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1/4 Plugs,...what are the differences.

warwick.hoy

warwick.hoy

Aug 20, 2006
6,879
227
Spokane, WA.
Disclosures
Beta Tester: Source Audio.
#1
I've been eyeballing the Switchcraft Flat Plugs Invalid Link Removed to start building my own patch cables (in the near future).

I was noticing that there are several types of 1/4 plugs. I'm familiar with the function of TRS plugs so I'm curious if that is the difference between the 2 and 3 conductor plugs shown [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. Which ones would I need for instrument and patch cables (assuming that I don't need any TRS cables). Any other differences that I've missed?

Also are there other manufacturers that produce quality pancake style flat jacks. Perhaps ones that are even more space saving than the Switchcrafts; ie the ones you see on [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]? Pancakes are the direction I want to go in. Any fault to that logic? Any reason why more people/manufacturers aren't using them?

Lastly, for soldering purposes; are there any differences in technique and handling of the different jacks? Any one more difficult than the other?

Sorry if this has been covered. You can e-slap me if you like. :D
 
#3
I'd love to find a higher quality pancake jack. Let me know if you do locate any.

As far as soldering, I've put together quite a few Switchcraft, G&H and Neutrik jacks and they're all pretty much the same as far as assembly. The 90 degree ones take just a little more effort than the straight plugs, but that's about it.
 
#4
SpamBot said:
2 conductor is mono, 3 is stereo or balanced. You want 2 for unbalanced regular patch cables or 3 for balanced cables between rack processors.
I can't answer the rest of your questions.
Click to expand...
Fixed. :D

IME pancake plugs are not very good, even from Switchcraft, and the cheapest ones are junk. I'd rather use a more rugged right-angle plug and lose a little space on my board, than use sketchy pancake plugs.
 
#5
Aaaand,...Bongo talks me out of another idea. I wasn't so sure that pancakes were really all that space saving over traditional right angle plugs anyway. Perhaps that is why they aren't as popular.

Are all rack processors balanced? I'm pretty sure my PB-1 is, but I've been getting away with using an unbalanced cable to my poweramp. Gross Negligence?
 
#6
No, with rack gear the mix of balanced and unbalanced is roughly 50/50. And what makes it more confusing is there are a lot of rack units that work equally well with both, and many more which work "well enough" with unbalanced where it doesn't seem to be an issue for some users.

Some preamp-power amp combinations are 6dB lower in level when using an unbalanced cable, compared to the same two units connected with a balanced cable. It depends on the specific units at hand. You may be able to gain 6 dB by using a balanced cable.
 
#9
I've used the "pancake" plugs with no problems. (I didn't know they were called pancakes, though.) They are a little tougher to solder, because every one I've ever had has the ground being soldered to the flat, round plate, but once its done, its good to go.

I prefer George L's or a more rugged right angle plug because of this, although I wouldn't shy away from a pancake if I needed to fit in a tight spot.

Just buy a decent quality plug - I've used some supposedly rugged right angle plugs that have been junk, too.
 
#10
warwick.hoy said:
I've been eyeballing the Switchcraft Flat Plugs Invalid Link Removed to start building my own patch cables (in the near future).

I was noticing that there are several types of 1/4 plugs. I'm familiar with the function of TRS plugs so I'm curious if that is the difference between the 2 and 3 conductor plugs shown [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. Which ones would I need for instrument and patch cables (assuming that I don't need any TRS cables). Any other differences that I've missed?

Also are there other manufacturers that produce quality pancake style flat jacks. Perhaps ones that are even more space saving than the Switchcrafts; ie the ones you see on [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]? Pancakes are the direction I want to go in. Any fault to that logic? Any reason why more people/manufacturers aren't using them?

Lastly, for soldering purposes; are there any differences in technique and handling of the different jacks? Any one more difficult than the other?

Sorry if this has been covered. You can e-slap me if you like. :D
Click to expand...

The Switchcraft 238's are perfect for what you are doing. Use some good cable (Beldin if you can find it). The only problems are those is the little cover screws loosen and get lost and the 1/4" shaft occasionally comes loose from pulling out the wrong way causing an open in the negative sleeve. Use some "Locktite" and make sure the wire/solder for the ground is not too high to interfere with the cover.

It's ALL in the soldering. If you have the gift, you can make some bullet proof patch cables. I'm still using cables that I made 20+ years ago. Make them right and don't mistreat them and they will last a long time.

Switchcraft is about the best you can get next to aircraft connectors (usually switchcraft anyway).

My $0.02
 

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