Barrel - Audio Cables

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
10-03226

10-03226

Tensility International Corporation

CBL ASSEM 3.5MM 4CON R/A M-F 3M

239

10-02133

10-02133

Tensility International Corporation

CBL 3.5MM R/A M-M 28AWG SHLD

192

P312-012

P312-012

Tripp Lite

MINI STEREO AUDIO DUBBING CABLE

42950

CA-354S

CA-354S

Tensility International Corporation

CONN CABLE ASSY 3.5MM 4COND 6'

934

IO-BP176003-T3MCH-R

IO-BP176003-T3MCH-R

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD 90 CONN STEREO 3'

11

P313-001

P313-001

Tripp Lite

Y ADAPTER 3.5MM M 2X 3.5MM F 1'

163200

IO-BP176025-T3MCH-2R

IO-BP176025-T3MCH-2R

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD 90 CONN STEREO25'

40

770-10040-00100

770-10040-00100

CnC Tech

CABLE STEREO 3.5MM MALE-MALE 1M

3923

IO-BP176025-T3MCH

IO-BP176025-T3MCH

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD STR STEREO 25'

25

10-02135

10-02135

Tensility International Corporation

CBL 3.5MM M-F 28AWG SHLD

591

AK-CHMM-015

AK-CHMM-015

ASSMANN WSW Components

CABLE 2RCA MALE-MALE 1.5M

0

IO-BP176015-M3MBL

IO-BP176015-M3MBL

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE SHARK BLUE CONN STEREO 15'

24

IO-BP176050-T3MBK

IO-BP176050-T3MBK

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE BLACK/GOLD CONN STEREO 50'

24

CA-354S-M/M

CA-354S-M/M

Tensility International Corporation

CONN CABLE ASSY 3.5MM 4COND 6'

1138

10-03405

10-03405

Tensility International Corporation

CBL ASSY TWIST LOCK M 3.5MM 3CON

794

P311-010

P311-010

Tripp Lite

M/F MINI-STEREO CABLE EXT 10'

1152250

CA-2208

CA-2208

Tensility International Corporation

CABLE ASSY R/A 3.5MM STEREO 6'

365

IO-BP176050-M3MBL

IO-BP176050-M3MBL

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE SHARK BLUE CONN STEREO 50'

19

770-20010-00500

770-20010-00500

CnC Tech

CABLE 2RCA MALE-FEMALE 5M

66

IO-BP176005-T3MCH

IO-BP176005-T3MCH

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD STR CONN STEREO5'

13

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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