The trrs (transistor-transistor-resistor-semiconductor) connection is a 4-conductor audio plug that’s used to connect audio devices to speakers, headphones, and more. Trrs stands for Tip, Ring, Ring, Sleeve.
It’s a pretty common audio connection, but what does it mean? Let’s dive a little deeper.
TRRS Audio Connectors: Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve
¼-inch TRRS Cables
¼-inch TRRS cables are a rare sight, like a unicorn!
3.5mm TRRS Cables
3.5mm TRRS cables are the most common type. They’re used for headphones with built-in mics. The four sections allow for a left and right speaker, plus a mic, all connected through one pathway.
Extending TRRS Cables
If you need to extend your TRRS cable, you’ll need something like this 3.5mm TRRS headphone (with mic) extension cable. It’s the perfect way to get your tunes to reach further.
¼-inch and 3.5mm Audio Connectors
¼-inch Connectors
- ¼-inch connectors are made up of three sections – tip, ring, and sleeve.
- Depending on the type of connector, it may have a tip and a sleeve, a tip, a ring, and a sleeve, or a tip, two rings, and a sleeve.
- These connectors are used to transmit balanced or unbalanced signals, mono or stereo signals, or bi-directional signals.
3.5mm Connectors
- 3.5mm connectors also consist of three sections – tip, ring, and sleeve.
- Depending on the type of connector, it may have a tip and a sleeve, a tip, a ring, and a sleeve, or a tip, two rings, and a sleeve.
- These connectors are used to transmit balanced or unbalanced signals, mono or stereo signals, or bi-directional signals.
Understanding the Difference Between TS, TRS and TRRS Cables
What are TS, TRS and TRRS?
TS, TRS and TRRS are abbreviations for Tip/Sleeve, Tip/Ring/Sleeve and Tip/Ring/Ring/Sleeve. These terms refer to the number of contacts on the end of an Auxiliary cable or Quarter Inch cable.
What’s the Difference?
- TS cables are mono, with one contact and one solid sound signal.
- TRS cables are stereo, with two contacts providing a left and right audio channel.
- TRRS cables include both a left and right channel as well as a microphone channel.
How to Identify the Different Cables
The easiest way to tell the difference between the three is to count the number of black rings on the head of the cable.
- One ring = TS
- Two rings = TRS
- Three rings = TRRS
What Do Those Letters Mean?
The Basics
We’ve all seen those letters on our audio cables – TR, TRS, and TRRS – but what do they mean? Well, these letters refer to the number of metal rings on an audio cable.
The Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of what each letter means:
- T stands for Tip
- R stands for Ring (like a ring on your finger, not like ringing the telephone)
- S stands for Sleeve
The History
The use of these letters to form terms like TRS, TRRS, and TRRRS goes back to the 1/4-inch phone plug used by telephone operators in switchboards before many of us were born. But nowadays, these letters are mainly used with the newer 3.5 mm plugs.
Differences
Trrs Vs Trrrs
TRRS and TRRRS are two different types of 3.5mm plugs and jacks, each with its own purpose. TRRS has four conductors and is popular with 3.5mm, used for stereo unbalanced audio with video or stereo unbalanced audio plus a mono microphone conductor. TRRRS, on the other hand, has five conductors and is used for stereo unbalanced audio with video plus a mono microphone conductor. So, if you’re looking for a plug that can do it all, TRRRS is the way to go. But if you just need something for stereo unbalanced audio with video, TRRS is the one for you!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the TRRS connection is a great way to get the most out of your audio equipment. Whether you’re connecting a microphone, a headset, or a pair of headphones, the TRRS connection is the way to go. Just remember to brush up on your sushi etiquette – you don’t want to be the one with the chopsticks sticking out of your ears!
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
