audio interface
Audio technology knows various interfaces for the connection of analog and digital audio components and audio devices. The audio interfaces are the actual interfaces, the connectors used and the transmission media.
The analog audio interfaces include the interfaces used in consumer electronics for the microphone input( Mic- In) as well as the universal interfaces Line-In as an optional input for recordings and Line-Out as a speaker output for active boxes or active speakers. The microphone input is highly sensitive and designed for lowest input levels. The universal interface is used to connect other audio components, CD player, DVD player, TV, amplifier, etc.
As far as connectors for analog audio interfaces are concerned, there are different connectors for consumer-oriented, semi-professional and professional applications. A widely used plug system is the jack plug forcoaxial cables, in addition, for higher demands, there is the RCA plug and the high-quality XLR plug used in professional audio technology. In terms of connection technology, analog audio signals are asymmetrical and symmetrical. In addition to the lossy analog audio interfaces, there are also the lossless digital audio interfaces with electrical and optical transmission. TOSlink, a polymer fiber connector system developed by Toshiba and used with the Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF), is one of several digital audio interfaces; others include the AES/ EBU interface used in professional audio, which uses TP cables and XLR connectors, and the ADAT optical light pipe from Alesis.
However, audio technology is increasingly taking advantage of the high data rates of the USB interface and those of Firewire, resp. 1394.