Every type of technology is becoming wireless in the age we live in. The popularity of wireless technology, particularly headphones, has soared in recent years. However, people continue to often use wired headphones and headphone jacks despite this. Below, we will be talking about the different types of audio jacks so that you will know which one is the right for you.
Table of Contents
Various Audio Jack Types
Mini-Jack 3.5 mm
The most popular headphone jack in use is a 3.5 mm connection, which is acknowledged on a global scale. They may be found and used in virtually all forms of audio equipment, including field recorders, mixing consoles, cellphones, laptops, desktops, and tablets. However, they are in danger of being extinct since 3.5 mm headphone connectors are being abandoned by smartphone makers in favor of complete wireless technology. However, some manufacturers continue to offer audio output using Apple’s lightning connector and USB C. Despite this, many gadgets continue to utilize the 3.5 mm headphone connector, which is widely regarded as the industry standard.
Jack 6.35 mm
The 6.35mm audio jack, a venerable standard, is what you need to connect an electric or bass guitar to an amplifier. It is also known for being utilized in audio gear that is regarded as being of a professional caliber. This jack used to be included with DVD players. The use of a 6.3mm jack is currently quite uncommon. This is only used in high-end musical instruments, vintage microphones, and some metal detectors, in our opinion. The plug itself is rather substantial. The 6.35mm jack may be separated into two groups based on the number of pins: the two-pin group and the three-pin group, each of which has a unique pinout.
USB
The USB port is a distinct type of connection that is frequently encountered in gaming headsets. These days, practically all audio sources include this port and line output. Analog headsets have a problem with producing noise; however, USB headsets are known for providing amazing sounds. However, this type of headphone socket is quite uncommon because it’s often utilized by professional or competitive eSports gamers. They contain an internal amplifier, which results in a louder, cleaner sound. For certain of the specified models, an external digital-to-analog converter is not necessary. It’s because the headphones have a chip with a comparable function. USB-connected headphones are highly power-hungry, which is one of the drawbacks of technology. The port can handle a 5-volt current flow, which quickly depletes the battery, however, this effect is lessened when it is connected to a computer or other stationary equipment.
Audio Lightning Jack
Apple’s mobile devices are meant to be used in tandem with its proprietary lightning connector, which has various functions including charging the phone and transferring or receiving digital data. The audio jack to lightning is known for creating and delivering a fuller sound than the 3.5 mm jack. The 3.5mm connector, however, can only send audio in 16-bit quality. The audio lightning jack offers many benefits besides just better audio quality. The lightning jack’s integrated DAC allows it to reproduce music flawlessly and without distortion or compression. You may also directly power your headphones by connecting them to the source using the lightning jack. Your portable Apple gadgets’ capabilities are also increased by the jack.
Micro Jack 2.5 mm
The headphone jack is sometimes known as a “Micro Jack.” The sole distinction between it and the mini-jack is size; the mini-jack is 3.5mm, while the micro-jack measures 2.5mm. They were first utilized in mobile devices, but as the 3.5mm was developed, the producers believed it was a superior option. The 2.5mm headphone jack, which is the smallest available, will work perfectly if you’re searching the market for a very little jack. The size of its 2.5mm diameter jack gave rise to the moniker “Micro.” The Micro jack, which is only used for audio transmission, is frequently seen in the cords of smartphones and portable music players. Today, it is frequently utilized in a small number of video cameras as well as two-way radios like walkie-talkies.
Bottom Line
When installing an amplifier, mounting speakers, or connecting microphones, audio jacks are necessary. I hope you now have a basic understanding of the main 5 types of audio jacks that we utilize regularly.
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