there was a risk of people using low-current microphone or instrument cables to connect speakers, which could be unsafe. But after SpeakOn was introduced and adopted by most amplifier manufacturers, it quickly became the standard, and now, there is little reason to use anything else. The unique design of SpeakOn cables also makes them easy to recognize, even among other cables of similar size.

If your device does not have a SpeakOn connection, you can use adapter cables that convert a 1/4-inch speaker cable to a SpeakOn cable. Just keep in mind that there are different types of SpeakOn cables—some are made for higher-powered bi-amped setups. Using a SpeakOn cable that is not rated for that purpose will not work properly.

Speaker Cables / Banana Plugs

Banana Plugs

Speaker cables may look similar to TS cables, but they are built differently. They are specifically made to connect speakers to amplifiers, usually in home audio systems or for hobbyist setups, rather than professional ones. You’ll often see them used to connect A/V receivers to external speakers.

When setting up your home or hobby audio system, you do not really need banana plugs. You can simply use the bare copper wire and connect it directly to amplifiers, synthesizers, or other audio gear. However, banana plugs can help make things look cleaner and more organized. They are also handy if you use a banana plug wall plate for your home theater, as they help reduce the clutter of speaker wires behind your TV or A/V system. Plus, banana plugs make it easier to manage your system, since they let you quickly plug and unplug cables, unlike bare wires.

RCA Cables

RCA cables

RCA cables are very common in home audio and video systems, and you will often find them in DJ setups too, connecting CDJ players and turntables to mixers. Like TS cables, RCA cables have just two wires inside, making them unbalanced, so it is best to keep them as short as possible to avoid interference.

Many devices can connect directly using RCA to RCA cables, but if your devices are not compatible, you can use adapter cables with different connectors. For example, you can find 3.5mm to RCA or XLR to RCA cables to make those connections easier.

If you are just connecting regular consumer devices, though, you might want to consider more modern options like HDMI, which can offer better quality and convenience.

MIDI Cables

MIDI cables

MIDI cables are not used to send audio signals but rather event messages. They have been around since the 1980s and have played a big role in the development of digital music production. While many modern devices now use USB instead, MIDI is still widely used in sequencers, synthesizers, and instruments. It is also great for connecting older gear, as many decades-old devices still rely on MIDI.

MIDI cables always have a five-pin connector and can be used for MIDI In, MIDI Out, and MIDI Through connections. Some devices have all three ports, so where you plug in your MIDI cable depends on how you are setting up your audio system. You can even use multiple ports to send and receive MIDI messages to and from the same device.

S/PDIF Cables

S/PDIF cables

S/PDIF, which stands for Sony/Philips Digital Interface, cables are commonly found in home audio and video systems, as well as in some set-top boxes, game consoles, and TVs. You can get them in two types: optical (also called Toslink) and coaxial (RCA).

While S/PDIF cables are a bit old-fashioned now, since HDMI has mostly taken over as the go-to audio connection in modern devices, they still have their uses. Older devices can still benefit from using optical cables when HDMI is not available, or when a dedicated audio connection is preferred. This can make setup and device configuration easier.

USB Cables

USB cables

USB cables are probably the most popular digital interface out there today. You can find them almost everywhere in modern audio devices, equipment, and accessories, whether for listening or creating music. They come in various sizes and types, with USB-A and USB-B being the most common. Recently, the newer, reversible USB-C has been gaining popularity in all kinds of consumer and professional devices.

These cables can transmit audio data, provide power, and even send MIDI commands using the MIDI over USB protocol. This makes them perfect for connecting computers to audio interfaces and synthesizers. In many cases, USB can replace several cables, covering both audio and MIDI connections. The new USB-C connector even supports audio, making it a great alternative to the 3.5mm TRS connector on smartphones and tablets. However, many consumer devices are moving away from physical connectors altogether, opting for Bluetooth audio instead.

That said, USB cables may not work with some older instruments and accessories. They can also be more prone to damage with extended use compared to sturdier audio cables. Additionally, there is less regulation for USB cables, which means you might end up with cables that claim to have certain features or shielding but do not deliver on those promises.

If you are looking to buy a USB cable for professional audio production, it is especially important to do your homework to find a quality cable that meets your needs.

Things to Consider When Buying Audio Cables

Quality

The main job of an audio cable is to transfer a signal from one device to another without losing quality or picking up unwanted noise. Not all cables are created equal, so if you want a clean, noise-free signal, you will need to spend a bit more.

Casual musicians might get by with cheaper cables, but professional musicians and audiophiles will want high-quality transmission for listening, recording, mixing, and mastering.

When looking for quality audio cables, there are several features to keep in mind. People often recommend cables with gold-plated connectors because gold reduces resistance and makes the cable more durable. However, it is also important to know that gold can wear down more easily than nickel plating. If you frequently plug and unplug your gold-plated cables, this could be a concern.

If we had to highlight a few priorities for quality cables, they would be durability, flexibility, and strong soldering. These features will help ensure your cables last for many years. You might also consider cables with heat-shrunk plastic sleeves, as they help keep the internal wires in place.

Length

Length is another important factor, especially for unbalanced cables. Longer cables are more likely to pick up noise. If you are performing live with a full band, noise might not be a big issue. In that case, you would need a longer cable to connect your instrument to the PA system or mixer.

However, if you are looking for an unbalanced cable for your recording studio, shorter cables are better because they are less prone to noise.

Shielded Cables

All audio cables have some kind of shielding to protect against noise and interference. Usually, you will find wire braids inside the cables that surround the center conductor wires.

If you have ever played through your amplifier and heard radio chatter, it is likely due to poor cable shielding. Good shielding helps reduce interference, often acting like a ground to keep your audio clean.

Attention

It is important to know that there are several types of shielding available for audio cables, including:

Braided Shielding

Braided shielding is the most common type. It looks like a braid made of small strands of wire twisted around the signal-carrying wire. This type of shielding is both durable and flexible, making it a great choice for cables used in live performances.

Spiral-Wrapped Shielding

Spiral-wrapped shielding is made with a flat wire strip spiraled around a group of center wires. While it does not offer the same strength or durability as braided shielding, it provides better flexibility. Cables with this type of shielding are usually less expensive than braided ones, but they are also more susceptible to interference from radio signals.

Foil Shielding

Foil shielding uses Mylar aluminum to cover the wires completely. While it offers total coverage, it is not the best conductor of electricity and can interfere with clear audio transfers. It is also the weakest of the three shielding types, which means it can break down easily with constant bending.

The good news is that foil shielding is very affordable because it is easy to produce. However, due to its weaknesses, we recommend using it only for smaller cables, like patch cables or stereo cables that do not move once they are connected.

Final Thoughts - Finding Comfort in the JMchip of Cables

Whether you are recording music, playing live, or just enjoying tunes at home, knowing about audio cable types is a really useful skill. No matter where you are in the audio world, you will always be able to set up your gear to get the best sound.

Plus, you will never have to feel like a complete beginner in front of the sound guy at a venue!

Whenever you find yourself staring at a bunch of cables and feeling confused, just come back to this guide to get the information you need.

Thanks for checking out our guide on audio cable types! With so many options available, each cable has its own strengths and weaknesses. JMchip Electronics is committed to making some of the best audio products on the market. Click JMchip to find the right solution for you, or explore more about audio through some of the related posts.