Types of Cables
A variety of cables and leads are used in the tech set up of the classroom. This page provides an explanation of the cables you'll come across.
Headphones and Leads
This image shows some of the most common cables in the classroom. The metal part is called the jack. The cables above are headphones and guitar leads.
TS vs TRS?
TS cables are mono, meaning that they carry a single channel of audio. TS stands for tip/sleeve. Guitar leads are TS.
TRS cables are stereo, meaning they can carry two channels of audio at a time. TRS stands for tip/ring/sleeve. TRS is standard for headphone cables.
The noticeable difference between the two types of cables is appearance. TRS cables have two black rings, while TS cables have only one.
TRS jacks come in two different sizes, 3.5mm (small) and 6.32mm (large). Most amplifiers have 6.32mm inputs. An adaptor can be used for smaller jacks.
Some cables, such as the furthest left pictured, have right-angled jacks, which make no difference to the sound quality, but can work better in some set-ups.
From left to right:
TRS 3.5mm -Headphones
TRS 3.5mm-6.32mm Adaptor
TRS 6.32mm
TS 6.32mm -Guitar lead
Adaptor
TRS
TS
TRS
Cables for Microphones
Male
Female
Microphones use XLR cables.
An XLR cable has two different ends, reffered to as male and female. The male end has a solid plug, while the female end has a cavity.