Interconnect Cables

With all the components that go into any stage setup or pro audio system, cables are a given - sometimes lots of them! And the adage that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link applies here, too. Since your cables are a crucial part of the path your signal has to follow, it's important to have cables you can rely on. A great cable is durable enough to withstand plenty of use, with shielding to keep out electrical noise generated by other cables and hardware. And of course, it has to have the right connectors to hook up whatever gear you're working with. There are plenty of different interconnect cables in this section to choose from, so as it turns out, finding that perfect one is no sweat.

Interconnect cables here fall into three general categories: RCA, TRS and Y cables. RCA, of course, is a familiar connection to just about everyone since it's found on plenty of consumer-grade audio hardware as well as professional gear. TRS stands for tip/ring/sleeve, and its connector looks like the one on a guitar cable, but with an added conductor to carry stereo signals. And Y cables, as the name suggests, have two connectors on one end and a single connector on the other. You can use them for jobs like breaking out a stereo TRS jack into channel-separated RCA or 1/4" plugs, or even adapting 3.5mm jacks to larger ones.

Beyond the more universal types of interconnect cables, you'll also find some specialty models in the lineup. Some are adapters, like the Livewire XLR(F)-TRS Patch Cable, and others are splitters, such as the Hosa Y Cable 1/4" TRS Male - Dual 1/4" TRS Female Stereo Splitter. If you're not sure which connector layout you need, it might help to draw up a diagram of all the gear you're planning to connect together, and figure your cables out that way. Then you can check it against the cables to be absolutely sure the connections match up. Whatever works for you... as long as you come out with the right cables for the job!<