New Audio Cable, Now Audio is Flipped

gamerk2

Pretty self explanatory. Brought a new 6.3mm cable because my previous one was FAR too long, now my left/right audio is flipped...

I'm assuming this isn't normal?

Mufflore · 07-31-2012, 04:45 | posts: 9,520 | Location: UK

Thats a short cable

Swap the connections.

Brendruis · 07-31-2012, 05:36 | posts: 1,242 | Location: Melbourne, FL

6.3mm is the big size 1/4" headphone jack.. you don't see it too often but you see them on home theater receivers and some devices.

The only think I can think is maybe you got a mono plug... 6.3mm plugs come in mono and stereo.

ROBSCIX · 07-31-2012, 14:41 | posts: 16,077 | Location: Guru3D Audio Lab

Actually you see 6.3mm all the time but it is just not that prevalent on PC because of size restraints. They are very common in high end Dac's and headphones.

Do a left and right signal test through your card this will tell you if you bought a mono cable or not. I doubt it as it might mute one of your channels. You can also inspect the plug end and make sure there is a Tip a Ring and a Sleeve.
A mono cable would only have a Tip and Sleeve.

gamerk2 · 07-31-2012, 15:05 | posts: 2,063 | Location: Medford, NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

Actually you see 6.3mm all the time but it is just not that prevalent on PC because of size restraints. They are very common in high end Dac's and headphones.

Do a left and right signal test through your card this will tell you if you bought a mono cable or not. I doubt it as it might mute one of your channels. You can also inspect the plug end and make sure there is a Tip a Ring and a Sleeve.
A mono cable would only have a Tip and Sleeve.

I was sure I purchased a stereo cable, but who knows what I actually got in the end. I get distinct left/right audio when I do a speaker test, so I don't think its mono anyways.

So...figuring a busted cable? (God, what I wouldn't give for a Windows level "Reverse Stereo" option...)

ROBSCIX · 07-31-2012, 15:18 | posts: 16,077 | Location: Guru3D Audio Lab

Something is wrong with it, if it is indeed a stereo cable.
What does the Male end look like are there 2 connections or 3?

2 would be a TS or Tip sleeve cable sometimes called a mono patch cable
3 would be a TRS or Tip Ring and sleeve which is stereo pair cable.

gamerk2 · 07-31-2012, 15:29 | posts: 2,063 | Location: Medford, NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

Something is wrong with it, if it is indeed a stereo cable.
What does the Male end look like are there 2 connections or 3?

2 would be a TS or Tip sleeve cable sometimes called a mono patch cable
3 would be a TRS or Tip Ring and sleeve which is stereo pair cable.

I'll check when I get home.

Tom F · *Last edited by Tom F; 08-01-2012 at 18:43.*

I've had this happen to - the cable had been made wrong.

Just one of the many reasons I don't let Chinese children make my cables and do it myself

Do you have a multimeter? That's probably the best way to check what's going on.

Edit: too.

ROBSCIX · 08-01-2012, 19:19 | posts: 16,077 | Location: Guru3D Audio Lab

That is a possibility also. If it is the proper cable but the conductors are reversed, you can rewire it or return it for an new one, the choice is yours.

thatguy91 · 08-01-2012, 20:34 | posts: 2,758 | Location: Australia

I agree, sounds like he wires are reversed. That is something you definitely would not want with electrical cables! (it will work either way, but safety is critical issue if it's reversed).

ROBSCIX · 08-01-2012, 20:41 | posts: 16,077 | Location: Guru3D Audio Lab

Quote:

Originally Posted by thatguy91

I agree, sounds like he wires are reversed. That is something you definitely would not want with electrical cables! (it will work either way, but safety is critical issue if it's reversed).

How does safety fit into this situation?
The only thing here is the signals are reversed but there is absolutely no safety issue.

The situation is about as dangerous as putting your speakers on the wrong sides. Signals are mixed up but there is no danger whatsoever.