Barrel - Audio Cables

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
IO-BP176005-T3MCH-R

IO-BP176005-T3MCH-R

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD 90 CONN STEREO 5'

16

IO-BP176020-T3MCH

IO-BP176020-T3MCH

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD STR STEREO 20'

18

10-03723

10-03723

Tensility International Corporation

CBL 3.5MM 4CON M 6' SHIELDED

0

P311-006

P311-006

Tripp Lite

M/F MINI-STEREO EXT CABLE 6'

894200

P312-001

P312-001

Tripp Lite

ADAPT 3.5MM PLUG TO 3.5MM PLUG

4404200

IO-IC109015-T2MCH-R

IO-IC109015-T2MCH-R

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD 90 CONN MONO 15'

18

P312-003

P312-003

Tripp Lite

M/M MINI-STEREO CABLE EXT

188

36HR07236X

36HR07236X

Switchcraft / Conxall

RA3.5MM TO RA3.5MM S

62

3030QS

3030QS

Crest Electronics

HARDWIRED JUMPER CABLE

134

770-10041-00100

770-10041-00100

CnC Tech

CABLE 3.5MM MALE-FEMALE 1M

1046

10-03201

10-03201

Tensility International Corporation

CBL ASSEM 3CON 3.5MM R/A M 6M

0

3031QS

3031QS

Crest Electronics

HARDWIRED JUMPER CABLE

9

IO-IC109025-T2MCH-2R

IO-IC109025-T2MCH-2R

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD 90 CONN MONO 25'

25

CA-254S

CA-254S

Tensility International Corporation

CONN CABLE ASSY 2.5MM 4COND 6'

0

IO-BP176010-T3MBK

IO-BP176010-T3MBK

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE BLACK/GOLD CONN STEREO 10'

28

35HR07284X

35HR07284X

Switchcraft / Conxall

3.55MM STEREO TO S&T

117

770-10041-00200

770-10041-00200

CnC Tech

CABLE EXTENSION 3.5MM STEREO 2M

0

AK-CHMM-025

AK-CHMM-025

ASSMANN WSW Components

CABLE 2RCA MALE-MALE 2.5M

869

IO-BP176003-T3MBK

IO-BP176003-T3MBK

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE BLACK/GOLD CONN STEREO 3'

24

36HR03636X

36HR03636X

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE R/A STEREO PLUG-PLUG 3FT

426

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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