When dealing with audio adapters, a 3.5mm connector, also called a 1/8 inch connector, is essentially the same as a 1/4 inch connector. The difference is obviously in physical size. The 3.5mm connector is found on computers, headphones, MP3 players and other places where the small size is convenient.
Instructions
1. Decide what format you need to adapt to or from. There are 3.5mm adapters that can adapt to or from many audio formats like 1/4 inch, RCA and XLR. One of the most common 3.5mm adapters is a 3.5mm female end to a 1/4 inch male. This is used often to convert a headphone plug to fit in a 1/4 inch jack.
2. Figure out if you need a balanced or unbalanced 3.5mm adapter. You can tell if the adapter is balanced or unbalanced by looking at the tip. A balanced 3.5mm plug will have its tip separated into three areas separated by black lines, the tip, ring and sleeve. An unbalanced adapter will only have two areas-a tip and a sleeve. Balanced adapters are needed for stereo applications, like headphones.
3. Check for stereo adapters. If you want to plug your computer or MP3 player into a soundboard to play over a PA system, you will need a stereo 3.5mm adapter. These will typically have a balanced 3.5mm plug on one end and two 1/4 inch or RCA plugs on the other. This way you can plug into two channels and pan them for true stereo.
4. Verify that you are getting an adapter with the right plugs and jacks. It is easy to pick up the wrong adapter accidentally. For example, if you need an adapter for a headphone, a 1/4 inch plug to 3.5mm jack will not help you, whereas a 3.5mm plug to 1/4 inch jack will suit you fine. Be sure you know if you need to convert to or from a male 3.5mm connector.
Tags: plug inch, adapt from, balanced plug, balanced unbalanced, inch connector, inch jack