This cable can also be used to split an unbalanced stereo signal into two unbalanced mono signals, or to combine two mono signals into a single stereo signal This "Insert" cable intended primarily for mixing/effects insertion applications, but it also can be used as a "Stereo Breakout Cable" since it is wired exactly the same way as a stereo breakout cable. It's a way to insert a component (like a compressor, EQ, etc.) directly in line with a preamp by using a single 1/4" jack For more detailed information on the difference and different types of Y splitter cables, read our blog Y or Y Not.This is an insert cable, generally used for audio consoles or other preamps that have a send/return on the tip/ring of a 1/4" TRS jack. Unlike Y cables, stereo breakouts tend to have different colors somewhere on the connector to differentiate between the left and right outputs. While a stereo breakout will actually split a stereo signal. Despite how they look, a Y splitter cable is a general term for a variety of adapter cables, including the Y cables found on this page. These two are commonly confused for one another, and one can understand since they look the same. A stereo breakout is only one type of Y splitter designed to split a stereo signal from one connector to two independent connectors carrying each side. As already stated, a Y splitter cable or adapter refers only to the category of cables consisting of a total of three connector ends. There is a lot of confusion around these ubiquitous Y’s. All of these configurations can be found with each end being either male or female. High-quality stem splitting based on the worlds 1 AI-powered technology. There are other times you may need to mix connection types, such as the Hosa YPR-124 going from a ¼” TS end to dual RCA. Upload any audio file and receive high-quality extracted tracks in a few. 2-way Headphone Audio Splitter 1/4' 6.35mm to 1/8' 3.5mm Stereo Jack Gold Plated. This allows you to use an existing ¼” TRS cable with male ends. The Hosa YPP-118 is functionally the same, however it goes from a single ¼” TRS male end to two ¼” TRS female ends. You may need a “male” to “male” connection sometimes, but other times a “male” to “female” connection.Ī good example would be the Hosa CYS-103, which goes from a single ¼” TRS male end to two ¼” TRS male ends. Sometimes it is as simple as going from the same connector type to another, but it’s not always that simple. The most common audio connector types are XLR, ¼” TRS, ¼” TS, 3.5mm, and RCA. And each of these can be found with multiple connector variations. There are three basic types of Y splitter cables: Y cables, stereo breakouts, and insert cables. In the case of wanting to plug in 2 sets of headphones from a single laptop headphone jack, you’d need a Y cable with one 3.5mm TRS male end and two 3.5mm TRS female outputs to plug each headphone into, such as the YMM-232.
This cable is designed to duplicate a mono signal. Next, find the correct connector type for your output, typically ¼”, 3.5mm, or XLR, and determine the connector type you need for wherever it’s going. 1/4 inch cables are typically used for analog signals, primarily audio. When using Y splitter cables or Y adapter cables, begin by identifying the function you require from the splitter. It’s also common for sharing headphones from a single device that has a single output, like a laptop computer or tablet.
This may be needed if you want to send a duplicate output to two different sets of speakers. By duplicating that signal with a Y cable, you create an additional output. Sometimes your equipment only provides a single output to work with, or perhaps you require more outputs than your equipment allows. Y splitter cables are lifesavers in the audio world. If you are looking for stereo breakouts, you can find them here. Both of these are types of Y splitter cables but perform very different tasks.Īll Y splitter cables found on this page are Hosa Y cables. Be mindful that the use of “splitter” can be deceiving since a Y cable will duplicate the signal from the single connector end, while a stereo breakout will split a single balanced signal into two unbalanced outputs. A “Y Splitter” is a common term used for any cable that has a single connector on one end, and a dual connector on the other.