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Switchcraft Type 12B Stereo Input Jack 1/4
Switchcraft Type 12B Stereo Input Jack 1/4
Switchcraft Type 12B Stereo Input Jack 1/4
Switchcraft Type 12B Stereo Input Jack 1/4
Switchcraft Type 12B Stereo Input Jack 1/4
Switchcraft Type 12B Stereo Input Jack 1/4
Switchcraft Type 12B Stereo Input Jack 1/4
Switchcraft

Switchcraft Type 12B Stereo Input Jack 1/4" (4 Pack)

★★★★★4.7 (39 reviews)

USA-made Switchcraft 1/4-inch stereo input jacks built for professional audio gear that demands reliable connections.

$18.85*
✓ In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 27, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Switchcraft Type 12B is a professional-grade 1/4-inch stereo input jack that has been an industry staple in audio equipment manufacturing and repair for decades. Each jack features a three-conductor (tip, ring, sleeve) design with a double open circuit configuration, meaning both the tip and ring contacts break the circuit when no plug is inserted. This makes it ideal for normalling applications in mixers, patch bays, and signal routing systems where the default signal path needs to change based on whether a cable is connected.

Built entirely from metal with robust contact springs, the Type 12B is engineered to endure thousands of insertion cycles without degradation in signal quality or mechanical feel. The solder-lug terminals provide a secure, permanent connection when properly soldered, and the included bushing and nut allow clean panel mounting in amplifiers, effects pedals, preamps, and custom rack units. This 4-pack is a practical purchase for builders assembling new equipment, technicians maintaining studio or live sound gear, or hobbyists who want genuine Switchcraft quality in their DIY audio projects.

Specifications

Brand
Switchcraft
Model
Type 12B
Jack Size
1/4 Inch (6.35mm)
Type
Stereo / TRS (3-Conductor)
Circuit
Double Open Circuit
Construction
Metal
Mounting
Panel Mount with Bushing and Nut
Termination
Solder Lugs
Pack Quantity
4
Country of Origin
USA

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Heavy-duty all-metal construction withstands repeated plug insertions in demanding environments.
  • Made in the USA with Switchcraft's long-standing reputation for professional audio reliability.
  • Double open circuit design enables normalling applications in mixers and patch bays.
  • Four-pack quantity is convenient for repairs, builds, or stocking a parts bin.
  • Standard 1/4-inch TRS format fits the widest range of pro audio equipment.

👎 Cons

  • Requires soldering for installation, which may deter users without soldering experience.
  • No quick-connect or screw-terminal option for tool-free wiring.
  • Metal construction adds weight compared to plastic-bodied alternatives.
  • Sold in a 4-pack only, which may be more than needed for a single repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

It means the jack automatically breaks the signal path on both the tip and ring contacts when no plug is inserted, which is useful for normalling and routing in audio circuits.
It is a stereo (TRS) jack with three conductors — tip, ring, and sleeve — suitable for balanced audio signals or stereo connections.
The Switchcraft Type 12B is designed to mount in standard audio equipment panels. A bushing and nut secure it through panels of typical thickness found in amplifiers, mixers, and rack gear.
Switchcraft Type 12B jacks include the standard bushing and nut for panel mounting.
While physically it can accept a 1/4-inch plug carrying speaker-level signal, it is designed as an input jack for line and instrument-level audio. Dedicated speaker connectors like Speakon are recommended for high-power applications.

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