Apple Final Cut Pro 7 - Manual (Page 207)

1/8" Mini Connectors
These are very small, unbalanced audio connectors. Many computers have 1/8" mini
inputs and outputs at –10 dBV line level, and many portable audio devices such as CD
players, iPod digital music players, and MP3 players use these connectors for headphone
outputs. Portable MiniDisc and DAT recorders often use 1/8" mini connectors for
connecting microphones.
Mono miniplug connector
Stereo miniplug connector
Note: Some Mac computers and portable audio recorders also use a connector that
combines both a stereo miniplug and a 1/8" optical digital connection (see
“S/PDIF” ) in
a single jack.
RCA Connectors
Most consumer equipment uses RCA connectors, which are unbalanced connectors that
usually handle -10 dBV (consumer) line levels.
RCA connector
1/4" Tip-Sleeve Connectors
1/4" tip-sleeve (TS) connectors (also called 1/4" phone connectors) with a tip and a sleeve
are unbalanced connectors often used for musical instruments like electric guitars,
keyboards, amplifiers, and so on.
1/4" tip-sleeve (TS) connector
1/4" Tip-Ring-Sleeve Connectors
Professional equipment often uses 1/4" tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) audio connectors with +4
dBu line level. 1/4" TRS connectors connect to three wires in an audio cable—hot, neutral,
and ground—and usually carry a balanced audio signal. In some situations, the three
wires may be used to send left and right (stereo) signals, making the signals unbalanced.
1/4" tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) connector
Note: Tip-sleeve and tip-ring-sleeve connectors look almost identical. Some audio devices
(especially mixers) accept a TS connector in a TRS jack, but you should always check the
equipment documentation to be sure. Remember that most 1/4" TS connectors connect
to –10 dBV line level equipment, whereas 1/4" TRS connectors usually expect a +4 dBu
line level.
207 Chapter 12 Connecting Professional Video and Audio Equipment