2. Cables and Connectors
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A basic job skill in the audio
and video production industry
is being able to identify the
common cable and connector
types.
15. Connector Gender Notes:
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A MALE connector is also referred to as a PLUG.
A FEMALE connector is also referred to as a JACK.
“MALE” = “PLUGS”
“FEMALE” = “JACKS”
These words are interchangeable.
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16. Video Connectors: BNC
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BNC Male BNC Female
The BNC connector is used for professional video
signals. The two connectors twist lock together to form
an industrial strength connection.
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17. Video Connectors: RCA
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The RCA connector is used for amateur
and “Prosumer” video signals. The RCA
is also used in audio.
Female
Male
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18. Video Connectors: S-Video
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The S-Video connector is used for industrial
and higher quality “Prosumer” video
signals. The S-Video connector actually
has two coax video cables inside. One
cable is for brightness information (Y) and
the other is for color information (C). It is
also called a “Y/C” connector.
S-Video
Female
S-Video Male
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19. Video Adapters
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An adapter is a small two-sided
connector that coverts one type of
connector to another. They are also
referred to as “Inter-series adapters”.
RCA Female to BNC Male
Adapter
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21. Video Adapters
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RCA Male to S-Video Female Adapter
Some adapters actually covert one signal type
into something else. This adapter coverts a
“Y/C” signal into a “composite” video signal.
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22. Video Adapters
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BNC Male Barrel (or Gender Changer)
Adapters that have the same connector type and
gender on both sides area called Barrels or
Gender Changers.
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24. Audio Connectors: RCA
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The RCA connector is used for line
level audio signals. The RCA is also
used for consumer video.
Female
Male
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25. Audio Connectors: 1/4” Mono
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The ¼” connector is used for
headphones, microphones, and other
signals. The mono version is also called
“TS” for “Tip/Sleeve.”
¼” Male Mono ¼” Female Mono
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26. Audio Connectors: 1/4” Stereo
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The ¼” connector is used for headphones, microphones,
and other signals. The stereo version is also called “TRS”
for “Tip/Ring/Sleeve”.
¼” Female Stereo
¼” Male Stereo
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27. Audio Connectors: XLR
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The XLR connector is primarily used for professional
microphones and balanced microphone level signals. The
locking mechanism helps make good electrical connections.
XLR Male XLR Female
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28. Audio Connectors: 1/8” Mini’s
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The 1/8” connector, or Mini, is used for headphones,
consumer microphones, and other signals.
Mini Female
Stereo
Mini Male
Stereo
Mini Male Mono Mini Female Mono
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29. Audio Adapters:
29
Again, an adapter is a small two-sided connector
that coverts one type of connector to another.
XLR Female to TRS
(1/4” stereo) Male Adapter
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31. Audio Adapters:
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1/4”Male to XLR Female
Impedance Matching Transformer
Some adapters actually covert one signal type into
something else. This adapter coverts a Balanced Low
Impedance audio signal to an Unbalanced High Impedance
audio signal. This lets you use a professional microphone
with consumer microphone inputs.
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32. Digital Audio and Video
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HDMI is an all-digital connector that can carry high-
definition video and several digital audio channels all on
the one cable.
HDMI delivers digital sound and vision without risking quality
loss due to the conversion or compression of the video or
audio signal.
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