Barrel - Audio Cables

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
TS10TS

TS10TS

Switchcraft / Conxall

TS PLUG TO TS PLUG

0

36HR03684X

36HR03684X

Switchcraft / Conxall

RA-3.5MM STEREO TO S

0

TRS10TRS

TRS10TRS

Switchcraft / Conxall

TRS TO TRS ROHS

0

LF8BKX

LF8BKX

Switchcraft / Conxall

PATCHCORD 1/4" BLACK 8FT

3

05AD05X

05AD05X

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE 1/4" MALE-MALE MONO 2FT

0

TS05TS

TS05TS

Switchcraft / Conxall

TS PLUG TO TS PLUG

0

36HR03636

36HR03636

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE R/A STEREO PLUG-PLUG 3FT

0

36HR07236

36HR07236

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE R/A STEREO PLUG-PLUG 6FT

0

35HR14484

35HR14484

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE STEREO PLUG-STRIP&TIN 12FT

0

35HR03684

35HR03684

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE STEREO PLUG-STRIP&TIN 3FT

0

35HR07235

35HR07235

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE STEREO PLUG-PLUG 6FT

0

35HR07284

35HR07284

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE STEREO PLUG-STRIP&TIN 6FT

0

05AR84

05AR84

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE 1/4" MALE MONO-SGL END 15'

0

TT3BK

TT3BK

Switchcraft / Conxall

PATCHCORD SGL 3COND BLACK 3FT

0

25AU25

25AU25

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE RCA MALE - RCA MALE 25FT

0

25AF25

25AF25

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE RCA MALE - RCA MALE 3FT

0

TT6BK

TT6BK

Switchcraft / Conxall

PATCHCORD SGL 3COND BLACK 6FT

0

05AU05

05AU05

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE 1/4" MONO MALE-MALE 25FT

0

25AR84

25AR84

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE RCA MALE - SINGLE END 15FT

0

LF10BK

LF10BK

Switchcraft / Conxall

PATCHCORD 1/4" BLACK 10FT

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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