TS
Phone Jack
Invented in
1878
Invented by
C. E. Scribner / telephone switchboards
Availability
Very common
The phone connector was invented for telephone switchboards in the 19th century and is still everywhere. TS (Tip-Sleeve) carries an unbalanced mono signal, most famously the cable between an electric guitar and its amp.
Technical specifications
Introduced1878
SignalAnalog, unbalanced
Conductors2 (Tip, Sleeve)
Sizes6.35 / 3.5 / 2.5 mm
Found on
an electric guitaran instrument ampa synth / keyboarda microphonea mixer / interfacePA / passive speakerspowered speakersheadphones
Recommended brands
01Neutrik
02Switchcraft
03Rean
Where to buy
Europe-focused retailer searches. Some links are affiliate links and may earn a commission.
Common adapters and cables
Fun fact
One of the oldest electrical connectors still in everyday use, operators patched calls by hand with these in Victorian telephone exchanges.
Tips & tricks
A mono TS cable in a balanced or stereo socket loses one side, use TRS where balanced or stereo is needed.
Philosophy
A design that refused to die. Born to route human voices, it found a second life carrying the howl of electric guitars.
Applications
InstrumentsPro audioHi-Fi
