The TIP carries hot channel 1, the RING carries hot channel 2, and the SLEEVE gets the ground signal from both channels (combining their grounds still keeps the two channels separate.)Īnd now you can probably figure out where the "TRS" name comes from ( Tip/ Ring/ Sleeve). This, again separated by the isolating rings (i), allows a second channel to be carried by the same cable. It adds a RING (3) to the TIP (1) and SLEEVE (2). The stereo cable builds upon this design. Simple, effective, and readily available, as they have been used on a kajillion guitars, basses, and other musical instruments around the world for decades. The TIP (1) carries the "hot" or positive audio signal the SLEEVE (2) is the ground or negative audio signal. It has two conductors (1 and 2), separated by an isolating ring (i) so that they don't contact each other. The cable at the bottom of the graphic is a " standard" 1/4" instrument cable. They carry monophonic (single-channel) signals, such as a single pickup on a musical instrument.Ī TRS - aka "Stereo" - cable adds an extra connection, which allows the single cable to carry TWO channels of audio.
Most standard 1/4" cables (guitar cables) have two conductors, like the one at the bottom of the photo to the right.
The Difference Between Mono and Stereo Cables