Most guitar cables carry a monophonic (single-channel) signal. Their “TS” connectors have two contact points separated by an insulator band: tip (T) and sleeve (S). The audio signal travels over the tip while the sleeve is grounded.
![[Mono (TS) and Stereo (TRS) Plugs]](/images/mono-stereo-plugs.png)
[Mono (TS) and Stereo (TRS) Plugs]
Stereo cables and their “TRS” connectors offer three contact points separated by two insulator bands. The tip (T) again carries the audio signal and the sleeve (S) connects to ground. An additional ring (R) conductor supports for instance stereo signals, balanced signals, or voltage dividers in expression pedals.
Jack and Plug Compatibility
A mono jack has one prong for the tip while the ground is connected via the sleeve. A stereo jack has one more prong for the ring conductor. A plug will connect tip, (ring) and sleeve to the respective conductors of the jack.
![[Mono Plug in Mono and Stereo Jack]](/images/mono-stereo-jacks.png)
[Mono Plug in Mono and Stereo Jack]
A mono plug inside a stereo jack will short the ring conductor to ground (via the sleeve). This can be used to connect a guitar or pedal to its battery only when a cable is plugged in. A device requiring a TRS cable will usually not work correctly if a TS cable is used instead.
![[Stereo Plug in Mono and Stereo Jack]](/images/mono-stereo-jacks2.png)
[Stereo Plug in Mono and Stereo Jack]
Stereo cables can generally be used in place of mono cables. The tip carries the sole signal while the ring conductor (the second channel) is unused.
