What does '4-pole' mean in this context?

A 4-pole or TRRS connector has four conductive sections. This allows the cable to carry left audio, right audio, a ground signal, and a microphone signal simultaneously.

Will this cable work with my smartphone's microphone?

Yes, this cable is specifically designed to support the 4-pole connection required for headphone microphones to function correctly. Standard 3-pole extensions will typically disable the microphone.

How long is the Fisual S-Flex Mini 4-Pole Jack Extension?

This specific model is 0.5 metres long. This length is ideal for providing a small amount of extra slack without creating excessive cable clutter.

What are the benefits of gold-plated plugs?

Gold plating helps prevent oxidation and corrosion over time. This ensures a consistent, high-quality signal transfer and prevents the crackling sounds often associated with tarnished connectors.

Is the cable bulky or thick?

No, the S-Flex Mini features a super-thin, lightweight profile. It is designed to be as unobtrusive as possible for mobile users.

Can I use this cable with a standard pair of stereo headphones?

Yes, it is backwards compatible with standard 3-pole (TRS) stereo headphones. However, its primary advantage is supporting the fourth pole for headsets with microphones.

Does this cable tangle easily?

Fisual uses a specific anti-tangle material for the S-Flex jacket. This helps the cable remain flexible and prevents it from knotting when placed in a pocket or bag.

Will the jack fit into my phone if I have a case on it?

The S-Flex Mini uses compact plug housings. These are designed to be slim enough to fit through the cutouts of most standard protective mobile phone cases.

What is the typical price for this cable?

The Fisual S-Flex Mini 4-Pole 0.5m cable typically retails for approximately £3.00. It is positioned as an affordable but high-grade alternative to generic cables.

Can this cable be used for high-fidelity audio equipment?

While it is a 'high-grade' cable for its class, it is primarily designed for mobile convenience. For professional studio applications, larger gauge cables might be preferred, but for 3.5mm mobile use, it provides a quality signal.

Does it support volume controls on my headset?

Yes, because it carries the fourth pole (TRRS), the signals for in-line remote controls, such as volume adjustment and track skipping, are preserved.

Is this a balanced audio cable?

No, this is a TRRS unbalanced cable intended for consumer mobile headsets. It is not equivalent to balanced XLR or TRS cables used in professional audio recording.

Gear article

Fisual S-Flex Mini 4-Pole Jack Extension Cable

The Fisual S-Flex Mini is a high-grade 3.5mm TRRS extension cable designed to maintain microphone and remote control functionality for mobile devices. It features a ultra-thin, anti-tangle profile and gold-plated connectors to ensure signal integrity across its 0.5-metre length.

See live prices

Overview

The Fisual S-Flex Mini 4-Pole extension is a specialized audio accessory developed to bridge the gap between mobile devices and wired headsets. Unlike standard 3-pole (TRS) extension cables that only transmit stereo audio, this cable utilises a four-pole TRRS (Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve) configuration. This architecture is essential for carrying both stereo audio signals and microphone data, making it compatible with modern smartphones and tablets.

Design and Build Quality

The S-Flex Mini is characterized by its lightweight and highly flexible construction. The 'S-Flex' designation refers to the cable's super-thin profile, which is engineered using anti-tangle materials to prevent knots during transport or use. Despite its slim dimensions, the cable features compact, gold-plated plugs designed to resist corrosion and ensure a low-resistance connection.

Functionality and Compatibility

This cable is specifically intended for use with devices that utilize 3.5mm jacks for integrated headsets, such as iPhones and other mobile handsets. Many generic extensions cause microphone malfunctions or remote control failure because they lack the fourth pole. The S-Flex Mini ensures that volume controls, play/pause buttons, and microphone inputs remain fully functional when extending a headset's reach.

Comparison to Alternatives

In the broader market of interconnects, the S-Flex Mini occupies a niche for mobile-specific extension. While brands like Studiospares and Adam Hall provide heavy-duty XLR or DMX cables for professional stage use, the Fisual S-Flex is focused on portability and consumer electronics. Compared to standard PVC-jacketed cables, the anti-tangle material and compact plug housings make it better suited for use with protective phone cases.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What does '4-pole' mean in this context?: A 4-pole or TRRS connector has four conductive sections. This allows the cable to carry left audio, right audio, a ground signal, and a microphone signal simultaneously.
Will this cable work with my smartphone's microphone?: Yes, this cable is specifically designed to support the 4-pole connection required for headphone microphones to function correctly. Standard 3-pole extensions will typically disable the microphone.
How long is the Fisual S-Flex Mini 4-Pole Jack Extension?: This specific model is 0.5 metres long. This length is ideal for providing a small amount of extra slack without creating excessive cable clutter.
What are the benefits of gold-plated plugs?: Gold plating helps prevent oxidation and corrosion over time. This ensures a consistent, high-quality signal transfer and prevents the crackling sounds often associated with tarnished connectors.
Is the cable bulky or thick?: No, the S-Flex Mini features a super-thin, lightweight profile. It is designed to be as unobtrusive as possible for mobile users.
Can I use this cable with a standard pair of stereo headphones?: Yes, it is backwards compatible with standard 3-pole (TRS) stereo headphones. However, its primary advantage is supporting the fourth pole for headsets with microphones.
Does this cable tangle easily?: Fisual uses a specific anti-tangle material for the S-Flex jacket. This helps the cable remain flexible and prevents it from knotting when placed in a pocket or bag.
Will the jack fit into my phone if I have a case on it?: The S-Flex Mini uses compact plug housings. These are designed to be slim enough to fit through the cutouts of most standard protective mobile phone cases.
What is the typical price for this cable?: The Fisual S-Flex Mini 4-Pole 0.5m cable typically retails for approximately £3.00. It is positioned as an affordable but high-grade alternative to generic cables.
Can this cable be used for high-fidelity audio equipment?: While it is a 'high-grade' cable for its class, it is primarily designed for mobile convenience. For professional studio applications, larger gauge cables might be preferred, but for 3.5mm mobile use, it provides a quality signal.
Does it support volume controls on my headset?: Yes, because it carries the fourth pole (TRRS), the signals for in-line remote controls, such as volume adjustment and track skipping, are preserved.
Is this a balanced audio cable?: No, this is a TRRS unbalanced cable intended for consumer mobile headsets. It is not equivalent to balanced XLR or TRS cables used in professional audio recording.