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Headphones Plug Type Guide
Jan
Shopping for headphones can be confusing. With so many different features like noise cancellation, different types of connectors, wireless and wired earphones, and other complications, you may not be sure how it all works.
So we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll discuss common types of headphone plugs and how they’re used to help you decide what types of headphones may be right for your school.
1. 3.5mm Plug Or “Headphone Plug”
The 3.5mm jack is also called the “headphone jack,” because it’s the most common and ubiquitous way to connect headphones to any device and receive an audio signal.
It consists of a single plug that contains a ground, and usually one connector for the left audio channel, and one connector for the right audio channel. This is known as a “TRS” plug, and combining the left and right channel creates stereo audio, which is the most common way to transmit audio through headphones.
The similar “TRRS” connector adds another conductor, which is used to transmit the input from a microphone. This is the type of 3.5mm stereo jack and plug used on most common headphones with a built-in microphone.
2. 2.5mm “Sub Mini” Plug
A 2.5mm headphone jack is also known as a “sub-mini jack.” This type of plug uses a smaller, 2.5mm headphone jack and plug, which can be useful in some situations. A 2.5mm plug looks just like a 3.5mm plug, but it’s thinner and won’t work with a 3.5mm jack.
These are rarely used for typical audio applications and electronics nowadays, and mostly are used in two-way “walkie talkie” radios and in camcorders.
3. USB Plug
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is the most common type of plug used in computing today, and USB can be used to connect audio headsets and microphones, as well as other devices like computer keyboards, computer mice, printers, and much more.
USB-based headsets are becoming more popular, particularly in schools, because they’re universally compatible with both Macs and PCs, and their “plug and play” design makes them easy to use and switch between computers. Most kids are also already very familiar with USB and how USB works, so they have fewer issues plugging in and using their headsets.
4. XLR Plug
An XLR cable is rarely ever used in anything except professional audio settings, and while it can be used for headphones, it’s often used in microphones instead. This type of plug sends a very high-quality audio signal with great sound quality, and it uses high-grade copper conductors.
Rather than a single connector consisting of tips, rings, and a sleeve, an XLR plug uses 3, 4, or 5 connectors to create audio connections, depending on whether the device uses stereo audio or a microphone.
Shop For Headphones At TechXPress Today!
If you’re still confused about which type of headphones are right for your school’s needs, don’t worry. At TechXPress, we specialise in selling bulk headphones for schools, educational institutions and businesses, and we’re here to help.
Shop our selection of bulk headphones now, or contact us online if you have any questions or need help choosing the right type of headphones for your students. We’re always here for you!