Refresh your knowledge of cable connectors with this brief overview of a few very common connector types used in the marching band activity.
XLR
XLR connectors are easily recognized by the three pins, or receptacles, at the very end of the connector. They are a locking-style connector used most often as microphone cables, but they are capable of carrying other types of balanced audio signals.
XLR connectors with pins are referred to as “Male” connectors and those with receptacles are called “Female” connectors. An important note is that audio signals enter the cable through the female end and travel through the cable to the male end. In other words, female connectors receive audio signals from whatever they’re plugged into and male connectors send audio signals into whatever they’re plugged into.
¼” TRS
¼” TRS connectors can be distinguished by the two rings on the connector. The two rings divide the connector into three distinct sections: The Tip, Ring, and Sleeve (hence the name “TRS”). These connectors are usually on cables that carry the same type of balanced audio signals that XLR cables carry, but are typically used with high-end electronic instruments and computer audio interfaces, such as the lineup of Focusrite Scarlett audio interfaces (The Scarlett 18i8 being a favorite of ours).
The type of cable we recommend for these situations is something like the PigHog PX-TMXM cables. These are known as adapter cables and are built with a ¼” TRS on one end and a male XLR connector on the other.
¼” TS
¼” TS cables are widely known as Instrument Cables. Like their TRS sibling, ¼” TS cables are identified by the single ring at the end of the connector. This single ring divides the connectors into two distinct sections: The Ring and Sleeve (“TS” for short).
This type of connector is largely used on cables that carry an unbalanced audio signal and are used with instruments such as guitars, bass guitars, synthesizers, and electronic drum samplers. In pretty much every case, especially for marching ensembles, the ¼” TS cable will be used in conjunction with a Direct Injection, or “DI”, box to properly connect the aforementioned instruments to an audio snake.
SpeakON
The term “SpeakON” refers to the locking connectors used for amplifier and loudspeaker connections that are found on the ends of speaker cables. Continuing to be an audio industry standard, SpeakON was developed by European connector manufacturer, Neutrik, in 1987 to satisfy customer demand for a secure and reliable loudspeaker connection. Today’s speakOn design has been optimized through years of continuous product development.
In general, speakON connectors are durable, reliable and easy to use. They utilize an optimized “Quick Lock” system for loudspeaker connections and meet all worldwide safety requirements. SpeakON is, without a doubt, THE standard for passive loudspeaker connections for marching band and the audio industry at large.
PowerCon
PowerCON connectors are akin to speakON connectors in that they look similar and also utilize an optimized “Quick Lock” system. However, these connectors are designed for use with electrical power cables and offer a much more secure connection for power cables than the standard Edison-style connectors found on most house-hold extension cables.
BNC
In the context of marching ensembles, BNC connectors are almost exclusively used for connecting wireless microphone antennas to receiver units. These connectors utilize a twist-lock mechanism to secure connections and are notably smaller and any of the above mentioned connector types.