Jack Plugs & Sockets

Jack plugs and sockets are widely found in audio/audio-video (AV) applications and are most commonly used for analogue audio signals. Jack plugs and connectors are available in various sizes, with 3.5mm and 6.35mm being the most common in the market. Jack plugs can have up to 4 contact points, depending on the signals they carry. Tip-Sleeve (TS) jack plugs have 2 contact points and carry signal (mono), while Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) jack plugs have 3 contact points for stereo signals. Meanwhile, Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve (TRRS) jack plugs carry stereo and microphone signals.

Types of Jack Connectors

A large variety of jack plugs and connectors available, here are some of the most common types of jack connectors you will find.

2.5mm Jack Connectors (Sub-mini Jack Plugs)

These tiny connectors were commonly used for audio output on older mobile phones, discreet microphones, or small portable devices with space constraints, such as walkie-talkies.

3.5mm Jack Connectors (Mini Jack Plugs)

The most ubiquitous audio connector, 3.5mm jacks are used for headphones, earbuds, and auxiliary audio input/output on smartphones, computers, and portable media players.

6.35 mm Jack Connectors

Also known as 1/4-inch jacks, these are primarily found in professional audio equipment, connecting electric guitars to amplifiers, microphones to mixers, and headphones in recording studios due to their robust design.

Stereo Jack Connectors

These connectors transmit two channels of audio (left and right), typically identified by two insulating rings on the plug. They are essential for headphones and connecting MP3 players to speakers.

How to Choose the Right Jack Connector

• Power Matching: Select a headphone amplifier with enough power output to drive your headphones or speakers effectively. A headphone power calculator is a handy tool for easily determining the impedance and sensitivity of your equipment.
• Connection Type: Selecting the correct connection type (e.g., TS for mono, TRS for stereo audio, TRRS for audio with microphone) is vital for transmitting the intended signals, like using a TRRS jack for a headset with voice capabilities on a laptop.
• Material & Durability: Ensure your jack connector is made from materials suited for the application's environment and expected usage pattern. For instance, gold-plated connectors are often used for professional audio equipment to prevent corrosion and maintain signal integrity.
• Choose between balanced or unbalanced audio: Balanced audio is ideal for professional recording studios, live sound, or any situation with long cable runs (over 10-15 feet). It typically involves XLR or TRS connectors. On the other hand, unbalanced audio is sufficient for home audio setups, consumer-grade equipment and shorter cable runs. They commonly involve RCA or TS jack connectors.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Jack Connectors

• **Mismatch in Connector Types: **Using a 3.5mm stereo (TRS) plug in a device designed only for a 2.5mm sub-mini plug will result in the plug not fitting, making the connection impossible and rendering the cable useless for that specific device.
• Ignoring Durability: Choosing a cheap, flimsy plastic jack connector for a frequently used, high-stress application like a musician's guitar cable can lead to premature breakage, intermittent signalling, or complete connection failure during a performance.
• Overlooking Audio Quality: Selecting a connector with poor shielding or low-grade materials for critical audio applications, such as studio recording or live sound, can introduce unwanted static, hum, or signal degradation, compromising the final sound output.

**Common Industry Applications **

**

Professional Audio**

XLR connectors are standard for microphones, mixing consoles, and other professional audio equipment due to their balanced audio transmission capabilities.

Consumer Electronics

3.5mm jacks are ubiquitous in headphones, smartphones, laptops, and portable speakers for personal listening and consumer audio connections.

Musical Instruments

1/4-inch jacks connect guitars, keyboards, and other instruments to amplifiers and sound systems.

Broadcasting and Recording

Audio connectors facilitate connections in recording studios, broadcast setups, and live sound reinforcement systems. For instance, jack connectors connect microphones to consoles and transmission equipment.

Industrial Applications

Audio jacks are used for data logging and communication between different modules in industrial equipment. For example, a 6.35mm jack might be used to connect a control panel to a machine's control system.

Aviation and Military

Specialised audio connectors and cables are used in military aircraft and communication systems, including the NATO plug, specifically the U-174/U or Nexus TP120.

Automotive

Audio connectors are found in car audio systems and other vehicle electronics.

Australia's No. 1 Supplier and Distributor of Quality Jack Connectors

RS Australia is the nation's top supplier and distributor of high-quality 3.5mm jack sockets, jack plugs and mini jack connectors for all your audio and audio/visual needs. We carry products from trusted brands such as RS PRO, Amphenol Industrial and Same Sky. We also stock other types of connectors, such as fibre optic and lightning connectors. Check out our delivery page for more details on our delivery services.