🎧🔌 1/4" • 3.5mm Audio Cable

These cables convert between full-size 1/4" and mini 3.5mm jacks, enabling signal flow between instruments, mixers, headphones, and mobile devices. Depending on the signal format—mono or stereo—they serve different roles in routing, playback, and recording.
 
🔧 Cable Varieties & Use Cases
🔌 1/4" Mono (TS) Male → 3.5mm Stereo (TRS) Male
Use Case: Send mono instrument signal to stereo input
Devices: Guitar → keyboard → phone recorder
Common in field recording and compact mobile rigs
Note: Signal may be duplicated across L/R channels—not true stereo
🔌 1/4" Stereo (TRS) Male → 3.5mm Stereo (TRS) Male
Use Case: Connect stereo output to stereo input
Devices: Mixer → smartphone, or keyboard
Ideal for clean stereo playback or recording between formats
🔌 1/4" Mono (TS) Male → 3.5mm Mono (TS) Male
Use Case: Connect mono output to mono input
Devices: Synth → field recorder, or mic → mono interface
Used in legacy setups and unbalanced signal paths
 
🖥️ Compatible Devices
🎧 Headphones, earbuds, and monitor cans
🎸 Electric guitars, basses, and keyboards
🎤 Mixers, audio interfaces, and patch bays
📱 Smartphones, tablets, and laptops
📼 Field recorders, cameras, and broadcast gear
 
✅ Common Uses
🧠 Bridge pro audio outputs to consumer-grade inputs
🎚️ Record instruments directly into mobile devices
🛠️ Connect stereo sources to compact recorders or mixers
🔁 Route mono signals between legacy and modern gear
🧪 Test signal compatibility across jack formats
 
🧠 Signal Format Notes
⚙️ TS: Tip-Sleeve = mono (signal, ground)
⚙️ TRS: Tip-Ring-Sleeve = stereo (L, R, ground) or balanced mono
📡 Mono-to-stereo cables may duplicate signal across both channels
📉 No signal conversion—passive wiring only
🔊 No mic or phantom power support—audio only
 
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
🚫 TS ≠ TRS—don’t mix formats without checking signal type
🔌 Mono signal into stereo input may cause phase issues
🧯 Some 3.5mm inputs expect mic-level—instrument-level may clip
📉 Long unbalanced runs may introduce hum or interference
🧪 Always test cable direction and format before deployment
 
🛠️ Quick Tips for Beginners
🧠 Identify TS by one black ring; TRS by two rings
🔍 Use stereo-to-stereo cables for clean playback or recording
🧲 Choose shielded cables with molded strain relief for durability
🧼 Clean contacts gently—dust can cause crackling or dropouts
🏷️ Label cables by format and direction—especially in shared kits