Barrel - Audio Cables

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
4279-12

4279-12

Pomona Electronics

CABLE BANTAM PHONE PLUGS 12"

0

4279-72

4279-72

Pomona Electronics

CABLE BANTAM PHONE PLUGS 72"

1

4279-24

4279-24

Pomona Electronics

CABLE BANTAM PHONE PLUGS 24"

1

4279-60

4279-60

Pomona Electronics

CABLE BANTAM PHONE PLUGS 60"

4

4279-36

4279-36

Pomona Electronics

CABLE BANTAM PHONE PLUGS 36"

0

4279-48

4279-48

Pomona Electronics

CABLE BANTAM PHONE PLUGS 48"

0

6331-96

6331-96

Pomona Electronics

PLUG DUAL BANTAM PATCH CABLE

0

4279N-12

4279N-12

Pomona Electronics

CABLE BANTAM PLUGS 12" NICKEL

0

4279-120

4279-120

Pomona Electronics

CABLE BANTAM PHONE PLUGS 120"

0

4279-144

4279-144

Pomona Electronics

CABLE BANTAM PHONE PLUGS 144"

0

6901-180

6901-180

Pomona Electronics

CABLE RCA PLUG/RCA PLUG 15' YEL

0

6900-180

6900-180

Pomona Electronics

CABLE 3RCA/3RCA PLUGS GOLD 15'

0

4279N-48

4279N-48

Pomona Electronics

CABLE BANTAM PLUGS 48" NICKEL

0

5092-K-36

5092-K-36

Pomona Electronics

PHONO PLUG RG174/U 36"

0

4279N-36

4279N-36

Pomona Electronics

CABLE BANTAM PLUGS 36" NICKEL

0

6898-180

6898-180

Pomona Electronics

CABLE RCA PLUG/RCA PLUG 15' BLK

0

4279N-24

4279N-24

Pomona Electronics

CABLE BANTAM PLUGS 24" NICKEL

0

5092-K-48

5092-K-48

Pomona Electronics

PHONO PLUG RG174/U 48"

0

4279-96

4279-96

Pomona Electronics

CABLE BANTAM PHONE PLUGS 96"

0

6896-180

6896-180

Pomona Electronics

CABLE 2RCA PLUGS/2RCA PLUGS 15'

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
RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top