This microphone wiring color code guide is made for professional and beginner songwriters, music producers, and entertainment personnel. Staying informed and organized with your appliances is crucial. The challenge is keeping track of various unique protocols and elements needed to ensure that your equipment performs at its peak every single time!
We take a look at the popular microphone wiring color code, and a few other hints, tips and FAQs to consider when setting up your gear.
The Microphone Wiring Color Code
Usually, all sound cards feature specific color codes for input/output connector jacks. Usually, microphone connectors feature a pink color, with the line out or headphone featuring a green color.
The stereo line is usually a blue color, and (depending on your set-up) you might come across further jack colors on sound cards for different types of surround speakers.
There are several color standards for the microphone color for different devices, especially those that have sound card input and output jacks. However, the colors might vary depending on the specific electronic brand or device, so if you don’t think you have a traditional card, get in touch with the maker of the product to ensure you have the correct setup to get the best functionality and results out of your set-up.
The standard color code for microphones usually include:
| Colour | Connector |
|---|---|
| Lime Green | Headphones |
| Pink | Microphone |
| Light Blue | Line in for Stereo System |
| Orange | Subwoofer center out |
| Black | Rear Surround 5.1 and 7.1 speakers |
| Gray | Middle 7.1 surround speakers |
| Gold | Game Port or Midi Line |
PRO TIP! – The number of jack connectors you will come across on the soundcard relates to the number of available channels. Plus, a few other factors you have to consider include:
- Stereo cards are available with two audio channels, and might only feature a blue, green, or pink jack.
- A significant number of sound cards, especially those with 8 audio channels don’t feature a gray connector. If you have a device that features such as a sound card, and still want to use all these audio channels, you may have to connect your motherboard to a compatible system. You may have to use a resource electrical experts refer to as the SPDIF digital connector.
- Several motherboards that have 4 or 6 channels don’t feature orange or black jacks. Alternatively, these cards might feature a blue jack, which has the role of line in and rear out for surround speakers. Furthermore, the pink jack might be for the subwoofer or for the mic input.
Benefits of Using the Microphone Wiring Color Code
There are many benefits of using the traditional mic wiring color code to identify the specific resources required to produce sound. A few of these benefits include:
It’s Easy to Manage
In the past, people had to rely on pure intuition and traditional sound production resources for communication purposes. However, it was difficult to keep track of all these details, but this became easier with the unveiling of the microphone wiring color code.
Nowadays, using this code offers a much more convenient way for people to manage access and identify sound production resources. The codes are specific and relate to the various standard protocols that you may come across in the entertainment industry.
Essential for Sound Production Professionals
Before using sound production equipment, it’s crucial to own the right resources. In this case, sound production professionals have to find ways in which they can identify their resources and manage them to produce quality results.
The presence of these unique mic wiring colors is to help you identify suitable equipment and ways to produce quality sound.
In this case, using the traditional mic wiring color code is crucial for any modern professional. Sometimes, there is a slight variation in the appearance of the colors, but generally speaking, the colors are all standard for the most microphone products out there on the market.
Tips for Using the Mic Wiring Color Code
A few useful tips:
- Ensure that you understand each of these colors – before you can use these microphones, ensure you have a deep understanding of the codes. Use this guide to help with that!
- Invest in suitable sound production equipment – sound production equipment often varies in functionality and usability.
- Avoid mixing up the colors – never mix up colors, and ensure you proceed with caution to avoid causing any damage to your equipment.
FAQ
How Many Wires Does A Microphone Have?
A microphone consists of three main sections, which the conductor, the internal wires which have the role of carrying the signal. Plus, you will come across the shielding, which helps safeguard the quality of information traveling through the wire. And, there are three-pronged connectors, which are responsible for the wire connection.
What is the Color of the Microphone Wire?
The color of a MIC wire is pink. You may have to determine the specific audio jacks that are available on your device. Unless the device you have is outdated, most jacks have a green color code. This color is for the line out, which often comes from a speaker or a headphone.
What are the 4 Wires in Headphones?
The four wires in your earphone cable are: left hot, right hot, ground/return, and another for the microphone/music controls.
Microphone Wiring Color Code: Final Thoughts
Your ability to keep track of your sound production resources is crucial if you want to enjoy entertainment at its best. Thus, the traditional microphone wiring color code is an essential resource for your needs. While these codes are reasonably simple, using them the right way can ensure you don’t compromise the quality of your work.
These codes contain specific information and details that will benefit your ability to stay organized, and make the most of your sound equipment.