Barrel - Audio Cables

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
4068

4068

Adafruit

3.5MM STEREO MALE/MALE CABLE - C

0

770-10048-00200

770-10048-00200

CnC Tech

AUDIO CONNECTION CABLE STEREO

0

CBL-46AUXMC-10M

CBL-46AUXMC-10M

Omron Automation & Safety Services

CABLE MG46 RELAY AUX 10METER

0

770-10055-00200

770-10055-00200

CnC Tech

RCA CABLE

0

73-7413-25

73-7413-25

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

CABLE MODULAR ASSEMBLY

0

CBL-46RXT-10M

CBL-46RXT-10M

Omron Automation & Safety Services

CABLE MS46 RCVR EXT 10 M

0

05AD05

05AD05

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE 1/4" MALE-MALE MONO 2FT

0

CPC102K

CPC102K

Switchcraft / Conxall

CORD PATCH COMBINATION 6 FEET

0

LF2R

LF2R

Switchcraft / Conxall

PATCHCORD 1/4" RED 2FT

0

05AN25

05AN25

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE 1/4" MALE - RCA MALE 10'

0

CBL-46TXTM-5M

CBL-46TXTM-5M

Omron Automation & Safety Services

CABLE MS46 XMTR EXT 5 M

0

CBL-46TXTM-10M

CBL-46TXTM-10M

Omron Automation & Safety Services

CABLE MS46 XMTR EXT 10 M

0

A008-012

A008-012

Tripp Lite

CABLE COMPONENT VIDEO M/M 12'

0

770-10040-00250

770-10040-00250

CnC Tech

CBL STEREO 3.5MM M-M 2.5M

0

73-7414-3

73-7414-3

Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions

CABLE MODULAR ASSEMBLY

0

251HR079251

251HR079251

Switchcraft / Conxall

2.5MM CABLE RA/RA 4

0

05AN15

05AN15

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE 1/4" MONO MALE-RA MALE 10'

0

770-10054-00200

770-10054-00200

CnC Tech

RCA CABLE

0

CBL-46TXTM-15M

CBL-46TXTM-15M

Omron Automation & Safety Services

CABLE MS46 XMTR EXT 15 M

0

TTD2BK

TTD2BK

Switchcraft / Conxall

PATCHCORD DUAL 3COND BLACK 2FT

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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