

Sometimes it is as simple as going from the same connector type to another, but it’s not always that simple. The most common audio connector types are XLR, ¼” TRS, ¼” TS, 3.5mm, and RCA. And each of these can be found with multiple connector variations. There are three basic types of Y splitter cables: Y cables, stereo breakouts, and insert cables. In the case of wanting to plug in 2 sets of headphones from a single laptop headphone jack, you’d need a Y cable with one 3.5mm TRS male end and two 3.5mm TRS female outputs to plug each headphone into, such as the YMM-232. Next, find the correct connector type for your output, typically ¼”, 3.5mm, or XLR, and determine the connector type you need for wherever it’s going. When using Y splitter cables or Y adapter cables, begin by identifying the function you require from the splitter. It’s also common for sharing headphones from a single device that has a single output, like a laptop computer or tablet. This may be needed if you want to send a duplicate output to two different sets of speakers. By duplicating that signal with a Y cable, you create an additional output. Sometimes your equipment only provides a single output to work with, or perhaps you require more outputs than your equipment allows. Y splitter cables are lifesavers in the audio world. If you are looking for stereo breakouts, you can find them here.

Both of these are types of Y splitter cables but perform very different tasks.Īll Y splitter cables found on this page are Hosa Y cables. Be mindful that the use of “splitter” can be deceiving since a Y cable will duplicate the signal from the single connector end, while a stereo breakout will split a single balanced signal into two unbalanced outputs.

A “Y Splitter” is a common term used for any cable that has a single connector on one end, and a dual connector on the other.
