On 16/05/2012 13:45, Fred wrote:
Hi,

I hope this is not off topic.

I see CPC (and I'm sure others) sell adaptors that convert mono plugs
to stereo ones or vice versa.

Something like this:
http://cpc.farnell.com/pro-signal/ps...-st/dp/AV17274

I realise that in addition to the stereo to mono conversion, this
particular example is also converting sizes but as far as the
electrical side of things goes, does the adaptor simply short the left
and right channels together?

Wouldn't plugging a mono plug into a stereo socket achieve exactly the
same thing without an adaptor (assuming the plug and socket were the
same size)?

Not quite... Mono plug in a stereo socket may well short one channel to
ground.

I presume these adaptors are more useful when plugging a stereo plug
into a mono socket, which otherwise might only receive one channel?

Indeed. There is usually enough resistance in the output drive to allow
the plug to do some crude "mixing" of the stereo channels into a single
mono one, when going the other way - but not all amps will appreciate it.

--
Cheers,

John.

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