Sennheiser Pro Audio Cables, Leads & Connectors
Sennheiser is an audio company that specialises in the design and production of a wide range of both consumer and professional equipment. They produce a variety of cables, leads, connectors and adaptors.
Connector types
Most typical for professional audio are:
- TS, TRS or Jacks - cylindrical in shape, generally with two, three or four electrical contact points. Three sizes are available: 6.35mm (1/4 inch), 3.5mm (1/8 inch) and 2.5mm (3/32 inch)
- XLR - typically has 3-pins and a lockable tab to ensure it remains securely plugged in. Commonly used for amplifiers, microphones, mixers and speakers
- Right-angled audio jacks - are the same as a TRS but constructed at a right angle to enable use in tighter spaces
Male or female connectors
Each half of a connection is either male or female. The female connector receives and holds the male connector. Therefore pins may be found on the male half, where the female half will have holes corresponding to the male pins.
Balanced vs unbalanced
- Balanced cables - offer greater immunity to electromagnetic interferences by carrying two signals from the equipment with one out of phase, and recompiling the two signals at the receiving end. Your equipment will state is a balanced lead is required
- Unbalanced cables - signal from the equipment passed directly to the mixer or receiving device with no manipulation. Distortion may be picked up in this simple process
Things to consider
- Connector - check the types of connectors that the equipment you already have requires to ensure you select the correct connector
- Quality - Sennheiser are manufacturers who specialise in audio equipment. Cheaper cables may not have a robust construction and may require more frequent replacement
- Length - think about the setting in which your cable is required ensure that it is long enough, but not so long that you have metres or loose cable