🔊🔌 1/4" • Composite RCA Audio Cable

These cables connect 1/4" audio outputs (TRS or TS) to RCA inputs or vice versa, allowing integration between mixers, audio interfaces, tape decks, TVs, and legacy gear. They’re used for stereo breakout, mono patching, and signal conversion across balanced and unbalanced formats.
 
🔧 Cable Varieties
1️⃣ 1x TRS Male → 2x RCA Female
Use Case: Split stereo 1/4" output into two RCA inputs
Example: Mixer headphone out → RCA stereo recorder
Signal: TRS tip = Left RCA, ring = Right RCA, sleeve = ground
Note: RCA ends are female—requires RCA male cables to complete connection
2️⃣ 1x TS Male → 1x RCA Male
Use Case: Patch mono signal between pro and consumer gear
Example: Mono synth → RCA input on tape deck
Signal: TS tip = signal, sleeve = ground; RCA = unbalanced mono
Note: Direct mono passthrough—no stereo breakout
3️⃣ 1x TRS Male → 2x RCA Male
Use Case: Split stereo 1/4" output into RCA stereo inputs
Example: Audio interface → RCA stereo speakers or TV
Signal: TRS tip = Left RCA, ring = Right RCA, sleeve = ground
Note: RCA ends are male—ready to plug into consumer gear
4️⃣ 2x TS Male → 2x RCA Male
Use Case: Connect dual mono 1/4" outputs to stereo RCA inputs
Example: Mixer L/R outputs → RCA stereo receiver
Signal: Each TS = mono channel; each RCA = corresponding input
Note: No stereo encoding—just two mono paths mapped to stereo RCA
 
🖥️ Compatible Devices
🎛️ Mixers and audio interfaces
📼 Tape decks and stereo receivers
📺 TVs and DVD players
🎹 Synths, samplers, and drum machines
📻 Legacy consumer audio gear
🧪 AV testing rigs and patch bays
 
✅ Common Uses
🔄 Bridge pro audio outputs to consumer RCA inputs
🎧 Split stereo headphone or line outputs into RCA channels
🎙️ Patch mono instruments into RCA-equipped recorders
🧩 Connect dual mono outputs to stereo RCA inputs
🧪 Prototype hybrid setups with mixed connector formats
 
🧠 Signal Format Notes
TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve)
Tip = Left, Ring = Right, Sleeve = Ground
Used for stereo or balanced mono
TS (Tip-Sleeve)
Tip = Signal, Sleeve = Ground
Used for unbalanced mono
RCA
Always unbalanced
Red = Right, White = Left (audio); Yellow = Composite video
❗ TRS-to-RCA cables split stereo—not convert balanced to unbalanced
 
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
🔄 RCA is always unbalanced—don’t expect noise rejection
🧯 TRS-to-RCA does not preserve balanced signal integrity
📏 Keep cable runs short to avoid signal degradation
🔥 Never use RCA cables for speaker-level signals
🧪 Match mono/stereo formats carefully to avoid phase issues
 
🛠️ Quick Tips for Beginners
🔍 Identify TRS vs TS: TRS has two black rings, TS has one
🧭 Use TRS-to-2xRCA for stereo breakout; TS-to-RCA for mono patching
🎧 Label RCA ends (L/R) to avoid channel swaps
🧪 Test signal paths before recording or live use
🧩 Keep adapters handy for legacy gear integration