Barrel - Audio Cables

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
IO-BP176015-T3MCH-R

IO-BP176015-T3MCH-R

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD 90 CONN STEREO15'

16

AK-AV202

AK-AV202

ASSMANN WSW Components

CABLE RCA MALE-FEMALE 2.5M

863395

P312-003-RA

P312-003-RA

Tripp Lite

M/F MINI-STEREO CABLE EXT

1971450

4279-60

4279-60

Pomona Electronics

CABLE BANTAM PHONE PLUGS 60"

4

10-03402

10-03402

Tensility International Corporation

CBL ASSY TWIST LOCK F 3.5MM 4CON

563

3038QS

3038QS

Crest Electronics

HARDWIRED JUMPER CABLE

226

AK-CHMF-025

AK-CHMF-025

ASSMANN WSW Components

CABLE 2RCA MALE-FEMALE 2.5M

77

10-02149

10-02149

Tensility International Corporation

CBL 3.5MM F-F 28AWG SHLD

0

10-03203

10-03203

Tensility International Corporation

CBL ASSEM 3.5MM 3CON M-F 4.5M

224

AK243-050

AK243-050

ASSMANN WSW Components

CABLE 3.5MM STER-2RCA MALE 5M

0

AK243-015

AK243-015

ASSMANN WSW Components

CABLE 3.5MM STER-2RCA MALE 1.5M

0

IO-BP176020-M3MBL

IO-BP176020-M3MBL

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE SHARK BLUE CONN STEREO 20'

25

CA-356CS-MM

CA-356CS-MM

Tensility International Corporation

CONN CABLE ASSY 3.5MM 6COND 6'

576

770-20011-00500

770-20011-00500

CnC Tech

CABLE 2RCA MALE-MALE 5M

433

10-02132

10-02132

Tensility International Corporation

CBL 2.5MM R/A M-M 28AWG SHLD

0

10-03223

10-03223

Tensility International Corporation

CBL ASSEM 3.5MM 4CON M-F 3M

202

2881

2881

Adafruit

A/V AND RCA (COMPOSITE VIDEO, AU

129

05AK05X

05AK05X

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE 1/4" MONO MALE-MALE 6FT

4

AK-AV200

AK-AV200

ASSMANN WSW Components

CABLE RCA MALE-MALE 1.5M

1568685

IO-IC109020-T2MCH

IO-IC109020-T2MCH

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD STR CONN MONO 20'

14

Barrel - Audio Cables

1. Overview

Barrel-style audio cables are cylindrical connectors with a central pin and surrounding sleeve, designed for analog audio signal transmission. They are widely used in consumer electronics, professional audio equipment, and industrial systems. Their compact design and reliable signal integrity make them essential for audio connectivity in modern technology.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional FeaturesApplication Examples
3.5mm Barrel (TRS)Balanced stereo audio transmission with tip-ring-sleeve configurationSmartphones, headphones, portable audio devices
6.35mm Barrel (1/4")High-fidelity audio for professional instruments and studio gearElectric guitars, amplifiers, mixing consoles
RCA BarrelUnbalanced analog audio/video signal transmissionHome theaters, DVD players, AV receivers
XLR Barrel (Mini)Balanced microphone-level signals with locking mechanismProfessional lavalier microphones, broadcast equipment
Fiber Optic BarrelDigital audio transmission via light pulsesHome theaters, digital audio interfaces

3. Structure and Composition

A typical barrel audio cable assembly includes:

  • Conductor: Oxygen-free copper (OFC) or silver-plated copper for low resistance
  • Insulation: Polyethylene or Teflon dielectric material
  • Shielding:Braided copper mesh + aluminum Mylar foil (100% coverage)
  • Contact Plating: Gold-plated brass or phosphor bronze contacts (10-30 m thickness)
  • Outer Jacket: PVC or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) for flexibility

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterImportance
Conductor Material (e.g., OFC, Silver-Plated)Determines signal clarity and resistance (0.05-0.2 /m typical)
Shielding Effectiveness (SE)Measures EMI/RFI protection (60-100dB @ 100MHz)
Frequency ResponseDefines audio bandwidth (20Hz-20kHz standard, up to 40kHz for Hi-Res)
Impedance MatchingEnsures signal integrity (75 for RCA, 45-150 for XLR)
Insertion LossSignal attenuation metric (<0.5dB @ 10kHz for premium cables)
Durability (Mating Cycles)Connector lifespan (1,000-10,000 cycles rating)

5. Application Fields

  • Consumer Electronics: Headphones, gaming headsets, portable speakers
  • Professional Audio: Studio monitors, PA systems, live sound equipment
  • Automotive: In-dash audio systems, hands-free calling interfaces
  • Medical: Hearing aids, diagnostic audio equipment
  • Industrial: Machine-to-machine audio communication systems

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerRepresentative Product
Audio-TechnicaAT-BARREL-PRO - 6N oxygen-free copper cables with dual shielding
BelkinStudio Pro 3.5mm - Gold-plated connectors, 98% braided shield
MonsterPowerPlay HD - 24K gold contacts with nitrogen-injected dielectric
NeutrikNCJ6FX-B - XLR barrel connectors with nickel-plated brass construction
SonyPremium Balanced Cable - 40kHz frequency response for Hi-Res audio

7. Selection Recommendations

Consider these factors when selecting barrel audio cables:

  1. Signal Type: Balanced (TRS/XLR) vs. unbalanced (RCA)
  2. Environmental Stress: Exposure to bending (flex life rating), temperature (-20 C to 70 C typical)
  3. Impedance Matching: Critical for long cable runs (>5m) to prevent signal degradation
  4. Termination Type: Soldered vs. crimp-style connectors for mechanical reliability
  5. Compliance Standards: RoHS, REACH, and UL certifications for safety requirements

8. Industry Trends

Key developments shaping the barrel audio cable market:

  • Transition to hybrid cables integrating USB-C/Thunderbolt with analog barrels
  • Nano-coating technologies for IP67-rated waterproof audio assemblies
  • Biodegradable TPE jackets addressing environmental concerns
  • Smart cables with embedded chips for signal equalization and authentication
  • Miniaturization trend: 2.5mm barrels gaining traction in wearable devices
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