This document provides an overview of common cable and connector types used in audio and video production. It discusses straight pair, twisted pair, coaxial, and fiber optic cables. It then describes various video connectors like BNC, RCA, and S-Video and audio connectors such as 1/4 inch, XLR, and mini connectors. The document concludes with a discussion of digital audio/video connectors and adapters used to convert between different connector types.

1. 1
Audio Video Production
Cables
and
Connectors

2. Cables and Connectors
2
A basic job skill in the audio
and video production industry
is being able to identify the
common cable and connector
types.

3. Four Basic Cable Types
3
Straight Pair Twisted Pair
Coax Fiber Optic

4. Straight Pair Cable
4
Speaker Cable
4

5. Twisted Pair Cable
5
Microphone Cable
Multiple Channel Cable
Single Channel
5

6. Twisted Pair Cable
6
Networking Cable
Four Twisted Pairs
6

7. Twisted Pair Cable
7
Telephone Cable
7

8. Coax Cable
8
Cable TV Cable
8

9. Coax Cable
9
Video Cable
Professional
Video
Amateur Video
9

10. Coax Cable
10
Digital Audio Cable
10

11. Coax Cable
11
Digital Video Cable
11

12. Fiber Optic Cables
12
Digital Video Cable
12

13. Fiber Optic Cables
13
Optical Digital Audio Cable
13

14. Connector Types
14
Video Audio
14

15. Connector Gender Notes:
15
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.
15

16. Video Connectors: BNC
16
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.
16

17. Video Connectors: RCA
17
The RCA connector is used for amateur
and “Prosumer” video signals. The RCA
is also used in audio.
Female
Male
17

18. Video Connectors: S-Video
18
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
18

19. Video Adapters
19
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
19

20. Video Adapters
20
BNC Female to RCA Male Adapter
20

21. Video Adapters
21
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
22
BNC Male Barrel (or Gender Changer)
Adapters that have the same connector type and
gender on both sides area called Barrels or
Gender Changers.
22

23. Video Adapters
23
RCA Female Barrel (or Gender Changer)
There are numerous Adapters and Gender Changers.
23

24. Audio Connectors: RCA
24
The RCA connector is used for line
level audio signals. The RCA is also
used for consumer video.
Female
Male
24

25. Audio Connectors: 1/4” Mono
25
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
25

26. Audio Connectors: 1/4” Stereo
26
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
27
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
28
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
29

30. Audio Adapters:
30
RCA Female to TS (1/4” mono)
Male Adapter
There are numerous Adapters and Gender Changers.
30

31. Audio Adapters:
31
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
32
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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