Alvins Cables Y-splitter puts timecode and scratch mic on one jack

Alvins Cables has made a custom 3.5mm TRS Y-splitter for cameras that need both timecode and reference sound through one microphone input. Each of the two branches carries its own signal instead of a copy of the same stereo feed.

Why a standard splitter is not enough

An ordinary 3.5mm Y-splitter sends the same stereo signal to both sockets. In camera and audio work, the tip and ring channels sometimes need to carry different signals. In that case the internal wiring has to match the job. This cable was built for a compact camera rig where timecode and scratch microphone audio travel on separate channels.

Wiring

• Tip, left channel: timecode.
• Ring, right channel: scratch microphone.

Each female socket is wired to its own channel rather than repeating a shared stereo signal. Each source therefore uses its own path through the single 3.5mm TRS connection.

Connectors and length

The camera end has a right-angle, non-locking 3.5mm TRS male plug. The other end splits into two straight 3.5mm TRS female sockets. The total length, connectors included, is 20 cm.

Colour coding

The sockets have different housing colours so they can be told apart quickly:

• left/tip (timecode): black;
• right/ring (scratch mic): red.

The red housing marks the microphone channel and helps avoid swapping the two sources during a fast setup.

Alvins Cables also builds other custom audio, timecode, power and camera cables. Customers send equipment models, connector needs, pinout, length and reference photos or diagrams, and the team develops a cable for the setup.