RCA - The Cinch Connector
The unbalanced single-pin connector that powers most home Hi-Fi: red / white for stereo audio, yellow for composite video, orange for digital S/PDIF.
The RCA connector (named after Radio Corporation of America, also called Cinch in German-speaking countries) is the most common consumer audio connector. A single signal pin in the centre, ground on the outer barrel - unbalanced and lossless over short distances. Color coding by convention: red right channel, white left channel, yellow composite video. The digital coaxial S/PDIF variant uses an orange (or sometimes black) connector but is mechanically identical.
Technical Specifications
| Type | Unbalanced single-pin |
| Impedance | 75 ohm (S/PDIF / video) or low (audio) |
| Signal level | -10 dBV (consumer) |
| Color codes | Red R, White L, Yellow video, Orange S/PDIF |
| Cable length | up to ~ 5 m unbalanced |
| Latch | No (push-fit) |
Matching products in the shop
- RCA cables
- S/PDIF coaxial cables
- RCA-to-jack adapters
Frequently Asked Questions
RCA vs jack - what is the difference?
RCA is single-conductor + ground (one channel per cable). Jack 3.5/6.3 mm carries stereo on a single TRS plug. RCA uses two cables for stereo (red + white).
Is digital S/PDIF the same plug?
Mechanically yes - identical RCA. But it carries a digital optical-class signal at 75 ohm impedance, so use a proper 75 ohm coax cable, not a generic audio RCA cable.
Can I daisy-chain RCA?
No - RCA is point to point. For multiple receivers use a passive splitter or active distribution amplifier.
Related connectors in the glossary
- Jack 3.5 / 6.3 mm
- XLR (3-pin balanced)
- Audio overview
- SCART (uses RCA pins internally)
- Signal connectors overview
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