26 most common types of audio cables and connectors

The range of audio cable types and connectors is extensive, with each serving a specific function in home audio, professional studios, and live sound setups. Selecting the right cable is not just a matter of compatibility – it directly impacts signal integrity, sound quality, and equipment performance.

Understanding these connections ensures optimal transmission of analog and digital audio signals while preventing interference, signal loss, or equipment mismatches. This guide covers the most widely used audio cables and connectors, from high-fidelity home audio systems to professional music production setups, helping you make informed choices for any application.

XLR

• Type: Analog, balanced.
• Main purpose: Professional audio, high-end hi-fi, and home theater systems.

XLR cables, also called balanced XLR cables, are a staple in professional audio, commonly used for connecting microphones, mixers, and audio interfaces in studio recording and live sound. Their balanced design helps eliminate noise interference, making them ideal for long cable runs and environments with potential electrical interference.

Beyond professional use, high-end hi-fi and home theater setups also feature XLR connections, particularly in preamps, DACs, and power amplifiers. Many audiophiles prefer XLR for cleaner signal transmission, especially in systems where long cables are necessary.

RCA

• Type: Analog, unbalanced.
• Main purpose: Hi-fi systems, home theater, consumer audio equipment.

RCA cables are among the most widely used analog audio cables, found in nearly every home stereo system and AV setup. They are commonly used for connecting turntables, CD players, DACs, and amplifiers, as well as for subwoofers and multi-channel audio setups. Unlike XLR, RCA is unbalanced, meaning it is more susceptible to noise interference, especially over long distances.

Despite this, high-quality RCA cables with proper shielding can deliver excellent sound quality in most home environments. RCA is also the standard for composite and component video, making it a versatile connector in both hi-fi and home entertainment.

3.5mm TRS (aux, 1/8″ jack)

• Type: Analog, unbalanced.
• Main purpose: Headphones, portable audio devices, some home audio systems.

The 3.5mm TRS cable, also called a mini jack, headphone jack, 1/8-inch jack, or aux, is one of the most common audio connectors. It is widely used to connect headphones, smartphones, tablets, high-resolution audio players, car stereos, and home audio systems. TRS stands for tip-ring-sleeve, meaning it carries a stereo signal and sometimes even a microphone channel (as seen in TRRS versions).

While many smartphones have phased out the 3.5mm jack, it remains a standard in wired headphones, DACs, and portable audio setups. Some home audio systems also include a 3.5mm aux input for convenience.

3.5mm TS (mono mini jack)

• Type: Analog, unbalanced.
• Main purpose: Mono microphones, specialty audio applications.

The 3.5mm TS (tip-sleeve) cable is a mono version of the standard 3.5mm jack. It is used for specialty audio applications, such as mono microphones, instrument patching (e.g., Eurorack modular synthesizers), and some legacy audio gear. Unlike TRS cables, TS cables carry only a single (mono) channel, making them less common in home and consumer audio.

Some headphone setups allow TS cables to replace TRS cables, but this is rare and depends on the device.

6.35mm TRS (1/4″ jack)

• Type: Analog, balanced.
• Main purpose: Headphones, line-level signals, balanced audio.

The 6.35mm TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) cable, also called a quarter-inch balanced jack, is widely used in both professional and high-end home audio systems. TRS connectors are designed for balanced mono signals (such as those in pro audio gear) but can also carry unbalanced stereo signals, making them common in headphone connections, mixers, and high-end headphone amps.

In hi-fi setups, 6.35mm TRS jacks are often found in premium headphones and amplifiers, providing a more robust connection than 3.5mm jacks. They also feature in some high-end preamps, DACs, and studio monitors.

6.35mm TS (1/4″ mono jack)

• Type: Analog, unbalanced.
• Main purpose: Electric guitars, bass guitars, unbalanced line-level connections.

The 6.35mm TS (tip-sleeve) cable, also called a quarter-inch mono jack, is the standard connector for electric guitars, bass guitars, synthesizers, and other unbalanced audio signals. Unlike TRS, TS cables carry only a single (mono) unbalanced signal, making them more susceptible to noise and signal loss over long distances.

In home audio, TS cables are not commonly used, but they may appear in guitar amps, PA systems, or vintage hi-fi equipment.

4-pin XLR (XLR4)

• Type: Analog, balanced.
• Main purpose: High-end headphone amplifiers, planar magnetic headphones, professional monitoring.

4-Pin XLR, also known as XLR4, is a balanced headphone connector commonly used in high-end desktop headphone amplifiers and reference headphones. Unlike standard 3-pin XLR, which carries a mono signal, 4-pin XLR transmits a fully balanced stereo signal with separate positive and negative connections for each channel.

This connector is primarily found in planar magnetic headphones from brands like Audeze, HiFiMAN, and Focal, as well as in high-end desktop amplifiers from manufacturers such as Schiit, Benchmark, and SPL. The larger size and durability make it ideal for studio and home headphone setups, but it is not used in portable audio gear.

2.5mm TRRS

• Type: Analog, balanced.
• Main purpose: Portable balanced devices, early digital audio players, compact headphone connections.

2.5mm TRRS is a compact balanced headphone connector that was once popular in high-end portable audio devices. It was commonly used in early digital audio players (DAPs), portable DACs, and balanced headphone amplifiers before being largely replaced by 4.4mm TRRRS due to better durability and standardization.

Unlike standard 3.5mm TRS connectors, which are unbalanced, 2.5mm TRRS features separate left and right positive and negative signal paths, improving channel separation and reducing distortion. However, its fragile construction and lack of a locking mechanism made it prone to breakage, leading most manufacturers to abandon it in favor of 4.4mm TRRRS.

4.4mm TRRRS

• Type: Analog, balanced.
• Main purpose: High-end portable audio players, balanced headphone connections.

4.4mm TRRRS (tip-ring-ring-ring-sleeve) is a balanced headphone connector used in high-end digital audio players (DAPs), portable DACs, headphone amplifiers, and some professional audio gear. It is designed as an improvement over older balanced connectors like 2.5mm TRRS, offering better durability, lower resistance, and a more secure connection.

Originally developed by Nippon Dics Co. under the name Pentaconn, the 4.4mm TRRRS connector has since become a widely adopted balanced audio standard, used by brands like Sony, Astell&Kern, iFi Audio, and FiiO.

Unlike single-ended 3.5mm or 6.35mm connectors, 4.4mm TRRRS features separate left and right signal paths to prevent crosstalk and improve channel separation. It is commonly found in portable hi-fi gear but is also appearing in some desktop headphone amplifiers as an alternative to 4-pin XLR.

TT (Bantam)

• Type: Analog, balanced.
• Main purpose: Professional studio patch bays, balanced audio connections.

TT (tiny telephone), also known as Bantam, is a smaller version of the standard 6.35mm (1/4-inch) TRS connector, commonly used in professional studio patch bays. It allows for high-density connections, making it ideal for routing balanced audio signals in recording studios, broadcast facilities, and live sound environments.

Unlike standard TRS cables, TT connectors are shorter and more compact, enabling studios to fit more connections into a single patch bay. Despite their smaller size, TT cables still support balanced signals, reducing noise and interference in professional setups.

Euroblock (Phoenix, Combicon)

• Type: Analog (balanced or unbalanced).
• Main purpose: Installed audio systems, commercial AV, professional amplifiers.

Euroblock connector, also known as Phoenix or Combicon connector, is a modular terminal block connector used in installed sound systems, commercial AV, and professional audio equipment. Unlike standard XLR or TRS cables, which use plugs and sockets, Euroblock connectors rely on screw terminals to secure bare wire connections, making them ideal for permanent installations.

These connectors are widely used in public address systems, conference room audio setups, commercial amplifiers, and professional audio distribution systems. They allow for custom cable lengths and secure connections without requiring soldering, making them a preferred choice for fixed audio installations where reliability is key.

Mini-XLR (TQG, TA3, TA4, etc.)

• Type: Analog (balanced or unbalanced), sometimes digital.
• Main purpose: Compact audio connections for microphones, headphones, and wireless systems.

Mini-XLR is a smaller version of the standard XLR connector, used in professional audio gear where space is limited. It is commonly found in wireless microphone systems, compact audio recorders, high-end headphones, and some preamps.

While functionally is similar to full-size XLR, Mini-XLR connectors are not universally standardized, meaning different pin configurations exist depending on the manufacturer. Mini-XLR connectors are often labeled as TA3, TA4, TA5, where the number indicates the number of pins.

• TA3 (3-pin Mini-XLR). Used for balanced audio signals, preamp connections
• TA4 (4-pin Mini-XLR). Common in wireless microphone systems
• TA5 (5-pin Mini-XLR). Used in some stereo and intercom applications.

Many high-end headphones, such as Audeze and Meze models, use Mini-XLR for detachable cables, allowing for balanced or unbalanced wiring options.

DIN

• Type: Analog, sometimes digital (depending on application).
• Main purpose: Vintage hi-fi systems, reel-to-reel players, MIDI, European equipment.

DIN connectors are circular multi-pin connectors used in vintage hi-fi systems, reel-to-reel tape machines, and European audio equipment. Before RCA became the standard, DIN was widely used for stereo and multi-channel analog audio connections in brands like Naim, Quad, and Bang & Olufsen.

DIN cables come in various pin configurations (e.g., 3-pin, 5-pin, 6-pin, 7-pin) depending on the audio signal type. 5-pin DIN connectors are still commonly used for MIDI but do not carry actual audio signals.

While DIN audio connectors have mostly been replaced by RCA and XLR, some audiophile brands and legacy hi-fi setups still use them for preamp-to-amp connections or specialized signal transmission.

Toslink (optical S/PDIF)

• Type: Digital, optical.
• Main purpose: Home theaters, digital audio transmission, gaming consoles, DACs.

Toslink is a fiber optic audio cable used for transmitting digital audio signals via light pulses instead of electrical signals. It is widely used in home theater systems, soundbars, DACs, gaming consoles, and some hi-fi components to send stereo or compressed 5.1 surround sound (Dolby Digital, DTS) between devices.

Toslink is a popular alternative to coaxial digital (RCA S/PDIF) because it is immune to electrical interference, making it ideal for setups with multiple electronic devices. However, it does not support lossless audio formats like Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio, which require HDMI.

Coaxial (RCA S/PDIF)

• Type: Digital, coaxial.
• Main purpose: Hi-fi systems, home theaters, CD players, DACs.

Coaxial digital cables use a single RCA connector and a shielded coaxial cable to transmit S/PDIF digital audio signals between devices. They are commonly found in hi-fi systems, AV receivers, CD players, and external DACs, offering an alternative to Toslink (optical S/PDIF) for digital audio transmission.

Unlike Toslink, coaxial digital cables use electrical signals instead of light, which means they aren’t immune to interference but can generally support longer cable runs without signal degradation. However, like Toslink, they do not support lossless surround sound formats (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio), which require HDMI.

HDMI (ARC, eARC)

• Type: Digital, audio and video.
• Main purpose: Home theaters, AV receivers, soundbars, high-resolution audio formats.

HDMI is the standard connection for modern home theater systems, capable of transmitting both digital video and audio in a single cable. It is the preferred choice for connecting AV receivers, Blu-ray players, game consoles, soundbars, and streaming devices to TVs and projectors.

While all HDMI versions support audio, two key technologies (ARC and eARC) allow a TV to send audio back to an AV receiver or soundbar without requiring a separate audio cable.

Feature	HDMI ARC	HDMI eARC
Audio bandwidth	Limited	High (supports lossless audio)
Max audio quality	Compressed 5.1 surround (Dolby Digital, DTS)	Uncompressed Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Supported versions	HDMI 1.4 and later	HDMI 2.1 and later
Lip sync correction	Sometimes required	Automatic, built-in

HDMI ARC (since HDMI 1.4) supports basic digital audio transmission (e.g., Dolby Digital, DTS) but is limited in bandwidth. HDMI eARC (since HDMI 2.1) removes bandwidth limitations, allowing uncompressed surround sound (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio) and object-based formats (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X).

USB (USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, Micro-USB)

• Type: Digital.
• Main purpose: DACs, audio interfaces, digital audio transmission.

USB is widely used in hi-fi systems, DACs, audio interfaces, and professional recording setups. Unlike HDMI or S/PDIF, USB can transmit high-resolution, uncompressed digital audio directly to a DAC or audio interface. It also allows for two-way audio transmission, making it the preferred connection for computer-based audio playback and recording.

USB connector types used in audio:

• USB-A. Found on computers and some audio devices as a standard output port.
• USB-B. Common on DACs, audio interfaces, and professional gear to receive audio signals from a computer.
• USB-C. Used on modern DACs, smartphones, tablets, and high-end audio devices for faster data transfer and power delivery.
• Micro-USB. A legacy connector found on older portable DACs, wireless headphones, and some audio devices, now largely replaced by USB-C.

Thunderbolt

• Type: Digital.
• Main purpose: High-speed professional audio interfaces, low-latency digital audio transmission.

Thunderbolt is a high-speed data transfer protocol widely used in professional audio production, offering low latency and high bandwidth for multi-channel digital audio interfaces, DAWs, and recording setups. While it uses a USB-C connector, not all USB-C ports support Thunderbolt – it requires Thunderbolt-enabled hardware for full functionality.

Compared to standard USB, Thunderbolt supports up to 40 Gbps data transfer speeds, making it ideal for low-latency, high-resolution audio streaming. One key advantage is its ability to daisy-chain multiple devices, allowing users to connect multiple audio interfaces, external drives, and 4K displays through a single port.

Ethernet (AES67, Dante, AVB)

• Type: Digital, network-based.
• Main purpose: Hi-fi streaming, multi-room audio, professional audio networks.

Ethernet audio is a network-based digital audio transmission method used in hi-fi streaming, multi-room audio systems, and professional audio setups. Unlike traditional digital cables like USB, HDMI, or S/PDIF, Ethernet allows for low-latency, high-bandwidth audio transmission over long distances without signal degradation.

Ethernet-based audio is used in both consumer and professional applications, with several protocols designed for different needs:

• AES67. A high-fidelity, low-latency audio-over-IP (AoIP) standard, ensuring interoperability between different network audio systems.
• Dante. Used in professional studios, live sound, and broadcast, allowing hundreds of audio channels over a single Ethernet cable.
• AVB. Designed for hi-fi and home AV systems, offering precise synchronization for multi-room setups.
• Proprietary protocols. Brands like Sonos, Roon, and Bluesound use Ethernet for lossless audio streaming and multi-room playback.

AES/EBU (AES3, digital XLR)

• Type: Digital, balanced.
• Main purpose: Professional digital audio transmission, high-end hi-fi systems.

AES/EBU, also called AES3, is a balanced digital audio standard transmitted over 110-ohm XLR cables. Unlike standard analog XLR cables, AES/EBU carries digital stereo audio signals with high resolution and low jitter, making it the preferred format in professional studios, broadcasting, and high-end digital hi-fi systems.

AES/EBU is similar to S/PDIF but has several advantages. It uses balanced signal transmission, which helps reduce noise and interference. It also supports higher bit depths and sample rates, reaching up to 24-bit/192 kHz for improved audio fidelity. Additionally, AES/EBU allows for longer cable runs without significant signal degradation, making it more reliable in professional audio environments.

FireWire (IEEE 1394)

• Type: Digital.
• Main purpose: Professional audio interfaces, digital recording, legacy studio equipment.

FireWire was a high-speed digital interface used primarily in professional audio and recording studios before being largely replaced by USB and Thunderbolt. Developed by Apple and Sony, FireWire was widely adopted in multi-channel audio interfaces, mixers, and digital recording equipment, particularly in the early 2000s to mid-2010s.

FireWire was favored over USB 2.0 for professional audio because of its higher sustained data rates, better real-time performance, and lower CPU load. However, with the introduction of USB 3.0, USB-C, and Thunderbolt, FireWire became obsolete, and most modern audio gear no longer supports it.

FireWire came in two main versions:

• FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a). Speeds up to 400 Mbps, used in early audio interfaces and video equipment.
• FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b). Faster 800 Mbps version, found in later pro audio interfaces and Apple computers.

While some legacy audio interfaces still support FireWire, most modern computers no longer include FireWire ports, requiring Thunderbolt-to-FireWire adapters for compatibility.

BNC

• Type: Digital.
• Main purpose: Word clock synchronization, MADI digital audio transmission, broadcast applications.

BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) connectors are locking coaxial connectors used in professional audio and broadcast systems for high-precision digital signal transmission. Unlike consumer-grade connectors like RCA or Toslink, BNC connectors feature a twist-lock mechanism, ensuring a secure and interference-resistant connection.

Common uses:

• Word clock synchronization. BNC cables are used in professional studio setups to synchronize multiple digital audio devices, reducing timing errors (jitter) in DAWs, audio interfaces, and digital mixers.
• MADI. BNC connectors carry MADI digital audio signals, transmitting up to 64 channels of uncompressed digital audio over a single coaxial cable.
• Broadcast and video applications. BNC is also widely used in video production for SDI signals, but this is separate from its audio applications.

BNC cables are typically 75-ohm coaxial cables, optimized for high-frequency digital signals. Unlike standard coaxial RCA cables, BNC ensures better signal integrity and lower interference in professional environments.

Bare wire

• Type: Analog, speaker cable termination.
• Main purpose: Home audio systems, speaker wiring.

Bare wire is the most basic way to connect speaker cables to amplifiers and speakers. Instead of using connectors like banana plugs or spades, the cable’s exposed copper strands are inserted directly into binding posts, spring clips, or screw terminals.

Because it involves no additional connectors, bare wire ensures full contact between the cable and terminal, which can theoretically provide the most direct signal path. However, exposed copper is prone to oxidation and fraying over time, potentially degrading the connection.

Bare wire is often used in budget setups, custom installations, and professional applications where frequent re-wiring is needed.

Banana plug

• Type: Analog, speaker cable termination.
• Main purpose: Home audio systems, speaker wiring.

Banana plugs are single-wire connectors used to attach speaker cables to amplifiers and speakers. They offer a more convenient and secure alternative to bare wire connections, allowing for easy plug-and-play installation. Unlike bare wire, banana plugs minimize oxidation and reduce wear on speaker terminals, making them ideal for frequent connections or high-end setups.

They can also be used with banana plug wall plates, simplifying speaker wiring in home theater systems. However, some amplifiers and speakers do not support banana plugs, particularly in regions where safety caps block banana jacks.

Spade connectors

• Type: Analog, speaker cable termination.
• Main purpose: Home audio systems, speaker wiring.

Spade connectors are U-shaped metal terminals used to connect speaker cables to amplifiers and speaker binding posts. They provide a secure and stable connection, as the spade terminal wraps around the post and is tightened down with a screw mechanism.

Unlike bare wire, spade connectors offer better durability and conductivity while minimizing the risk of loose strands causing short circuits. They are especially popular in high-end hi-fi systems where a tight and reliable connection is crucial for maintaining signal integrity.

SpeakON

• Type: Analog, speaker cable termination.
• Main purpose: High-power speaker connections, professional audio systems.

SpeakON connectors are high-current locking connectors designed for professional audio systems, PA speakers, and high-power amplifiers. They are widely used in live sound applications because they provide a secure, reliable connection that won’t disconnect due to vibration or movement.

Unlike banana plugs or spade connectors, speakON connectors are designed to handle high power loads safely and include a twist-lock mechanism to prevent accidental disconnection. While rarely used in home audio, some high-power home theater setups or audiophile systems may incorporate speakON connections for large passive subwoofers or custom speaker configurations.