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→Analog
=== Type ===
====Analog====
Most analog cables are mono, and '''unbalanced''', with 1/4" male '''TS (Tip/Sleeve) ''' jacks. These carry two wires - a signal and a neutral.
* <u>'''Instrument Level</u> ''' - for connecting instruments, which can be very low, delicate signals.* <u>'''Line Level</u> ''' - for connecting various audio gear to transmit a signal generally more powerful than instrument level.* <u>'''Speaker Level</u> ''' - for connecting power amplifiers to speakers, carrying a very powerful signal. These are typically thicker than the above kinds of cables.
* <u>'''Balanced/Unbalanced</u> ''' - balanced cables feature 3 lines, 2 carrying signals and one neutral. The 2 signals are inverted, so that any interference picked up in the cable run can be canceled out by inverting the signals again and mixing them together at the destination device. That is their main benefit - they are less prone to interference and noise. If the source/destination devices do not use a balanced line connection, there is no benefit to using this type of cable over a 2 line unbalanced signal. These typically use TRS or XLR connectors.
* <u>Connectors</u> - most common in analog cables are 1/4" TS (Tip, Sleeve), 1/4" TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve), and XLR connectors. While TS and TRS are often compatible fit-wise, using TS where TRS is expected means you may be losing a balanced (interference-resistant) signal or half of a stereo signal. Also, for complicated setups (such as using a dual TS to single TRS Y cable), be sure that the connectors are routing the proper connections to the appropriate part of the connector. For example, one such Y cable may route the Ring part of the connector to the Tip of one of the TS connectors, while a different Y cable routes the Ring part to the Sleeve of one of the TS connectors.
====Digital====