Studio Cables Cheat Sheet: Video & Audio Connectors Explained

Video Cables

• VGA

  • Old-school analog, chunky blue connector.

  • Only carries video (no audio), maxes out at 1080p (barely).

  • Tip: Not for modern high-res or color-accurate work.

• DVI

  • The “in-between” standard: Several versions!

    • DVI-D (Digital only) — works for most flat screens.

    • DVI-A (Analog only) — old tech, skip it.

    • DVI-I (Integrated: digital + analog) — check your cable & port type!

  • Can look similar, but some DVI cables won’t work with modern monitors—double-check!

• HDMI

  • Most common now—carries both HD video and audio.

  • Versions matter:

    • HDMI 1.4: Good for 1080p/60Hz, some 4K at lower refresh rates.

    • HDMI 2.0+: Needed for 4K/60Hz or better, plus HDR.

  • Mini HDMI: Same tech, smaller plug—used on cameras, tablets, tiny gear.

• DisplayPort (DP)

  • The new studio gold standard.

  • Higher refresh rates, more bandwidth than HDMI for pro displays.

  • Supports “daisy chaining” multiple monitors.

  • Mini DisplayPort: Smaller size for some laptops and pro gear, same performance.

Audio Cables

• TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve)

  • Standard “headphone” cable (1/8” or 1/4” jack).

  • 2 rings = stereo (L/R), single ring = mono.

  • Headsets with 3 bands (TRRS) carry stereo + microphone—watch for compatibility!

• XLR

  • Pro microphone cable.

  • Balanced, noise-resistant, can run long distances without hum.

  • Always 3-pin for audio mics. If it’s got more pins, check your gear—it might not be for mics!

• USB Standards

  • USB-A: Classic rectangle, used for most mice/keyboards/interfaces.

  • USB-B: Square-ish, found on printers and some audio gear.

  • USB-C: Reversible, fast—becoming the new standard for everything.

  • Audio interfaces and mics are shifting toward USB-C for better speed and power.

Troubleshooting Headphone Jacks

• Old-school “headset” jacks: Some have 3 bands (TRRS)—left, right, mic.

  • Plug a 3-band headset into a 2-band jack? Mic might not work, or you get mono sound.

• Mono vs. Stereo:

  • Mono = one sound channel, good for some instruments or old gear.

  • Stereo = two channels, needed for music, most modern content.

  • If you only hear sound in one ear or your mic won’t work, check your plug type!

Quick Tips

• Double-check cable/port type before you buy—especially for DVI.

• For pro audio, use balanced cables (XLR or TRS) to cut down on noise.

• Upgrade to DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0+ for modern high-res, high-refresh displays.

• USB-C is your friend for new audio and video gear.