Barrel - Audio Cables

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
SNSRM6W

SNSRM6W

Belden

CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY, RCA TYPE

0

05AD05X

05AD05X

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE 1/4" MALE-MALE MONO 2FT

0

SNSRM59Y

SNSRM59Y

Belden

CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY, YELLOW

0

MCA4604X3.5RPNL

MCA4604X3.5RPNL

RDI Inc.

STEREO CABLE ASSEMBLY

1000

SNSRM59R

SNSRM59R

Belden

CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY, RED

0

SNSRM59BL

SNSRM59BL

Belden

CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY, BLUE

0

SNSRMTQ

SNSRMTQ

Belden

CONNECTOR, MINI-VIDEO, TRIQUAD

0

TS05TS

TS05TS

Switchcraft / Conxall

TS PLUG TO TS PLUG

0

A004-012

A004-012

Tripp Lite

CABLE COMPOSITE VIDEO M/M 12'

0

AKCHMM-025

AKCHMM-025

ASSMANN WSW Components

CABLE 2RCA MALE-MALE 2.5M

0

P315-006

P315-006

Tripp Lite

Y SPLITTER 3.5MM M 2 RCA F 6'

0

36HR03636

36HR03636

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE R/A STEREO PLUG-PLUG 3FT

0

36HR07236

36HR07236

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE R/A STEREO PLUG-PLUG 6FT

0

AK244-63

AK244-63

ASSMANN WSW Components

CABLE STEREO 6.3MMSTER-2XCHIN-F

0

CAB-14164

CAB-14164

SparkFun

AUDIO CABLE TRRS - 3FT

0

A004-006

A004-006

Tripp Lite

CABLE COAX COMPOSITE GOLD 6'

0

6331-96

6331-96

Pomona Electronics

PLUG DUAL BANTAM PATCH CABLE

0

AKCHMM-2

AKCHMM-2

ASSMANN WSW Components

CABLE 2RCA MALE-MALE 2M

0

4279N-12

4279N-12

Pomona Electronics

CABLE BANTAM PLUGS 12" NICKEL

0

35HR14484

35HR14484

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE STEREO PLUG-STRIP&TIN 12FT

0

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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