iPhone 16 Pro | Is the Apple 3.5mm Jack to USBC Adaptor a female TRS or TRRS?

I'm setting up my iPhone 16Pro to record voice audio with a wireless Lav mic. After doing some testing I've found that my rode SC2 TRS -TRS and SC7 TRS-TRRS both work my Apple 3.5mm to USBC adaptor. Historically TRRS was used for smart devices, but is this just a hangover from when iPhones had a 3.5mm jack and doesn't matter anymore or is there still a use case for TRRS over TRS? If so, what's the evidence? Can someone give me a definitive answer for which will produce the loudest, cleanest and most reliable signal?

iPhone 16 Pro

Posted on Mar 29, 2025 3:09 PM

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Mar 29, 2025 3:26 PM in response to KennyWW

I’d suggest re-asking this question in an audio-focused forum.


Lots of lavaliere mic audio tends to be poor. There are undoubtedly some good options here, but many have poor audio quality.


I usually use a cardioid condenser mic for audio. Much better sound. That mic uses USB, and that avoids dealing with external power and external amplifiers. Also usually with a pop shield and shock mount. That’s for a fixed placement too, where lavs can work far better when moving around.


TRS and TRRS are far older than iPhone, BTW.


The Apple 3.5mm audio TRRS pinout uses the connection tip for right, the first ring for left, the second ring for common, and the sleeve for the microphone.

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Mar 30, 2025 3:27 AM in response to MrHoffman

It’s not an audio question, it’s a device connectivity question that happens to relate audio. This type of mic and quality of Law are irrelevant and nothing to with my query. There are only three possible answers: TRS, TRRS or it doesn’t matter anymore. If you don’t know the answer it’s ok to say that.

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Mar 30, 2025 6:49 AM in response to KennyWW

KennyWW wrote:

It’s not an audio question, it’s a device connectivity question that happens to relate audio. This type of mic and quality of Law are irrelevant and nothing to with my query. There are only three possible answers: TRS, TRRS or it doesn’t matter anymore. If you don’t know the answer it’s ok to say that.


The Apple 3.5mm audio TRRS pinout uses the connection tip for right, the first ring for left, the second ring for common, and the sleeve for the microphone.

Reply

iPhone 16 Pro | Is the Apple 3.5mm Jack to USBC Adaptor a female TRS or TRRS?

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