Audio connectors are used to affix cables to other audio equipment, providing electronic signal transference and grounding protection. Connectors may be plugs, jacks, or combinations, and may have an integral switch. Plug type audio connectors are a plug, or male, connector includes pins that can be inserted into a socket. Jack type audio connectors are a jack, or female, connector consists of sockets that are aligned to mesh with a pin-type connector. Combination plug and jack connectors are also available. They may also have switches. Includes adapters and Y-adapters. Applications for audio connectors can be general purpose, telephone, or microphone. Most audio connectors are for commercial purposes, but some may conform to military specifications.
System signals for audio connectors can be mono or stereo. Mono, or monophonic, describes a system where all the audio signals are mixed together and routed through a single audio channel. Stereophonic sound systems have two independent audio signal channels. Important parameters for audio connectors include conductors and maximum diameter or side dimension. The conductors is the number of conductive elements in a connector that mate with a corresponding element to provide an electrical path. Maximum outer diameter or maximum side dimension of connector does not include dimension of flanges, if applicable.
Audio connectors are used to affix cables to other audio equipment, providing electronic signal transference and grounding protection. Connectors may be plugs, jacks, or combinations, and may have an integral switch. Plug type audio connectors are a plug, or male, connector includes pins that can be inserted into a socket. Jack type audio connectors are a jack, or female, connector consists of sockets that are aligned to mesh with a pin-type connector. Combination plug and jack connectors are also available. They may also have switches. Includes adapters and Y-adapters. Applications for audio connectors can be general purpose, telephone, or microphone. Most audio connectors are for commercial purposes, but some may conform to military specifications.
System signals for audio connectors can be mono or stereo. Mono, or monophonic, describes a system where all the audio signals are mixed together and routed through a single audio channel. Stereophonic sound systems have two independent audio signal channels. Important parameters for audio connectors include conductors and maximum diameter or side dimension. The conductors is the number of conductive elements in a connector that mate with a corresponding element to provide an electrical path. Maximum outer diameter or maximum side dimension of connector does not include dimension of flanges, if applicable.
Housing materials for audio connectors can be plastic or metal. Some audio connectors have no housings; they are open frame. Contact platings for audio connectors can be nickel, gold, silver, or none. Plated contacts are used for a more reliable connection, but do not have to be plated. Mounting options include right angle, panel or flange mount, threaded housing, strain relief, DIN mount, PCB mount, and BNC.
Terminal connections for audio connectors include crimp sleeve and solder cup. Crimp sleeve terminals have electrical connections made using a wire crimp. Mechanical compression during the crimping process causes a functional union between the conductor and crimp barrel. In solder cup terminals the electrical connections are conditionally detachable, and are made by soldering. Connections may be soldered directly, or through use of a solder cup, hollow cylinder, eyelet, or hook.
Features common to audio connectors include XLR connector, RCA connector, switch, shielded, lockable, waterproof, and field replaceable.
