Audio/Connector/Phone/TRRS/3.5mm
3.5mm TRRS "Headset Jack" Audio Connector
Visual Reference
- TRRS connector schematic showing tip, two rings, and sleeve
- Image: public domain (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
- TRRS stands for Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve: 4 conductors, 3 insulating rings
- Extends Audio/Connector/Phone/TRS/3.5mm with a second ring, used to carry a microphone signal and/or inline remote-control signal (play/pause, volume, call answer)
- Standard connector for phone/tablet headsets that combine stereo output with a microphone
Physical Specifications
- Diameter: 3.5 mm (1/8 in)
- Conductors: 4 (tip, ring, ring, sleeve)
- Insulating rings: 3
- Orientation: rotationally symmetric, no keying
Pin Configuration — CTIA/AHJ (modern standard)
- Tip: left channel
- Ring 1: right channel
- Ring 2: ground
- Sleeve: microphone / inline remote
Pin Configuration — OMTP (legacy standard)
- Tip: left channel
- Ring 1: right channel
- Ring 2: microphone / inline remote
- Sleeve: ground
Compatibility
- CTIA/AHJ is used by Apple, most modern Android devices, and Windows laptops
- OMTP was used by older Nokia phones and some Asian-market handsets
- Plugging a headset wired to one standard into a jack wired to the other still passes left/right audio correctly (tip and ring 1 match), but the microphone does not work, since only the ring 2/sleeve pair is swapped
- Fits into the same jack as Audio/Connector/Phone/TRS/3.5mm and Audio/Connector/Phone/TS/3.5mm plugs, which simply leave the extra ring(s) unconnected
Common Use Cases
- Smartphone and tablet headsets (earbuds with in-line mic and remote)
- Some cameras and action cams (external mic input, though wiring convention varies by manufacturer)
- Lavalier/lapel microphones for phones
Related References