Barrel - Audio Cables

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
770-10043-00100 CnC Tech	CABLE 3.5MM TO RCA(2) 1M	266
770-20010-00050 CnC Tech	CABLE 2RCA MALE-FEMALE 0.5M	192
770-20011-00200 CnC Tech	CABLE 2RCA MALE-MALE 2.0M	149
770-10040-00050 CnC Tech	CABLE 3.5MM MALE-MALE 0.5M	33013
770-10040-00200 CnC Tech	CABLE AUDIO STEREO MALE-MALE 2M	946
770-20010-00200 CnC Tech	CABLE 2RCA MALE-FEMALE 2M	0
770-20011-00050 CnC Tech	CABLE 2RCA MALE-MALE 0.5M	184
770-10043-00050 CnC Tech	CABLE 3.5MM TO RCA(2) 0.5M	214
770-10041-00100 CnC Tech	CABLE 3.5MM MALE-FEMALE 1M	1046
770-10041-00200 CnC Tech	CABLE EXTENSION 3.5MM STEREO 2M	0
770-20011-00500 CnC Tech	CABLE 2RCA MALE-MALE 5M	433
770-10040-00100 CnC Tech	CABLE STEREO 3.5MM MALE-MALE 1M	3923
770-20010-00500 CnC Tech	CABLE 2RCA MALE-FEMALE 5M	66
770-10041-00150 CnC Tech	CABLE 3.5MM MALE-FEMALE 1.5M	3564
770-10043-00150 CnC Tech	CABLE 3.5MM TO RCA 1.5M	62158
770-20010-00100 CnC Tech	CABLE 2RCA MALE-FEMALE 1M	171
770-10043-00500 CnC Tech	CABLE 3.5MM TO RCA 5M	774
770-20011-00100 CnC Tech	CABLE 2RCA MALE-MALE 1M	245
770-10040-00150 CnC Tech	CABLE 3.5MM MALE-MALE 1.5M	1021
770-10041-00250 CnC Tech	CBL AUDIO STEREO MALE-FEMAL 2.5M	654

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

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
3.5mm Barrel (TRS)	Balanced stereo audio transmission with tip-ring-sleeve configuration	Smartphones, headphones, portable audio devices
6.35mm Barrel (1/4")	High-fidelity audio for professional instruments and studio gear	Electric guitars, amplifiers, mixing consoles
RCA Barrel	Unbalanced analog audio/video signal transmission	Home theaters, DVD players, AV receivers
XLR Barrel (Mini)	Balanced microphone-level signals with locking mechanism	Professional lavalier microphones, broadcast equipment
Fiber Optic Barrel	Digital audio transmission via light pulses	Home 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

Parameter	Importance
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 Response	Defines audio bandwidth (20Hz-20kHz standard, up to 40kHz for Hi-Res)
Impedance Matching	Ensures signal integrity (75 for RCA, 45-150 for XLR)
Insertion Loss	Signal 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

Manufacturer	Representative Product
Audio-Technica	AT-BARREL-PRO - 6N oxygen-free copper cables with dual shielding
Belkin	Studio Pro 3.5mm - Gold-plated connectors, 98% braided shield
Monster	PowerPlay HD - 24K gold contacts with nitrogen-injected dielectric
Neutrik	NCJ6FX-B - XLR barrel connectors with nickel-plated brass construction
Sony	Premium Balanced Cable - 40kHz frequency response for Hi-Res audio

7. Selection Recommendations

Consider these factors when selecting barrel audio cables:

Signal Type: Balanced (TRS/XLR) vs. unbalanced (RCA)
Environmental Stress: Exposure to bending (flex life rating), temperature (-20 C to 70 C typical)
Impedance Matching: Critical for long cable runs (>5m) to prevent signal degradation
Termination Type: Soldered vs. crimp-style connectors for mechanical reliability
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