Two plugs can be the same 1/4-inch size and still do different jobs. If you’re shopping for a cable or building one, the quickest place to start is the plug tip and the connection labels on your gear.
How to tell TS and TRS plugs apart
Look at the black insulating bands on the metal plug. A TS (tip–sleeve) plug has one band separating two metal contact sections. A TRS (tip–ring–sleeve) plug has two bands separating three contact sections. Both fit many 1/4-inch jacks, but a physical fit does not mean the wiring or signal is right for your equipment.
When would I use a TS cable?
TS is commonly used for an unbalanced mono instrument connection, such as an electric guitar into an amp or pedal. If both ends of your setup specify a standard 1/4-inch instrument connection, a TS-to-TS cable may be what you need. Building or repairing your own cable? Browse TS connectors.
When would I use a TRS cable?
TRS can carry different kinds of signals depending on the gear: a balanced mono connection, a stereo headphone signal, or an insert send-and-return connection. For gear that calls for a balanced 1/4-inch connection at both ends, browse TRS-to-TRS cables. For a build or repair, browse TRS connectors.
Important: A TRS plug does not make an unbalanced output balanced. For a balanced connection, both devices and the cable wiring need to support it. A TRS headphone output and a balanced mono output also use the same plug shape for different signals, so don’t choose by plug appearance alone.
Three checks before you order
- Read the jack labels and manuals for both devices. Look for terms such as instrument, unbalanced, balanced, headphones, or insert.
- Check both cable ends. Decide whether you need TS-to-TS, TRS-to-TRS, or a different combination for your particular gear.
- Match the cable to the job. An instrument cable is not automatically the right choice for a speaker-level connection; check your amplifier and speaker requirements before connecting them.
Still deciding? Start with our 1/4-inch cables and connectors guide to compare the shopping paths in one place.