Understanding Audio Cables & Connectors

Any musician or person working in sound must understand the various types of audio connectors and cables. The main ones are 1/4 inch, XLR, RCA, Speakon and even MIDI. They can be use to connect guitars, keyboards, microphones, speakers and more. Though it may seem daunting if you are new to sound or are a new musician, it is rather easy to understand audio instrument and speaker cables and connectors.

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Guitar Cable
XLR Cable

[salliemorrill]

Thank you for taking time to make this video. Been in audio for 40+years, & as you know, we must stay informed. Thanks for updating my knowledge.

[laouterakhs]

Nice and clearly explained and demonstrated Kennis, even us old hands that have seen the changes over the years need to know the subtle differences of the similar looking cables with same ends on but very different cores for their purposes. Well done and worthwhile!

[HosaTechnology]

Thanks for sharing a really comprehensive explanation that's important for musicians to understand, especially for some things that can confuse people like the difference between DMX & XLR or 1/4" instrument & speaker. This is a great starting point for people to learn more and expand their knowledge of the equipment we all gotta use.

Quick note on the interconnect vs microphone: interconnects lack the necessary shielding to be used for microphones because they're designed to interconnect devices. Say, your interface to your monitors, which aren't as susceptible to interference. You could use a mic cable as an interconnect, but you'd pick up way too much noise using an interconnect as a mic cable.

Appreciate your work & wisdom as always, Kennis!

[DjSmoothNY]

I learned something new. With xlr cable I wasn't aware of the difference for digital vs mic/audio. I was experiencing alot of hum and interference with some cheap cables and stepped up the quality and solved the problem. Thanks for sharing.

[TkoBallerx]

Thank you for explaining what cables would be good for speakers!

[claveloungeds]

I just want to say thank you for all that information on cables. I am buying some equipment for my studio and I had no clue what to buy or what any of this known cables did or where used for other than the basics. This video has taken me out the dark much appreciated.

[TheAspiringMusician_RSA]

2020, this is the best simply put yet highly informative video ever, you just earned a sub, thank you Ken, beautiful stuff
i love how you differentiated the different uses of what seems to be 100% identical types of cables, im in the media ministry in my church and I found this highly useful

[juzzypham]

Thank you Kennis. I've been searching video to help me out, but not much on Youtube. Finally! Very greatful!

[dryvur]

Thanks for the video. It's funny...I've been a musician all my life and never heard of speakon cables. I never used a PA. I always used instrument amplifiers. I recently bought a PA amp and speakers and didn't know that I would need speakon cables. I found out that's what I needed, but had never heard of them. So I watched your video and you answered all the questions and more. Not so complicated now. You make it simple....thanks

[mosesjessiejenkins]

Thanks for taking the time to explain it; I really appreciate it! :)

[dfhayak]

Thanks man. Just starting a new job and I need to know these. Lots of good info and easy to understand.

[Orenonakama]

This video is absolutely amazing i needed to know about cables and connectors for my college event and this was such a great help Thank you so much!!!

[bbwwm]

Great Video! You made it easy enough for your old PCH choir buddy to understand! Thanks for the info! -W

[billybones]

Full of knowledge about connectors, thank you very much

[solitudeguard]

Thanks for the help! It’s easy to forget the basics!

[pampurrs]

Good elementary tutorial on cables. I particularly enjoyed his visual demonstration of the difference between female connector and male connector. I watched that part several times.

[mrg]

Great video, always good to know what your grabbing and why or why not. Thanks!

[jpham]

Great explanation about the cables. I learned good lesson about the various types of cables! 👍

[vidflix]

Fantastic video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[darlalewis]

Thank you. Answered all of my questions in plain English