The Standard Soundboard Monitor Jack Size Explained

Soundboards are used for a variety of functions, from streaming podcasts to mixing live concerts. They are used to merge multiple input signals, such as microphones, instruments, and recorded tracks, so they can be sent to speakers as one signal. Soundboards also allow users to route sound and adjust volume levels, timbre, and dynamics. The most common source of sound for a soundboard is a microphone, which plugs into the soundboard via an XLR jack or TRS (1/4) cable jack. The TRS jack is also known as a headphone jack and is the most common size for headphones and other audio equipment. The standard size of a headphone jack is 3.5mm, which is commonly used in portable audio devices such as smartphones, MP3 players, and laptops. Larger headphones may use a 6.35mm jack, but this is less common.

TRS and TS are the two primary standards for audio jack wiring

On the other hand, TS stands for tip-sleeve, and these types of audio jacks do not support stereo sound or microphones. Instead, they carry one audio signal and are commonly used with musical equipment, especially electric guitars, and aviation radios.

Both types of jacks are used to connect audio signals at the "line level", with 3.5mm TRS minijacks found at the ends of standard auxiliary cables and the larger 1/4-inch plugs used in semi-professional applications for TS (unbalanced) or TRS (balanced) signals.

It is important to note that using the wrong type of cable for a specific application can lead to issues with noise, distortion, and interference. For example, a TS cable will cause noise and distortion when used instead of a TRS cable.

TRS plugs have three conductors

A soundboard monitor jack typically uses a 1/4" TRS cable jack. TRS stands for Tip, Ring, and Sleeve, which refer to the parts of the jack plug that the different conductors are connected to. TRS plugs have three conductors, separated by two black insulation bands. The tip carries the signal, and the sleeve is the return path and usually the ground.

TRS cables are used for connecting audio signals at "line level" in several contexts. They are commonly used with semi-professional audio equipment, such as soundboards, to connect signals using TS (unbalanced) or TRS (balanced) plugs.

The 1/4" jack is the larger size of headphone jack commonly found on audio equipment and musical instruments, such as electric guitars. It has a diameter of 6.35mm. This size is sometimes referred to as a "phone jack" due to its origins in 19th-century manual telephone switchboards.

TRS cables are also used for stereo headphones without a microphone, where the three conductors carry the left and right audio signals and the ground. The smaller 3.5mm version of this jack, often called a "minijack," is commonly found on portable devices such as smartphones and tablets.

In addition to the standard TRS configuration, there are also TRRS (Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve) and TRRRS (Tip-Ring-Ring-Ring-Sleeve) configurations, which have four and five conductors, respectively. These additional conductors allow for more channels and are commonly used for devices with microphones or video capabilities, such as smartphones and tablets.

TS plugs have two conductors

A TS cable has two conductors for unbalanced mono signals. The two contact points are the Tip (T) and the Sleeve (S). The signal wire sends audio through the tip, while the ground wire, which shields the signal from interference, passes through the sleeve.

TS cables are often used for instruments like electric guitars, guitar effects patch cables, keyboards, and single-switch amp A/B boxes. They are also used to connect audio signals at "line level" in several contexts.

TS cables are unbalanced. This means the audio signal is sent directly to whatever equipment it's connected to, whether it's a mixer, receiver, or musical instrument. While it's simpler and cheaper, it also means there's a distortion and noise risk. The longer the TS cable, the more likely you are to run into issues with noise and interference. To avoid this, ensure that the cable is shorter than 20 feet.

TS cables are commonly found in two sizes: the smaller size, known as a minijack or 3.5mm jack, and the larger size, known as a 1/4-inch or 6.3mm jack plug. Adapters are readily available to switch between the two sizes.

The two most common sizes of TRS jack connectors

The two most common sizes of Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) jack connectors are 3.5mm and 6.35mm (or 1/4-inch).

The 3.5mm jack connector is the smaller of the two and is commonly referred to as a "minijack". It is also sometimes called a 1/8-inch jack in the US, though this is only an approximation. The 3.5mm jack is commonly found on portable devices.

The 6.35mm jack connector is the larger of the two and is commonly referred to as a 1/4-inch jack plug.

Adapters are easy to find to change one size of jack plug to the other.

Mono and stereo audio jacks

A soundboard's function is to take multiple input signals, such as microphones, instruments, and recorded tracks, and merge them so they can be sent to speakers as one signal. They are also responsible for routing sound and changing the volume level, timbre (tone colour), or dynamics of audio signals.

Sound sources plug into the soundboard via XLR jack or TRS (1/4-inch) cable jack. TRS stands for tip-ring-sleeve and is used to describe the composition of the jack connector. The tip and sleeve are conductive, carrying the electrical signal, while the ring acts as an insulator.

The two most common sizes of TRS jack connectors are 3.5mm and 6.3mm (or 1/4-inch). The smaller 3.5mm jack is commonly referred to as a minijack and is found on portable devices. The larger 6.3mm jack is often used in semi-professional applications. Adapters are readily available to change one size jack plug to the other.

It is also possible to purchase adapters that convert a stereo jack to two mono jacks, or vice versa. These are often used when a device has a stereo output but the desired input is mono, or vice versa.

Frequently asked questions