Apple Soundtrack Pro 2 User Manual
Page 491
Appendix C
Working with Professional Video and Audio Equipment
491
Note: Some Macintosh computers and portable audio recorders also use a connector
that combines both a stereo miniplug and a 1/8" optical digital connection (see “
on page 492) 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 connectors are used on
consumer audio equipment such as home stereo systems and videocassette recorders.
1/4" Audio Connectors
1/4" connectors (sometimes called phone plugs) are used on a wide variety of
professional and consumer musical equipment, including musical instruments and
amplifiers, speakers, and external effects devices.
1/4" Tip-Sleeve Connectors
1/4" tip-sleeve (TS) 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-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.
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.
RCA connector
1/4" tip-sleeve (TS) connector
1/4" tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) connector