3.5mm Stereo Audio Cables

What are 3.5mm Stereo Audio Cables?

3.5mm Stereo Audio Cables are a very versatile class of cable. They define a wide number of cables with different uses that all contain some variation of the 3.5mm mini connector. The 3.5mm connector is the one that is often connected to the end of most headphones and earphones, therefore it is the kind of input that is most often found on computer, televisions, MP3 players, CD players, etc. There is an assortment of different odds and ends on the cables classified as 3.5mm Stereo Audio Cables. Each cable has a different use, but mostly revolves around connecting two devices in order to produce sound between systems. These are stereo cables, and are therefore capable of providing sound perspective and surround sound in order to enhance in listening experience.

Types of 3.5mm Stereo Audio Cables Available for Purchase

Mini Plug to RCA: This kind of 3.5mm Stereo Audio Cable is used to connect computers to IPods and Stereos. On one end, it contains the 3.5mm connector that can be used on most kinds of MP3 players and computers. This end is the one similar to the connector used on most headphones, so it is easily recognizable. The other end of the wire contains two RCA plugs – the red one being the right stereo cord, and the white one being the left/mono cord. This kind of cable optimizes the signal transfer so that you can have the highest clarity sound.
Female Jack to RCA: This cable is a small cable with an input for a 3.5mm connector, and the other end contains the two RCA connectors.
Mini Plug to Female RCA: On one of this cable is a 3.5mm connector (the connector will henceforth be referred to as the “male” component) and a set of female RCA connectors. The female RCA connectors allow two RCA connectors to be inserted into it.
Stereo Headphone Jack Splitter: On one end is the male component of the 3.5mm connector. On the other end of this cable are two female components of the 3.5mm connector, which basically allows you to connect a device, such as an MP3 players, to two sets of headphones, stereos, etc. It is important to note, however, that this cable does not separate the sound into two left and right mono channels, both of the jacks produce the same stereo signal.
3.5mm to 3 RCA: This cable is most often used with cameras and camcorders, and has a male 3.5mm connector on one end, and 3 male RCA connectors on the other. The first two RCA components transfer the sound information, while the third one is for S-video, which gives this cable and additional video connection.
RCA to 3.5mm Mono Cable: This gold-plated cable has both the RCA and 3.5mm ends. It is good for connecting small audio devices to another device such as a mixer. The 3.5mm end however, only produces a mono sound connection.
Headphone Extension: The concept of this cable is simple – it just makes the length of your headphones longer. One end contains a female 3.5mm mini plug connector, and the other side is a male component of the 3.5mm mini plug. The lengths of these cables sold at Cmple.com can vary from 6 feet to 100 feet. Also, the distance over which the signal is being transferred doesn’t really matter – you shouldn’t have any signal quality issues over long distances.
Patch Cable: A patch cable is similar to an extension cable with the exception that both ends of the cable are male components. This kind of cable is an auxiliary cable, and is used for connecting MP3 players, speakers, CD players, car stereo systems, computer sound cards, etc. Lengths of these cables available for purchase from Cmple.com is from 3 feet to 100 feet.

Problems with Stereo Audio Cables

Firstly, 3.5mm mini plugs are very small and breakable connectors. They consist of three separate copper or gold-plated barrels. These barrels are bonded by the pressure formed between their differences in sizes, therefore, it is relatively easy for them to come apart. Sometimes they just come apart when using them, but other times the small end can become jammed inside of the device that you are inserting it into. It can often be difficult or even impossible for it to be pulled out of the small female component of the mini plug. Therefore, it is advisable for one to make sure that the pieces of the mini plug aren’t loose and are tightly secured before inserting in into any input. Another problem is wear down of the wire. This can cause disruptions in the audio quality and can cause the cable to only work when bent or turned in a certain direction or orientation. This can be inconvenient and a huge hassle. To avoid this issue, make sure you use the utmost care when inserting or removing a mini plug. Don’t tug on the wire or shove it in too hard because that can cause damage that can basically destroy the wire.

Mini Plug Special Features

When you buy any kind of 3.5mm Stereo Audio Cable from Cmple.com, there is a myriad of special features that you may experience as a result. Firstly, Cmple only uses the highest quality materials for any product. Each cable is made with 99.99% oxygen free copper wire. In addition, each cable has a low-loss 95% spiral-wound copper shield and has a 26 AWG gauge with a stranded copper center conductor. They all have a fully molded construction and the nickel-plated connectors provide superior protection against corrosion of the wire. Some of these cables come with a gold-plated option, which provides special protection against damage and is cited as being more reliable than only nickel-plated connectors. In addition, Cmple.com provides a variety of lengths that provide a sense of versatility in regards to what you are using the cable for. The cables and RCA connectors follow the specified color guidelines so that setup and installation is easy. This way, you can easily enjoy any of these products.