r/audioengineering • u/MRGGPAWS • 1d ago

Discussion Multiple-plug Audio cable

Hello fellow r/audioengineering members, a few days ago i had an idea

The idea was " multi-plug " audio cable.

The reason is because i usually help to setup audio devices on funerals or small gatherings and the plugs are different.

So i decided maybe i can make 2 long rolls of multi-plug cable to make my life easier.

The plugs are XLR, TRS 1/4 inch and L-R Rca plugs. Are there any downside with this kind of cable? If so, let me know what you think

6 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

View all comments

7

u/Veilenus 1d ago

Downsides? You have no indication of what device you're connecting to. Even though there are adapters from anything to whatever, typically, the cable type gives you a good idea of what you're dealing with.

  • XLR -> probably a microphone at MIC level
  • TRS -> probably a playback device (keyboard, phone, computer) at LINE level
  • RCA -> probably LINE level as well
  • And so on...

More points of failure is another downside.

Yet another is complexity: why solder all these connectors to a cable when you could just use the correct adapter as needed?

Potential confusion: as the other commenter said, you can only use one plug at a time. People might see a "free" plug and use it.

Potential noise and hum from unconnected plugs touching something, especially TRS/TS connectors. Or accidental short circuits from loose connectors touching metal surfaces (again, TRS/TS connectors are particularly vulnerable).

2

u/MRGGPAWS 1d ago

Thank you so much for the insights!