User guide

92 Chapter 4 Setting Up Your System
Audio Cabling
The following types of audio cables and connectors are usually used on professional
and consumer audio equipment:
 XLR
 1/4-Inch audio and 1/8-Inch miniplug
 RCA (Cinch)
 Toslink
 AES-EBU, S/PDIF, ADAT
XLR
XLR cables and connectors are used on professional-quality microphones, monitors,
and other musical equipment. They provide a high-quality, balanced signal at a +4 dB
level.
1/4-Inch Audio
1/4-inch connectors (sometimes called phono or phone plugs) are used on a wide
variety of professional and consumer musical equipment, including musical
instruments and amplifiers, speakers, and external effects devices. They can be either
balanced or unbalanced. Some devices require Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) connectors. These
three-contact connectors are used for balanced mono signals and unbalanced stereo
signals.
1/8-Inch Miniplug
Miniplug connectors are used for audio input and output to computers, and on some
consumer electronic devices, particularly portable ones.
RCA (Cinch)
RCA connectors are used on consumer audio equipment such as home stereo systems
and video cassette recorders.
XLR connector (balanced)
1/4-inch Tip-Ring Sleeve (TRS) connector
1/4-inch Tip-Sleeve (TS) connector
Stereo miniplug connector (unbalanced)
RCA connector (unbalanced)