A TT cable is an audio cable terminated with Tiny Telephone (TT) connectors. These connectors are a specific type of plug used primarily in professional audio environments, particularly in patch bays.
Understanding the TT Connector
The term "TT" stands for Tiny Telephone. According to the provided reference:
- It is described as "A miniature version of what is known as a phone jack, (phone plug) which is short for telephone jack, from the old days of telecommunications."
- It is related to the standard 1/4 inch jack: "We commonly refer to this type of jack as a 1/4 inch jack (our modern version actually is slightly different in size)."
- TT connectors, like their larger 1/4 inch counterparts, can come in different forms: "which could come in TS and TRS forms."
This indicates that the TT connector is a smaller plug derived from older telephone patch systems, conceptually linked to the common 1/4 inch audio connector but differing slightly in exact size in modern applications.
Types of TT Connectors
Just like standard 1/4 inch jacks, TT connectors come in two main types:
- TT TS (Tip-Sleeve): Used for unbalanced audio signals.
- TT TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve): Used for balanced audio signals or sometimes for stereo signals (though less common for stereo with TT).
A TT cable will be fitted with either TT TS plugs or TT TRS plugs on each end, depending on whether it's intended for unbalanced or balanced connections.
Where Are TT Cables Used?
TT cables and connectors are most commonly found in professional audio patch bays. These patch bays are central panels used in recording studios, broadcast facilities, and live sound environments to easily route audio signals between various pieces of equipment (e.g., microphones, preamplifiers, equalizers, compressors, mixers).
Key Reasons for Using TT Connectors:
- Space Efficiency: Their miniature size allows for a high density of connections in a relatively small area, which is crucial in large professional setups with many inputs and outputs.
- Reliability: TT connectors are designed for frequent patching and offer durable connections.
Key Characteristics at a Glance
Here's a summary of key points about TT connectors:
| Feature | Description | Based on Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Tiny Telephone (TT) | Explicitly stated |
| Origin | Derived from old telephone patch systems | "...from the old days of telecommunications." |
| Relation | Miniature version of a phone/telephone jack, related to 1/4 inch jack | "A miniature version of what is known as a phone jack..." |
| Size | Smaller than a standard 1/4 inch jack (modern versions may differ slightly from traditional 1/4 inch size) | "...miniature version...", "...modern version actually is slightly different in size..." |
| Types | TS (Tip-Sleeve) and TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) forms | "...which could come in TS and TRS forms." |
| Common Use | Professional audio patch bays | (Inferred from context of professional audio standards) |
In essence, a TT cable is the link used in professional audio patch bays, featuring the compact and reliable TT connector derived from telecommunications history.
