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Gear / Technical Help => Cables => Topic started by: Ken Kaiser on September 12, 2014, 11:46:38 AM

Title: What type of connector is this - for patch bay?
Post by: Ken Kaiser on September 12, 2014, 11:46:38 AM
This is for a patch bay at the theater I record at, but it's not standard 1/4" TRS, anyone know what it is and where I could get some?
Title: Re: What type of connector is this - for patch bay?
Post by: H₂O on September 12, 2014, 12:38:52 PM
They look like antique telephone switchboard connectors (I.e. Early TRS connectors)

Here is a similar set on ebay
http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=380451802025

Their are probably many design variations due to the age of these connectors so good luck with the search

You may want to see if you can find manufacturer mark on the connector

Title: Re: What type of connector is this - for patch bay?
Post by: Gutbucket on September 12, 2014, 03:35:49 PM
That's a plug for a TT (tiny telephone) patchbay sometimes called a "bantam" connector.  It's a relatively common TRS connection for balanced audio connections in patchbays, or at least it used to be. They are somewhat smaller in diameter than a typical 1/4" TRS, which allows balanced audio patchbays to be much more densely populated for the same rackspace realestate.  I'm unsure if they are still commonly used on new installations or not, but there are certainly plenty of these around which are still in use. 
Title: Re: What type of connector is this - for patch bay?
Post by: Ken Kaiser on September 19, 2014, 10:17:22 AM
I don't think they are TT "bantam"...I ordered a set (non refundable...anyone want to but them...?).  The TT connectors are indeed much smaller.  The ones I'm trying to figure out (the attached pictures) are much larger, looks much more like a 1/4" connector.  I asked the tech at the theater, and he said "...they are some sort of military connector..." but couldn't tell what kind, where to buy, etc... but he said they are not 1/4" TRW standard.  I'm still puzzled.
Title: Re: What type of connector is this - for patch bay?
Post by: ScoobieKW on September 19, 2014, 10:54:16 AM
My guess? Western Electric (WECO) switchboard patch cable.

http://www.oldphoneman.com/PartsPhoneSwitchboards.htm
Title: Re: What type of connector is this - for patch bay?
Post by: GLouie on September 19, 2014, 06:16:31 PM
Those are MIL (military spec) style phone plugs.
http://www.switchcraft.com/ProductSummary.aspx?Parent=533
 is one vendor. ADC should also make them.

These, and their associated jacks, usually work with common TS or TRS phone plugs, but not all combinations of jacks and plugs always contact correctly due to the different profile. These are hella expensive. I think they may also have a relation to WECO (Western Electric Co.) US telephone equipment.

They have a specific construction which is very durable. Did I say they were expensive?