AUDIO JACK CABLE TYPES: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Audio jack cables have long been a staple of the audio technology world. You’ll find several types in our range. Read on to learn about the differences between them.
The jack plug was invented all the way back in the late 19th century. And this technology is still being used 140 years later, such as to connect headphones to smartphones, tablets, computers, or the CD player in your car. Whereas back then you could only get the large 6.3mm version, today you’ll also find smaller versions. Head to our shop to find audio jack cables which vary not just in size but also in the materials used for the cable jacket.
Everyone uses 3.5mm cables
Most people on the hunt for an audio jack cable typically need the 3.5mm version. It carries stereo audio and can be used for several purposes, like connecting smartphones, tablets, notebooks, laptops, MP3 players, and other devices to speakers or headphones so you can listen to music, audiobooks, and podcasts.
What makes our audio jack cables stand out from the crowd is the additional metal sleeve encasing each plug’s solder point. This makes our audio jack cables incredibly robust and able to stand up to the rigours of daily use without fear of them breaking. They also boast gold-plated connectors and end-to-end shielding for flawless signal quality. While the two types of 3.5mm cables from our range share many features, they differ in a few ways as well. We’ll explain more in the following.
Greater flexibility or protection?
We offer you a choice between an audio cable with a PVC jacket or a nylon braid. The latter prevents the cable from getting knotted – a huge plus point when you think about how annoying it is to untangle cables. But if you need a really flexible, supple cable, go for the PVC version.
That said, the nylon-braided cable has yet another advantage: Its plugs are more slimline. So, if you find it difficult to insert bigger jack plugs into your smartphone or tablet because its case is relatively thick, an audio cable with a nylon braid would be your best bet.
If you’re after an audio jack extension cable, we’ve got you covered here too. We offer a version that’s perfect for regular headphones as well as one for headsets, which can carry a microphone signal. Both of these versions have a PVC jacket.
Musicians like to go large
In addition to our 3.5mm cables, we also offer audio jack cables with a 6.3mm-diameter plug. While they’re unsuitable for smartphones, tablets, or laptops due to their size, these mono cables are perfect for musicians who use electric and bass guitars, keyboards, synthesisers, and other instruments – and they’re also compatible with amps and mixing desks. You’ll need this kind of audio jack cable if you’re recording in the studio or putting on a concert. They have a high-purity inner copper braiding for superior shielding and lossless transmission of the full frequency spectrum. And thanks to their rugged cable jacket, these cables are well protected against moisture of any kind – including splashes.