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Audio Connectors

Audio connectors here are the plugs, sockets and chassis parts that terminate microphone, instrument and speaker cables: XLR line connectors and panel sockets, Speakon speaker connectors, jack plugs, RCA phono plugs and sockets, and multi-pin female connectors. Examples include the Neutrik NC3FXX XLR line connector, the NL4FXX Speakon cable connector, the QTX 750.352UK right-angle jack plug and the Mercury 777.018UK phono plug with screw terminals.

Choosing Audio Connectors

Pick the connector family first, then decide between a cable end and a panel, and check the cable diameter. Neutrik and QTX make most of the connectors on this page.

XLR for microphones and balanced lines

The Neutrik NC3FXX and NC3MXX are 3-pole XLR line connectors in a standard metal version, each with a rubber cable protector for cables up to 8mm in diameter. The QTX 761.627UK plug and 761.657UK socket have strain relief and a plastic cable protector. For a box or rack panel, the NC3FD-LX socket and the NC3MD-LX chassis plug mount with two screws and have solder terminals.

Speakon for loudspeakers

The Neutrik NL4FXX is a 4 pole Speakon cable connector with a twist lock and a 37 A rms current rating; the 763.481UK version has screw terminals and a chuck type strain relief. The NL2FXX is its 2 pole counterpart, compatible with both 2-pole and 4-pole chassis connectors. The NL4MPXX is a 4-pole square chassis socket with a 25 x 30mm flange. The QTX 764.900UK is a 4 pole latched speaker plug with an integral reducer for 6-10mm cable.

Jack plugs

The Neutrik NP2X is a 6.3mm mono jack plug and the NP3X a 6.3mm stereo plug with a metal body. From QTX, the 750.152UK has a chromed metal body and spring cable protector, the 750.352UK is a heavy duty right-angle 6.3mm plug, and the 752.687UK is a 3.5mm threaded stereo plug with a gold stereo connector.

Phono and multi-pin

The Neutrik NYS373-2/-9 RCA phono plugs carry a red or white ID band. The Mercury 777.018UK plug and 777.019UK socket use twin modular terminals, so 2 core speaker cable connects without soldering, and the Mercury 765.042UK multi-pin female connectors have a locking ring and solder connections.

TypeExampleDetail
XLR line connectorNC3FXXCables up to 8mm
XLR panel socketNC3FD-LXTwo-screw mount, solder terminals
Speakon cable connectorNL4FXX4 pole, 37 A rms
Speakon chassis socketNL4MPXX25 x 30mm flange
Right-angle jack plug750.352UK6.3mm, heavy duty metal
Threaded jack plug752.687UK3.5mm stereo
RCA phono plug777.018UKScrew terminals
Multi-pin connector765.042UKLocking ring

Related categories

Finished leads are in AV cables and adapters and bulk cable in speaker cable. Connect to power amplifiers, PA speakers and microphones, see Neutrik products and QTX products, or read our Help & Support guides.

Brands we stock in Audio Connectors

LEA Professional, Mercury, Neutrik, Opus Technologies, QTX and Vanco.

Frequently asked questions

What are speaker connectors?

Speaker connectors are the plugs, sockets and terminals that join speaker cable to an amplifier or loudspeaker. Common types include Speakon twist-lock connectors for professional speakers, jack plugs for some amplifiers and cabinets, and RCA phono plugs or screw terminals for installed systems. Choose one that matches the sockets on your equipment and the cable size. The range here includes Speakon, jack, XLR and RCA phono connectors.

Can you use jack plugs for speakers?

Yes, some amplifiers and speaker cabinets use quarter-inch jack connections, so a jack plug can carry a speaker signal. Jacks do not lock in place, though, and can briefly short the amplifier output as they are inserted. That is why Speakon connectors are often preferred for higher-power professional speakers. The range here includes mono and stereo jack plugs.

What is an XLR connector?

An XLR connector is a round, latching audio connector, usually with three pins, used for microphones, mixers and balanced line connections. The latch stops the plug pulling out, and balanced wiring helps reject interference over long cable runs. XLR connectors are made as cable connectors and as chassis or panel sockets, in male and female versions. The range here includes XLR line connectors and panel sockets.

How do you replace an XLR connector?

To replace an XLR connector, cut off the old one, slide the new boot and shell onto the cable, then strip and solder the cores to the pins. Pin one usually takes the screen, pin two the hot core and pin three the cold core. Reassemble the connector and test the lead before use. The range here includes XLR connectors with solder contacts.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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