Analog interconnect

Overview

The term "Analog interconnect" is used to describe an electrical cable used to connect audio equipment. This can include coaxial cables with RCA connectors, shielded twisted-pair cable with XLR connectors, twisted-pair or coaxial cables with 1/4" "phone" connectors, and an adapter cable with different connectors on each end.

Basics

Analog interconnects basically fall into two sub-categories:

1. Balanced
2. Unbalanced

For more information see Balanced and Unbalanced

Balanced interconnects

Balanced interconnects typically take the form of shielded twisted-pair cable with XLR or 1/4" T.R.S. connectors on one or both ends. Most cables have the same type of connector on both ends; but an Adapter cable can be used to make a balanced connection between equipment that has an XLR connector and equipment that has a T.R.S. connector. Cables of this type typically carry +4dBu professional level signals or low level microphone signals.

Unbalanced interconnects

There are two types of unbalanced interconnects commonly used in audio:

1. RCA cables
2. 1/4" T.S. cables

1. "RCA" cables are most commonly used in HiFi stereo systems and are constructed with coaxial cable. Most connections of this type carry -10dBV line level signals; although the similar cables are be used for lower level vinyl phono level signals.
2. 1/4" T.S. cables are most commonly used in home recording systems to interconnect equipment such as desktop mixers and outboard gear. Music instruments also use this type of interconnect; for example, a "guitar cable."