Barrel - Audio Cables

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
LF4BK

LF4BK

Switchcraft / Conxall

PATCHCORD 1/4" BLACK 4FT

0

TT2BK

TT2BK

Switchcraft / Conxall

PATCHCORD SGL 3COND BLACK 2FT

0

36HR03684

36HR03684

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE 3.5MM MOLDED R/A STERO

0

LF9BK

LF9BK

Switchcraft / Conxall

PATCHCORD 1/4" BLACK 9FT

0

25AK25

25AK25

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE RCA MALE - RCA MALE 6FT

0

25AC30

25AC30

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE RCA MALE-R/A RCA MALE 18"

0

TT107X

TT107X

Switchcraft / Conxall

PATCH CORD 2-COND 4FT

0

LF7BK

LF7BK

Switchcraft / Conxall

PATCHCORD 1/4" BLACK 7FT

0

05AK25

05AK25

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE 1/4" MALE-RCA MALE 6FT

0

TTD5R

TTD5R

Switchcraft / Conxall

PATCHCORD DUAL 3COND RED 5FT

0

05AN84

05AN84

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE 1/4" MALE MONO-SGL END 10'

0

TT1BK

TT1BK

Switchcraft / Conxall

PATCHCORD BANTAM 3COND 1FT BLK

0

LF8BK

LF8BK

Switchcraft / Conxall

PATCHCORD 1/4" BLACK 8FT

0

330F2

330F2

Switchcraft / Conxall

ADPT Y PHONO PLUG-JACK-PLUG 4"

0

05AK05

05AK05

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE 1/4" MONO MALE-MALE 6FT

0

05AK84

05AK84

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE 1/4" MALE MONO-SNGL END 6'

0

LF3BK

LF3BK

Switchcraft / Conxall

PATCHCORD 1/4" BLACK 10FT

0

25AF84

25AF84

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE RCA MALE - SGL END 3FT

0

05AD05

05AD05

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE 1/4" MALE-MALE MONO 2FT

0

CPC102K

CPC102K

Switchcraft / Conxall

CORD PATCH COMBINATION 6 FEET

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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