There are two main types of audio cable we will look at: Single core / shielded (unbalanced) and One pair / shielded (balanced).

Single Core / Shielded Cable

In a single core / shielded cable, the single core is used for the +ve, or 'hot', and the shield is used for the -ve, or 'cold'. This type of cable is used for unbalanced audio signals.

One Pair / Shielded Cable

A one pair / shielded cable has one core as the +ve, and the other core is -ve. The shield is earthed. This type of cable is used for balanced audio signals

Audio connectors are electrical connectors designed and used for audio frequencies. They can be analogue or digital.

Common audio connectors include:

• RCA connectors, also known as phono connectors or phono plugs, used for analog or digital audio or analog video
• XLR connectors, also known as Cannon plugs, used for analog or digital balanced audio with a balanced line
• TRS connectors (tip-ring-sleeve jack plugs), including the original 6.35mm (quarter inch) jack and the more recent 3.5mm (miniature or 1/8th inch) and 2.5mm (subminiature) jacks, all in both mono and stereo (or balanced) versions.
• DIN connectors and mini-DIN connectors
• DB25 is for multi-track recording and other multi-channel audio, analog or digital
• Speakon connectors by Neutrik for loudspeakers

Next to analogue audio interfaces, digital audio interfaces and interconnects are

• AES/EBU interface, normally with XLR connectors
• S/PDIF, either over coaxial cable or TosLink (optical fiber).
• ADAT interface (DB25)