Choosing an adapter for headphones with a microphone

It is difficult to imagine modern life without convenient devices, for example, without headphones. They made the use of a computer, laptop, TV, smartphone even more convenient. However, the important point is the correct connection of the headphones to any of the devices. Experienced specialists can easily cope with this task, but ordinary users should familiarize themselves with some points.

To better understand how to properly connect the earphone to a computer or smartphone - directly or through an adapter, you should familiarize yourself with some definitions in advance. For example, an audio cable is a cable that can be used to connect two elements and get a single audio system. It is with its help that the headphones are directly connected to any device. Typically, the cord has connectors on both sides that look the same and are of the same type. but such a cable can have various types of connectors to become an adapter at the same time.

Using an extension cable you can simply increase the diameter of the space in which the headphones are used. Typically, the connectors on both ends of such a cable are of the same type but look different. So, from one side, the connector looks like a round socket, and from the other - like a plug-and-socket.

The connector that fits onto the cable is called a connector. It fits directly under headphones and devices. It is worth clarifying that you cannot take the necessary connectors and simply connect them with an acoustic cord. After all, for this you need to understand well whether the connectors are compatible and how to connect them correctly.

A headphone to microphone adapter is also called an adapter. By itself, it represents a device that allows you to switch from one type of connector to another. And sometimes you have to combine not one, but even several adapters. In the event that the connectors on the cable are of good quality, the sound will be good.

but every additional connection with connectors is a risk moment... If somewhere at the ends of the cable there is an incompletely soldered contact or an oxidized or loose connector, then the sound will definitely be bad.

It should be clarified that you should not choose a cable that is too long. Otherwise, the sound level will decrease. Of course, the supply of the cord should be, but moderate. To protect the audio signal from electromagnetic interference, ferrite rings, as well as shielding the cord, allow. The connectors can be of different types. The most common option is in the form pin-plugs and sockets-sockets. However, there is also in the form miniature blocksthat can be fixed to the device body.

Adapters differ in connectors. However, there are groups that use suitable signaling formats. It is important to remember that adapters should be selected only for one of the groups. Most often for headphones with microphone the adapter has a twin connector at one end, which is also known as a splitter.

Connectors TS, TRS, TRRS are also called Jack in another way. They are usually required to carry an analog line level signal. To better understand what they are, you should decipher their names. So, TS comes from the word Tip, which means "tip", and Sleeve, which means "sleeve".TRS differs in appearance by the presence of a ring, which is translated in English Ring, respectively, TRRS has 2 rings.

The diameters of these connectors may differ. If these connectors transmit a signal of the same level, then they can be combined in different ways. The most common adapters are from TRS (6.3 mm) to TRS (3.5 mm), from TRRS to 2TRS, or from TRS to 2TS.

• 6.3 mm is called just jack and is suitable for connecting to a variety of sound-producing devices.

• 3.5 mm is called mini-jack or Jack 3.5, with its help, connect microphones, headphones and various computer equipment.

• 2.5 mm or micro-jack created specifically for mobile phones.

• RCA or Phono transmits a line signal, it can be used for professional and general devices. Most often used to transmit digital signals. This connector has only 2 pins and can only transmit mono sound. Combinations with jack connectors are most common with this type of connector. The options are often TRS to 2 x RCA or TS to RCA. However, before purchasing such adapters, you need to find out if the signals on both sides of the cable are matched. After all, a digital RCA connector may not be combined with an analog TRS connector.

• XLR connector necessary to transmit line-level, digital signals, as well as from a microphone. Good contact allows use for professional devices. XLR is often the microphone connector. There are adapters with this connector, but you need to have a good idea of ​​what signal is transmitted through the cord. After all, the microphone level is lower than the line level, which means that when they are connected, the sound will turn out to be too quiet. Rare is a TRS to XLR adapter that allows audio to be routed to a stereo input. However, there will be no protection against interference. You can often find adapters from XLR to jack (6,3 mm) for the signal coming from the microphone, as well as from XLR to TRRS for line level audio signal.

• SpeakON found in professional devices. It is quite often used to carry the amplified signal going from amplifiers to loudspeakers. Both ends of the cable usually have the same connectors.

• ODT Toslink allows you to transmit a digital signal in the ADAT, SDIF, PDIF format using a fiber optic cable. For small audio devices comes in a smaller Toslink version. In appearance it is very similar to a mini-jack (3.5 mm). You cannot simply connect to the line input.

• The USB connector can have a mini or micro prefix and is used to transmit digital data, including digital audio. The USB to 3.5mm jack adapter is designed for mobile devices. It is with its help that the headphones are connected.

If you need to transmit the audio signal from the device to the headphones and use one audio transmission standard, then everything is quite simple here. You will need an adapter that will have connectors of different standards. However, care must be taken to ensure that the connectors are compatible with each other. Of course, today in the vastness of online stores you can find any kind of adapter, including from USB to RCA.

Among such devices, there may be quite working options. But they most often come as part of a set of a specific device that is capable of recognizing and processing non-standard input signals. Such adapters cannot always be applied to other equipment. Moreover, the consequences for the latter can be the most unpleasant.

Most often, with different audio signal standards, not just adapters are used, but audio signal converters. When choosing them, it is important to pay attention to the connector that will be connected to a computer or laptop. Among them there are plugs with 3 and 4 contacts.

To connect headphones with microphone to your computer or laptop, it is necessary to carefully inspect the panels of the devices. As a rule, on the left or right panels there is a connector for their connection. If the connector is combo or headset, it will be black. Sometimes headphones with a headset can be drawn next to it. You can connect both a microphone and headphones to one such connector. Today, the most common options are where the green connector is used for the headphones and pink for the microphone.

Adapters are usually used for wired headphone models. Wireless options can be connected to a computer directly through the built-in transmitters. If an adapter is used, it must be plugged into the appropriate jack on the device where the sound is coming from. After that, you need to connect headphones to the adapter. Further, it remains only to adjust the sound.

Therefore, they often have to use a special adapter. Moreover, users emphasize that the sound quality is somewhat improved.

The following video provides an overview of the headphone adapter.