You might wonder why your earphones or other wired devices with a 3.5mm audio jack have black rings, why they are more or less in number on the different audio jacks, and what their function is. Well after reading this article all your questions will get answered.
3 types of 3.5mm Audio Jacks are mainly used TS, TRS and TRRS. I will explain the function and use case of each port one by one.
Some terms to know before getting started
- Mono Sound: Also called monophonic sound. It uses only one audio channel and the listener can’t predict the source of the sound.
- Stereo Sound: Also called stereophonic sound. It uses dual channels and the listener can predict if the sound is coming from left or right. Its file size is larger compared to mono sound. There are further two subcategories 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound.
- Unbalanced Audio: A low sound that can be listened along when an audio file is playing.
TS- Tip and Sleeve
- Mono Sound.
- Record on one channel.
- Sound from one speaker.
- It also works with devices that have separate audio and a mic port.
- An unbalanced sound can be observed and it increases as the length of the wire increases.
TRS- Tip, Ring and Sleeve
- Record on Two Channel.
- Stereo Sound.
- Sound From Two Speakers.
- It also works with Devices which has separate audio and Mic port.
TRRS- Tip, Ring, Ring and Sleeve
- Record on Two Channel.
- Stereo Sound.
- Sound From Two Speakers.
- Works with Devices that have only one 3.5mm Audio Port for example laptops and smartphones.
FAQs related to 3.5mm Audio jacks
Q1. What is the difference between a TS cable and a TRS one?
Ans. TS cables are used to connect a microphone to the camera and it also has many other use cases. It creates an unbalanced sound that runs parallel with the actual audio captured. TRS cables are often used in earphones and headphones which does not have a microphone in them.
Conclusion
It might be hard for you to choose the correct cable for your use case but I have tried hard to answer all your questions. Once you understand their use case you will be able to find the right one for you. Still, if you have any problem figuring it out you can comment down below I will try to answer it ASAP.
