Barrel - Audio Cables

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
10-03403

10-03403

Tensility International Corporation

CBL ASSY TWIST LOCK M 3.5MM 4CON

330

P313-06N-WH

P313-06N-WH

Tripp Lite

CABLE ADAPTER

1001150

CA-356CS

CA-356CS

Tensility International Corporation

CONN CABLE ASSY 3.5MM 6COND 6'

1807

770-20011-00050

770-20011-00050

CnC Tech

CABLE 2RCA MALE-MALE 0.5M

184

10-00340

10-00340

Tensility International Corporation

CBL ASSY 2.5MM SLIM 6' 4C BLK

837

770-10043-00050

770-10043-00050

CnC Tech

CABLE 3.5MM TO RCA(2) 0.5M

214

CA-2205

CA-2205

Tensility International Corporation

CABLE ASSY STR 3.5MM MONO 6'

2185

36HR14436X

36HR14436X

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE R/A STEREO PLUG-PLUG 12FT

40

IO-IC109010-T2MCH-2R

IO-IC109010-T2MCH-2R

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD 90 CONN MONO 10'

26

10-03411

10-03411

Tensility International Corporation

CBL TWIST LOCK F 3.5MM 3C PNL MN

599

IO-BP176015-T3MBK

IO-BP176015-T3MBK

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE BLACK/GOLD CONN STEREO 15'

9

P312-010

P312-010

Tripp Lite

MINI STEREO M/M CONNECTORS 10'

1502650

10-03753

10-03753

Tensility International Corporation

CBL 3.5MM 4CON R/A M-M 3' SHIELD

428

10-00335

10-00335

Tensility International Corporation

CBL ASSY 3.5MM SLIM 6' MONO WHT

824

A060-006

A060-006

Tripp Lite

CABLE COAX DIGITAL 6' GOLD

0

IO-BP176020-T3MBK

IO-BP176020-T3MBK

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE BLACK/GOLD CONN STEREO 20'

50

IO-BP176015-T3MCH

IO-BP176015-T3MCH

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD STR STEREO 15'

12

P312-006

P312-006

Tripp Lite

CBLE DUBBING STEREO 3.5MM M-M 6'

1481250

10-03722

10-03722

Tensility International Corporation

CBL 3.5MM 4CON M-M 6' SHIELDED

595

33HR07233X

33HR07233X

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE R/A MONO PLUG-PLUG 6FT

1731

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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