Sound Card Connectors
Sound Card Connectors
Sound cards provide input and output ports for connecting external audio-related devices to the computer. Some
of these devices and ports are listed below:
Port
Description
TRS
TRS ports on the sound card accept 1/4" plugs for analog audio
input and output. The number of ports on the sound card depends
on the type of input/output support such as the number of speaker
channels, or microphone or line in support.
Cable
Ports are often labeled with text or graphic indicate the type of
input or output expected. Standardized color coding might also be
helpful in determining the proper connection.
Female ports
Pink = Mic In
Light blue = Line In
Lime green = Line Out, front speakers or headphones
Black = Line Out, rear speakers
Orange = Line Out, center and surround speakers
Although these colors are standard, be sure to consult the sound
card documentation for specific details.
Toslink
A Toslink connector is used with digital optical input or output for
S/PDIF audio.
Cable
Female port
RCA
Cable
An RCA connector on a sound card is usually used for coaxial
digital input or output for S/PDIF audio.
Note: While RCA connectors can be used for analog audio, RCA
connectors on a sound card are normally used for S/PDIF digital
audio.
Female port
DB-15
Cable
Female port
A DB-15 connector on a sound card is used to connect to MIDI
devices or game joysticks.
Sound Card Connectors
Firewire
Cable
Female port
Some sound cards include one or more Firewire ports. These
ports function as normal Firewire ports for connecting a variety of
devices.