Apple Final Cut Express HD - Manual (Page 575)

Chapter 41 Setting Up Audio Equipment 575
VIII
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, Walkmans, and MP3 players use these connectors for headphone outputs.
Portable MiniDisc and DAT recorders often use 1/8" mini connectors for connecting
microphones.
RCA Connectors
Most consumer equipment uses RCA connectors, which are unbalanced connectors
that usually handle –10 dbV (consumer) line levels.
1/4" Tip-Ring (TR) Connectors
1/4" connectors with a tip and a ring are unbalanced connectors often used for musical
instruments like electric guitars, keyboards, amplifiers, and so on.
1/4" Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) Connectors
Professional equipment often uses 1/4" TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) audio connectors with
+4 dBu line level. 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-ring and tip-ring-sleeve connectors (also called phone connectors) look
almost identical. Some audio equipment (especially mixers) accept a TR connector in a
TRS jack, but you should always check the equipment documentation to be sure.
Remember that most 1/4" tip-ring connectors connect to –10 dBV line level equipment,
while 1/4" tip-ring-sleeve connectors usually expect a +4 dBu line level.
Mono miniplug connector
Stereo miniplug connector
RCA connector
1/4-inch Tip-Ring (TR) connector
1/4-inch Tip-Ring Sleeve (TRS) connector