Talk:Phone connector (audio)/Archive 4

Now there is no entry for TRS type plugs and jacks, and they have uses beyond telephones
Seriously, TRS (and all its derivatives) needs its own entry. I think calling it a "phone connector" is no longer the best course of action since phone makers like Motorola and Apple are removing the 3.5mm jack from their phones. Soon, TRS (and its derivatives) will be totally back in the realm of audio production along with other standards like XLR. JefferyClark (talk) 16:38, 9 September 2016 (UTC)


 * As this article makes clear, the term "phone connector" did not originate with, and does not refer specifically to, mobile phones. These were called "phone connectors" (as in headphones and telephone switchboards) long before mobile phones used them for headsets, and they will likely be called that long after. This article details many of the other uses, such as line-level audio in pro audio devices, instrument cables (primarily guitar), switch signals (foot switches), a/v connectors in small video gear, etc. And if you have any significant other uses that are not covered here, they should be added (preferably with refs).
 * This article used to be called TRS connector but it was renamed (moved) on the basis that that name appears to exclude TS, TRRS, etc. TRS connector redirects here. Why is that not sufficient? Jeh (talk) 17:58, 9 September 2016 (UTC)


 * "Phone" connector is the result of changing popular uses and or laziness with language. They used to be "phono" connectors due to how they connected to stereo equipment when a phonograph (record player) was a major component of most stereos.02:15, 18 June 2017 (UTC)02:15, 18 June 2017 (UTC)02:15, 18 June 2017 (UTC) — Preceding unsigned comment added by 73.18.173.40 (talk)

"Aux" usage should get some attention here?
It's become common for cars' sound systems to include an "aux input' on a 3.5mm TRS jack. Other equipment too. This is probably spurred by the popularity of PMPs and other gadgets with matching jacks.

Accordingly we've gotten a few people trying to claim that "aux connector" is another valid name for phone connectors.

This of course ignores the fact that RCA, XLR, Euroblock, screw terminals, and just about every other connector has been used for an "aux" of one sort or another, at one time or another. Of course, "aux" is a description of the role of the connector in the application, not of a connector type.

Nevertheless I feel some more attention could be given to "aux"es in audio than we do currently... not necessarily right here in this article.

Note that we have an article on "Aux-send", which is something you usually find on mixing boards. But it doesn't cover the consumer use, nor do we have anything that does, as far as I can tell. Jeh (talk) 10:21, 18 June 2017 (UTC)

Sony Dualshock 4
""In the TRRS section, Sony Dualshock 4 is stated as compatible with CTIA. That would mean apple earphones work but they does not work. ( No Microphone). Many articles on the internet suggest that Sony uses OMTP on their Dualshock 4 controllers"" — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2003:E0:43C5:8200:8931:4232:55F3:B5A7 (talk) 19:10, 21 June 2017 (UTC)

Improvement tags - specifics requested
"This article needs additional or better citations for verification. (November 2016)"

On what? The article has over 40 references. Please apply tags to specific statements for which citations seem to be missing or inadequate.

"This article possibly contains original research. (November 2016)"

Where? We do have the tag. Please apply it to specific statements that are felt to possibly be OR.

"This article contains a list of miscellaneous information. (November 2016)"

I see no "list of miscellaneous information". There is a list of uses, but it is far from miscellaneous. Again, please be specific.

The IP editor who added these tags has not apparently edited since about the date s/he added them, so I don't have a lot of hope for responses, but maybe someone else will have some ideas.

Jeh (talk) 11:07, 18 June 2017 (UTC)


 * I also don't find these tags helpful. I have removed them. Please use inline tags to indicate specific problems. ~Kvng (talk) 15:58, 4 August 2017 (UTC)

Screw connectors
Some mention of screw-type connectors, sometimes used in compact wireless microphone systems, would be useful. For example. And, in particular, the compatibility of screw-type jacks with standard sockets (if that is indeed the case). Best wishes. RobbieIanMorrison (talk) 11:52, 7 April 2017 (UTC)


 * I see a knurled ring there that is clearly meant to be turned but I don't see what it screws to. Does it assist in securing the plug shown to the jack on the transmitter body pack? I've seen transmitter packs with connectors secured by a screw-down ring but they weren't phone connectors. A photo showing a closeup of the matching jack on the transmitter would help. Jeh (talk) 10:13, 18 June 2017 (UTC)


 * These threads are often for securely attaching a 3.5 mm to 0.25" adapter. ~Kvng (talk) 16:05, 4 August 2017 (UTC)


 * Sure, I know about those. That doesn't seem to have much to do with anything used in a wireless mic xmtr. I imagine turning the xmtr around and around, to secure it to the 3.5mm phone plug... Jeh (talk) 16:13, 4 August 2017 (UTC)

Future of the headphone jack/phone connector (audio)
I was wondering, should this article discuss its removal on certain devices like the iPhone X, Google Pixel 2, Razer Phone, and others? Itsquietuptown (talk) 13:47, 21 November 2017 (UTC)


 * Your section head raises a red flag - be wary of straying into WP:NOTCRYSTAL and WP:NOTNEWSPAPER territory. In particular we don't speculate on the future. Jeh (talk) 18:13, 21 November 2017 (UTC)


 * There has been a lot of noise around this design decision so it is likely we could find some reliable secondary sources which would overcome these concerns. ~Kvng (talk) 17:36, 26 November 2017 (UTC)

Looking for sources covering military connector standards
I'm trying to add better coverage of the U.S. military's use of these connectors, and have found some interesting coverage in forums that aren't suitable for use in WP citations, such as http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=197137 and https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/phone-plug-help-needed/ and http://aafradio.org/flightdeck/Peripherals-headsets.html. Can anyone locate additional sources like this and the standards they relate to? PetesGuide, K6WEB (talk) 19:24, 14 September 2018 (UTC)

Other use of Phone connector (audio)
I am not sure if this is the right place. There are some 3.5mm (TS) cables used as 12V trigger on connected A/V equipment. Also, some electronic device such as infrared receiver uses 3.5mm (TSR) to connect to controller.

Should these usage be added to the article? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2405:3000:3:1D:9A90:96FF:FED4:B868 (talk) 10:56, 10 December 2018 (UTC)

What's all this "TRS/TRRS" nonsense?
Just curious, as I've been working with these connectors for over 30 years, and this clumsy and unwieldy terminology was completely new to me. They've always been referred to simply as 3-pole, 4-pole, or whatever, connectors, and the individual tip, ring and sleeve are only mentioned when discussing the detail of the wiring assignments. 86.183.101.46 (talk) 00:17, 7 December 2020 (UTC)

laptop pin order
The section #Computer_sound mentions that newer laptops have 4-pin with microphone, but don't say if CTIA or OMTP order. --Ikar.us (talk) 15:19, 18 January 2021 (UTC)

Shorting Amplifiers
Jack plugs have been used for high-power amplifier speaker connections since the 60s and before. Inserting or withdrawing a speaker plug into the output socket of an amplifier can't short it as the tip can only connect with the inner contact after it has cleared the ring. The only potential way to make a short is when plugging a live output cable into a speaker socket. On a properly designed speaker input the inner contact only has near-point contact with the plug and cannot bridge the insulator between tip and ring if properly designed. A short can only occur if the socket uses a full metal tube - sockets like this should NEVER be used on speakers. Stub Mandrel (talk) 07:37, 30 June 2019 (UTC)

Metal tube jacks are the norm, point contact (for sleeve) Sockets (Jacks) are very rare (can someone provide a part number for one?). Tube amplifiers (commonly used for guitars) are generally very tolerant of output shorts and can be damaged by opens, Wheras Solid-state amplifiers are less happy with output shorts and don't mind opens.

It does make a horrible sound. Could possibly cause damage to the speakers. As far as shorting the amplifier that's a big no Sickboy254698 (talk) 00:17, 27 January 2021 (UTC)

Bad source in section Phone connector (audio)
The citation for the first sentence of the third paragraph at Phone connector (audio) is not suitable; it points to a wiki source and is merely an image. In addition, the dimensions for the part do not seem to be correct. I suggest the dimensions be removed until a proper source can be found. I have found some mentions of the parts on the internet but none give dimensions. .I have hidden the citation and dimensions. — Neonorange (Phil) 10:55, 8 June 2021 (UTC)

Sony Playstation 4 Dualshock 4 controller pin layout
I corrected it from OMTP to CTIA.

I did 3 tests: plugging in a cut-off cable with open connectors into 4 Dualshock 4 controllers: 1 first-gen, 2 second-gen, 1 China fake: the system immediately recognizes a headset, touching the CTIA mic pole is the only one making noise on the mic level adjustment screen. Sometimes no noise can be provoked with a single pole touch. In those cases all 2-pole shortenings with CTIA mic make noise, while none without CTIA mic do. Result: CTIA mic is the only sensitive microphone connector.

Second test: the original mono headset included with the PS4 produces loudest noise when touching CTIA ground and left/right pin with a multi-meter set to resistor measurement (i.e. providing a small voltage). Noise is less loud when touching e.g. left and CTIA mic. And even more: the microphone can be switched off on that headset, and doing so reduces the noise extremely if testing CTIA mic connections, noise stays consistent and loudest connecting left/right and CTIA ground. Result: only CTIA ground together with left/right can consistently provoke audible noise in the headset.

Third test: I soldered a Y-adapter cable, which allows me to keep CTIA mic disconnected. In this configuration the sound was normal and the speakers did definitively not get grounding by passing through a microphone.

The web reference I added shows more knowledge than the previous _question_ with unclear answers.

The only way to successfully connect OMTP gear might be via an auto-detection in the device (auto-detection technology does exist). I was connecting a lot of gear to the Dualshock 4 recently and tested all kind of combinations: I saw no evidence of an auto-detection, web resources don't mention any either. And even if it does exist, the Dualshock 4 defaults to CTIA beyond any doubt. Darten2 (talk) 12:07, 15 August 2021 (UTC)

Miniature size
The section "Miniature size" has a reference (26) that is a link to an unapproved document from a manufacturer for a discontinued product. It would be much better to link a specification document from an authority instead (EIA/TIA, IEEE, etc.). Requesting reference (26) be removed as it is not authoritative and obsolete. BRealAlways (talk) 02:27, 8 June 2020 (UTC)
 * I have marked this as an unreliable source. I personally prefer to leave harmless crap in there as a reference for someone who will replace it. ~Kvng (talk) 14:38, 10 June 2020 (UTC)
 * The article really could do with having something authoritative regarding the derivation of sizes. Allowing that everybody agrees that the original was 1/4", having the "next size down" being metric rather than Imperial/English deserves explanation. After all, the "sleeve" portion doesn't have a spring contact, so the difference between 3.5mm and 3.175mm (1/8") is significant in terms of contact integrity. MarkMLl (talk) 20:01, 2 August 2022 (UTC)