A Basic Introduction to Audio Cables
In its most basic form, one audio cable can differ from another by virtue of the gauge number (size) and the different types of conductors that are used.
So selecting the right cables is oftentimes challenging and even a bit frustrating.
You can purchase this type of cable in two forms.
Either purchase them pre-cut in different lengths (ready-to-use), which can be used for numerous applications or you can purchase them in bulk form on a spool and ready to be customized for the necessary application.
With these different applications and variations, you can understand how selecting the right cable can be difficult.
The conductors and gauge numbers vary in size and are interrelated in that conductor size is determined by the gauge of the audio cable.
So the higher the gauge number, the lower the conductor and vice versa.
Additionally, the labeling of these cables is based on how and where they are going to be used.
For example, there are "in-wall" and "outdoor UV resistant" cables.
You may find that some cables are not labeled which basically means that these were developed for indoor use only.
The following will give you a better idea about some of the different audio cable versions that are currently available in the marketplace today: • Banana, ring, and spade terminal connectors - primarily used for connecting speakers or test equipment • Coaxial cable - coax cables as they are more commonly referred to are used for connecting antennas, radio communication devices, and test equipment • Optical connectors - these are usually utilized when you are connecting optical ports with audio equipment • Optical digital cable - primarily used for connections of a digital audio nature • Phone connectors - used to connect headphones and microphones • Phono connectors - also known as RCA connectors, these are the standard type of cables that are used for audio/video connections • Shielded cable - used for audio equipment and microphone connections, this is the simplest of audio cable designs • Twisted-pair cable - these cables allow for the connection of different audio equipment to different applications • XLR connector - these connectors are typically used to link microphones to mixers, but you will also find them in professionally customized audio applications and connections Although the above information is basic knowledge regarding the different audio cable versions that are available, it is always a good idea to consult with an electronics expert to ensure that you are purchasing the right versions for your applications.
So selecting the right cables is oftentimes challenging and even a bit frustrating.
You can purchase this type of cable in two forms.
Either purchase them pre-cut in different lengths (ready-to-use), which can be used for numerous applications or you can purchase them in bulk form on a spool and ready to be customized for the necessary application.
With these different applications and variations, you can understand how selecting the right cable can be difficult.
The conductors and gauge numbers vary in size and are interrelated in that conductor size is determined by the gauge of the audio cable.
So the higher the gauge number, the lower the conductor and vice versa.
Additionally, the labeling of these cables is based on how and where they are going to be used.
For example, there are "in-wall" and "outdoor UV resistant" cables.
You may find that some cables are not labeled which basically means that these were developed for indoor use only.
The following will give you a better idea about some of the different audio cable versions that are currently available in the marketplace today: • Banana, ring, and spade terminal connectors - primarily used for connecting speakers or test equipment • Coaxial cable - coax cables as they are more commonly referred to are used for connecting antennas, radio communication devices, and test equipment • Optical connectors - these are usually utilized when you are connecting optical ports with audio equipment • Optical digital cable - primarily used for connections of a digital audio nature • Phone connectors - used to connect headphones and microphones • Phono connectors - also known as RCA connectors, these are the standard type of cables that are used for audio/video connections • Shielded cable - used for audio equipment and microphone connections, this is the simplest of audio cable designs • Twisted-pair cable - these cables allow for the connection of different audio equipment to different applications • XLR connector - these connectors are typically used to link microphones to mixers, but you will also find them in professionally customized audio applications and connections Although the above information is basic knowledge regarding the different audio cable versions that are available, it is always a good idea to consult with an electronics expert to ensure that you are purchasing the right versions for your applications.
