🎧🔄 3.5mm • 3.5mm Audio Adapter

These adapters connect two 3.5mm audio jacks, enabling stereo or mono signal passthrough, format conversion, or physical reorientation. They’re used in headphones, microphones, mobile devices, recorders, and embedded systems—especially where space, compatibility, or signal type matters.
 
🔧 Adapter Varieties
🔁 Signal Type Variants
TRS to TRS (Stereo to Stereo)
Tip = Left, Ring = Right, Sleeve = Ground
Used for stereo headphones, line-level audio, stereo patching
TS to TS (Mono to Mono)
Tip = Signal, Sleeve = Ground
Used for mono microphones, control signals, single-channel audio
TRS to TS (Stereo to Mono)
Converts stereo signal to mono (often only one channel passed)
Used for mono playback from stereo source, or mono recording from stereo jack
 
🔌 Physical Format Variants
Male to Female Angle 90°
Use Case: Tight spaces (phones, tablets, car audio)
Example: Headphones with straight plug → phone in case
Signal: TRS or TS passthrough depending on adapter type
Note: Reduces strain on ports, ideal for mobile setups
Female to Female
Use Case: Join two male-ended cables
Example: Extend headphone cable or patch mic line
Signal: TRS or TS passthrough
Note: Often used in DIY or modular rigs
Male to Female
Use Case: Extend or adapt cable ends
Example: Headset → longer aux cable
Signal: TRS or TS passthrough
Note: Most common format for general use
Male to Male
Use Case: Direct patch between two female jacks
Example: Audio interface → speaker input
Signal: TRS or TS passthrough
Note: Often used in stereo patching or mono control lines
 
🖥️ Compatible Devices
📱 Smartphones, tablets, laptops
🎧 Headphones, earbuds, headsets
🎙️ Microphones (mono and stereo)
📼 Recorders, mixers, audio interfaces
🧠 Embedded systems, control boards
📺 TVs, car audio, legacy AV gear
 
✅ Common Uses
🔄 Extend or adapt headphone/mic cables
🎧 Convert stereo to mono or vice versa
🧩 Patch between devices with mismatched jack types
🧪 Prototype signal paths in compact setups
🚚 Reduce strain on ports with angled adapters
🛠️ Join cables for longer runs or modular routing
 
🧠 Signal Format Notes
TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve)
Stereo: Tip = Left, Ring = Right, Sleeve = Ground
TS (Tip-Sleeve)
Mono: Tip = Signal, Sleeve = Ground
❗ TRS-to-TS adapters do not mix stereo channels—they often pass only one
🧲 TRS-to-TRS adapters preserve stereo; TS-to-TS preserve mono
 
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
🔄 Match TRS/TS types carefully—wrong match may cause silence or partial signal
📏 Use short adapters to avoid mechanical stress
🔥 Never use for speaker-level signals
🧯 Avoid stacking multiple adapters—can degrade signal quality
🧪 Test stereo/mono compatibility before live use
 
🛠️ Quick Tips for Beginners
🔍 Count the rings: TRS = 2 black rings, TS = 1
🧭 Use angled adapters for tight spaces or mobile rigs
🎧 Label mono/stereo adapters to avoid confusion
🧪 Test signal path with headphones or scope before deployment
🧩 Keep a mix of male/female formats in your kit for flexibility