How To

How to Buy TT Plugs

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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TT plugs are not very common in the consumer audio world, but you will probably find several in any professional studio. TT plugs, also called bantam plugs, are smaller than 1/4-inch connectors, thus making them a popular choice for areas that do not offer much space like patch bays. They may be hard to find, so here are some tips for buying TT plugs.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Get a TRS TT plug for balanced connections. Much like its larger counterpart, the TT plug comes in a tip-sleeve (TS) and tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) configuration. TRS TT plugs have three conductors, so that they can carry balanced and stereo signals.

  2. Step 2

    Use a TS TT plug for unbalanced and mono connections. If you do not need a balanced connection, go for the tip-sleeve TT plug. Because TT plugs are often used with patch bays connected to recording consoles, you will often use two mono TT plugs instead of one stereo in order to achieve stereo audio.

  3. Step 3

    Decide how you want to terminate your TT cable. If you are a soldering wizard, then a simple solder is a more reliable way to connect the TT plug to a cable. Soldering TT cables can be difficult due to size constraints, so if you don't want to solder, you can get solderless TT plugs that terminate with screws or other means.

  4. Step 4

    Buy TT cables to avoid the soldering and connecting work. If you are simply looking for patch cables with TT plugs on each end, you can avoid the soldering mess by just buying the terminated cables. If you are custom fitting TT plugs to other audio gear, this option is probably out.

  5. Step 5

    Opt for a gold plated TT plug for the best conductivity. As with most all audio connectors, gold is king. Getting gold TT plugs will ensure the best audio connectivity.

  6. Step 6

    Check specialty stores. Now that you know what you need with your TT plug, the real challenge is finding a place to buy them. Check online specialty audio stores like Fullcompass.com or visit your local pro-audio retailer.

Tips & Warnings
  • The name "TT" stands for tiny telephone, which comes from TT plugs being a smaller version of phone connectors or 1/4-inch connectors.

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