XLR Plugs and Sockets have become a standard for BALANCED AUDIO SIGNALS and for DMX Lighting circuits. Microphone or Audio XLR Leads can be used for DMX runs but it is best not to do it the other way around!

Some older speakers or amplifier 'speaker-outputs' might also be on XLR Connections - try and avoid these as it all gets too confusing!

The most common XLR plugs & sockets have 3 pins - but other versions exist including 4, 5 and 7 Pin. Almost all of ours are 3 Pin. MALE versions have pins that stick out (within a protective sleeve) and FEMALE versions have holes that the pins fit into. All very basic!

Jack PLUGS and SOCKETS come in variety of sizes and formats. The main sizes are 6.3mm (also known as 1/4inch) and 3.5mm. Both of these come in STEREO and MONO forms. For BALANCED SIGNALS, a Stereo Jack is sometimes used but is referred to as 'TRS' which stands for Tip, Ring, Sleeve - these are the three connecting parts of a jack plug.

Some SPEAKER LEADS have JACK PLUGS at one end or both ends.

SPEAKON is the connection to use for SPEAKERS - they have a locking connection for positive and reliable connectivity. There is also a MAINS version called Powercon.

Different versions of the speakon plugs have different numbers of POLES. The common ones are 2-pole and 4-pole. 2 pole have 2 connections, usually used for the two cables on a basic speaker connection, 4 pole versions enable you to connect four core cable and so two speaker signals .... If you are using four-core cable, then check your connections comply with the amplifier and speaker specifications.

The many different types of Connectors are all designed to make sure you find yourself trying to fit a square peg into a round hole!

The people who design and specify different connectors actually just want to drive you crazy when you get to a gig and can’t plug the last bits together. They really do hate you! BUT WE ARE READY TO HELP! We have a range of adaptors, couplers and convertors that take different, incompatible connectors AND MAKE THEM FIT!

HINT- don't just buy one or two adaptors .... get the RSDmusic CONNECTOR BOX. Yes, it costs more than getting one or two connectors, but it will help you deal with virtually all connector challenges and keep you sane!

PHONO RCA Plugs are the connectors you find on the back of your CD Player and Amplifier at home - usually Red and White or Red and Black. Each plug/socket carries a shielded mono signal, so they are usually found in pairs. Yellow ones are often used for video signals. The colours are just for identification there is no physical difference between them.

Economy packs of different cables & connectors to give even better value with bulk purchasing.

Various plugs and sockets for XLR, Phono, Jack and Phono