Neutrik NP2X-B 6.35mm Mono Jack Plug – Black Shell, Gold Contacts
Build professional instrument, audio and equipment cables with the Neutrik NP2X-B 6.35mm (¼-inch) Mono Jack Plug, featuring a rugged black metal shell, gold-plated contacts and Neutrik’s proven chuck-type cable strain relief.
Part of Neutrik’s professional Plug X / PX Series, the NP2X-B is a heavy-duty 2-pole TS phone plug designed for professional audio applications where reliability, compact dimensions and repeatable cable performance matter.
The NP2X-B combines:
- 6.35mm / ¼-inch TS connection
- 2-pole mono configuration
- Black KTL-coated zinc die-cast shell
- 0.2µm gold-plated brass contacts
- Precision-machined one-piece tip contact
- 14.5mm slimline housing
- Chuck-type cable strain relief
- 4–7mm cable compatibility
- Up to 1.0mm² / 18 AWG conductors
- Solder termination
- More than 1,000 mating cycles
It is particularly suited to professional applications including:
- Guitar cables
- Bass guitar cables
- Instrument leads
- Pedalboards
- Effects units
- Amplifiers
- Mixing consoles
- Patch leads
- Professional audio equipment
- Studio equipment
- Theatre
- Touring production
- Live sound
- Film and television
- Broadcast
- Professional AV
- Equipment-hire inventory
- Custom cable manufacture and repair
Professional 6.35mm Mono Jack Plug
The NP2X-B is a professional:
6.35mm / ¼-inch 2-pole phone plug.
The two electrical contacts are conventionally identified as:
Tip
Sleeve
which is why this connector format is commonly referred to as:
TS – Tip / Sleeve.
It is widely used throughout professional audio for unbalanced mono signal connections.
6.35mm – Not 6.5mm
The correct nominal connector size is:
6.35mm
or:
¼ inch.
Terms such as:
- 6.5mm jack
- 6mm jack
- large jack
- quarter-inch jack
may be used informally by customers, but 6.35mm is the correct dimensional terminology for the product.
For the GigLife product title and technical content, 6.35mm should be used consistently.
2-Pole / TS / Mono Configuration
The NP2X-B is a:
2-pole TS connector.
This is commonly called a:
mono jack plug
because a conventional TS audio connection provides two electrical paths rather than the three found on a TRS connector.
The normal arrangement is:
Tip – Signal
Sleeve – Ground / shield
Actual wiring should always follow the requirements of the connected equipment.
Guitar Cables
One of the strongest applications for the NP2X-B is professional guitar cable manufacture.
The 6.35mm TS format is widely used between:
- Electric guitars
- Bass guitars
- Pedalboards
- Effects pedals
- Amplifiers
- DI equipment
- Instrument interfaces
The rugged metal shell and chuck-style strain relief make the NP2X-B particularly appropriate for cables that will be repeatedly:
- Connected
- Disconnected
- Coiled
- Transported
- Used on stage
- Packed into touring cases
Bass Guitar Cables
Bass guitar systems frequently use the same standard 6.35mm TS connection format.
The NP2X-B is therefore suitable for professional bass leads connecting compatible:
- Bass guitars
- Pedals
- DI systems
- Amplifiers
- Effects units
- Recording equipment
Cable capacitance, shielding and overall construction remain important factors in instrument-cable performance.
Pedalboards
Pedalboards are another strong use case.
The slim NP2X-B can be used for:
- Instrument input cables
- Pedalboard output cables
- Effects-loop leads
- Patch-system interconnects
where a straight 6.35mm plug is appropriate.
For applications requiring reduced cable projection, Neutrik also manufactures corresponding right-angle Plug X variants.
Amplifiers
Professional amplifiers and instrument equipment frequently use 6.35mm connectors.
Potential applications include:
- Guitar amplifier inputs
- Bass amplifier inputs
- Effects loops
- Line connections
- Equipment-specific outputs
Always check whether the equipment requires:
- TS
- TRS
- Balanced
- Unbalanced
- Speaker-level
wiring before manufacturing the cable.
Mixing Consoles
Many professional mixing consoles and audio devices retain 6.35mm jack connectivity for:
- Line inputs
- Direct outputs
- Inserts
- Auxiliary connections
- Monitoring
- Other equipment-specific I/O
The NP2X-B is specifically the 2-pole TS version.
Where the equipment requires a balanced or stereo TRS connection, select the appropriate 3-pole Neutrik plug such as the NP3X-series equivalent rather than NP2X-B.
Professional Patch Systems
The NP2X-B uses an exceptionally slim:
14.5mm shell width
designed specifically for high-density jackfields.
Neutrik states that this dimensions suits professional jackfields using:
15.88mm jack pitch.
This makes the connector useful where multiple ¼-inch connections are positioned closely together.
14.5mm Slimline Housing
The extra-slim housing is one of the defining features of Neutrik’s Plug X Series.
A larger connector body can interfere with adjacent sockets in tightly packed equipment.
At only:
14.5mm wide
the NP2X-B is designed specifically to maximise connector density.
Potential applications include:
- Jackfields
- Patch systems
- Mixing equipment
- Audio interfaces
- Equipment racks
- Compact professional hardware
Precision-Machined One-Piece Tip
Neutrik uses a:
Precision-machined one-piece tip contact
rather than a riveted tip assembly.
This is one of the most significant construction features of the Plug X Series.
Traditional multi-part plug tips can potentially:
- Loosen
- Catch inside a jack socket
- Separate from the connector
Neutrik’s one-piece construction is specifically designed to avoid the tip hooking inside a socket or breaking away.
No Riveted Tip
The tip contact is machined as one piece rather than having a separate riveted end.
That means there is no mechanical rivet joint at the tip itself.
For professional cable builders, this is a useful design advantage where cables may experience repeated plugging and unplugging.
Black KTL-Coated Metal Shell
The NP2X-B uses a:
Zinc die-cast ZnAl4Cu1 shell
with:
Black KTL coating.
This provides the distinctive black finish of the NP2X-B.
The housing should therefore be described as:
Black KTL-coated zinc die-cast
rather than simply “painted black” or “black plastic”.
Gold-Plated Contacts
The connector contacts are manufactured from:
Brass CuZn39Pb3
with:
0.2µm gold plating.
The -B variant therefore combines:
- Black shell
- Gold-plated contacts
which distinguishes it from other Plug X variants.
NP2X-B vs NP2X-BAG
The suffix matters.
NP2X-B
- Black KTL-coated shell
- Gold-plated contacts
NP2X-BAG
- Black KTL-coated shell
- Nickel-plated contacts
Both are professional 2-pole 6.35mm Plug X connectors, but the contact finish is different.
Customers specifically wanting the gold-contact version should select:
NP2X-B.
NP2X-B vs NP2X
Neutrik also manufactures the standard:
NP2X
which uses:
- Nickel-plated shell
- Nickel-plated contacts
The NP2X-B therefore provides the same basic 2-pole straight Plug X format with a black housing and gold-contact configuration.
NP2X-B vs NP3X-B
The number of poles is also important.
NP2X-B
2 pole
TS
Mono / unbalanced-style applications
NP3X-B
3 pole
TRS
Balanced, stereo or equipment-specific three-contact applications
Do not substitute a 2-pole plug where equipment requires all three TRS contacts.
Professional Chuck-Type Strain Relief
The NP2X-B incorporates Neutrik’s proven:
Chuck-type cable strain relief.
Rather than relying only on a simple clamp around the cable, the chuck grips the cable jacket as the plug is assembled.
This helps transfer mechanical forces away from the solder joints.
That is especially valuable for:
- Touring
- Live sound
- Rental inventory
- Stage cables
- Instrument cables
- Repeated-use production leads
Protecting the Solder Termination
Without effective strain relief, cable pulling can transfer force directly to the soldered conductors.
Over time, this can contribute to:
- Broken conductors
- Intermittent connections
- Failed solder joints
- Cable faults
The chuck-style strain relief helps mechanically secure the cable jacket independently of the solder joints.
Cable O.D. 4–7mm
Neutrik specifies the standard NP2X-B for:
4mm to 7mm cable outside diameter.
This accommodates a wide range of professional:
- Instrument cables
- Guitar cables
- Audio cables
- Signal cables
Always check the actual finished cable diameter before selecting the connector.
Optional BPX-L for Larger Cable
For larger cable, Neutrik offers the optional:
BPX-L
large bushing with chuck-type strain relief.
The BPX-L accommodates cable diameters of:
7–8mm.
This extends the usable cable range where the standard PX bushing is too small.
Maximum Wire Size
Neutrik specifies a maximum conductor size of:
1.0mm²
or:
18 AWG.
This provides generous conductor capacity for a professional 6.35mm signal connector.
The correct conductor size should still be selected according to the cable and application.
Solder Contacts
The NP2X-B uses:
Solder termination.
Professional assembly requires:
- Correct cable stripping
- Clean conductor preparation
- Correct tip/sleeve identification
- Controlled soldering temperature
- Proper solder flow
- No stray conductor strands
- Correct strain-relief assembly
Neutrik specifies solderability in accordance with:
IEC 68-2-20.
Tip and Sleeve Wiring
For a conventional unbalanced mono cable:
Tip: Signal conductor
Sleeve: Shield / return
Always verify equipment requirements before assembly.
Incorrect wiring may result in:
- No signal
- Hum
- Phase or grounding issues
- Equipment incompatibility
Instrument Cable Shielding
For guitar and instrument applications, cable selection matters alongside connector selection.
A professional instrument cable should provide suitable:
- Shielding
- Flexibility
- Capacitance
- Mechanical durability
The connector cannot compensate for unsuitable or damaged cable.
More Than 1,000 Mating Cycles
Neutrik specifies:
More than 1,000 mating cycles
for the NP2X-B.
This makes it well suited to professional cables that are regularly plugged and unplugged.
Actual service life depends on:
- Handling
- Socket condition
- Cable strain
- Contamination
- Maintenance
Contact Resistance Depends on the Mating Connector
Neutrik does not publish a single fixed NP2X-B contact-resistance value.
Its current technical data specifies:
Contact resistance: depends on mating connector.
That is technically important because the complete electrical interface is formed by both:
- Plug
- Socket
The mating jack therefore contributes to the overall connection resistance.
Current Rating Also Depends on the Mating Connector
Neutrik similarly specifies:
Rated current per contact: depends on mating connector.
A current rating should therefore not be invented for the NP2X-B alone.
The maximum current capability of the completed connection is governed by the complete plug-and-jack combination and the application.
Rated Voltage Below 50V
Neutrik specifies:
Rated Voltage: <50V.
The NP2X-B is designed for professional low-voltage audio and signal applications.
It should not be used as:
- 230/240V mains connector
- Appliance-power connector
- General electrical power connector
Speaker Connections – Equipment Specific
Neutrik includes speakers among the applications for the Plug X Series.
Some legacy and equipment-specific audio systems do use 6.35mm TS connectors for speaker-level connections.
However, modern professional high-power loudspeaker systems generally use dedicated loudspeaker connector systems such as speakON.
Before building a speaker cable with NP2X-B:
- Confirm the equipment manufacturer specifies a 6.35mm TS interface
- Confirm cable conductor size
- Confirm the mating socket rating
- Confirm current requirements
- Never use it for mains power
For contemporary professional PA systems, dedicated locking loudspeaker connectors are generally the more appropriate solution.
Dielectric Strength
Neutrik specifies:
1kV DC dielectric strength.
This is an electrical test specification and should not be interpreted as an operating-voltage rating.
The published working voltage remains:
<50V.
Insulation Resistance
Neutrik specifies:
>2GΩ initial insulation resistance.
PA6.6 Glass-Reinforced Insert
The internal electrical insert is manufactured from:
Polyamide PA6.6 with 30% glass reinforcement.
This supports and electrically isolates the two contact elements.
POM Strain Relief
The chuck-style internal strain-relief component is manufactured from:
Polyacetal POM.
POM + PU Bushing
Neutrik specifies the bushing construction as:
Polyacetal POM + polyurethane.
This forms part of the cable-support system at the rear of the plug.
Temperature Range
Neutrik specifies an operating temperature range of:
-20°C to +65°C.
The completed cable may have a different environmental rating depending on the cable being used.
Standards Compliance
Neutrik specifies compliance with:
IEC 60603-11
and:
EIA RS-453.
These relate to the professional phone-plug format.
Touring and Live Sound
Instrument and audio cables used in touring environments experience repeated:
- Setup
- Pack-down
- Coiling
- Connection
- Disconnection
- Transport
The combination of metal shell, one-piece contact and chuck-type strain relief makes the NP2X-B particularly appropriate for professional touring cable inventory.
Theatre
Theatre departments may use 6.35mm TS connections across:
- Musical instruments
- Amplifiers
- Playback systems
- Effects equipment
- Stage systems
- Equipment racks
The compact Plug X design is particularly useful where connection density is high.
Recording Studios
Recording studios can use the NP2X-B for:
- Guitar leads
- Bass leads
- Patch cables
- Effects systems
- Amplifier connections
- Unbalanced equipment connections
where the equipment specifically requires a 2-pole TS plug.
Film and Television
Professional film and television audio departments may use 6.35mm connections around:
- Instrument systems
- Playback equipment
- Effects racks
- Monitoring equipment
- Production audio systems
The NP2X-B provides a professional field-serviceable connector for compatible equipment.
Broadcast
Broadcast environments may also contain ¼-inch audio equipment requiring professional TS connections.
Potential uses include:
- Rack equipment
- Studio systems
- Legacy equipment
- Monitoring
- Production audio
Always confirm whether the equipment requires TS or TRS before manufacturing the cable.
Professional AV
Professional AV systems may use 6.35mm connectors across:
- Mixers
- Amplifiers
- Signal processors
- Interfaces
- Installed audio equipment
The slim 14.5mm shell can be particularly useful around densely populated equipment.
Equipment-Hire Companies
Equipment-hire businesses can use NP2X-B connectors for:
- Guitar leads
- Bass leads
- Instrument cables
- Patch leads
- Equipment repair
- Custom cable manufacture
- Touring stock maintenance
A field-serviceable solder connector allows damaged cable assemblies to be repaired rather than automatically discarded.
Cable Manufacturers and Workshops
The NP2X-B is particularly useful for professional cable-building workshops.
Neutrik also offers dedicated assembly accessories including:
HTXP – hand tool for tightening PX-series bushings
HTPXS – hand tool for holding the PX shell while tightening the boot
These tools can improve repeatability when assembling larger quantities of professional cables.
Colour Coding
Neutrik offers:
BPX coloured boots
for the PX Series.
These allow cable identification by:
- Length
- Department
- Instrument
- Production
- Equipment package
- Ownership
Neutrik also offers:
PXR coloured marking rings
with a flat label surface for additional identification.
Cable Identification for Touring
Professional production companies may use coloured boots and marking rings to identify:
- Different cable lengths
- Guitar vs bass leads
- Artist-specific cables
- Department stock
- Hire inventory
- Special-purpose connections
Clear cable identification can make setup and pack-down more efficient.
Straight vs Right-Angle Plug
The NP2X-B is a:
Straight plug.
Neutrik also manufactures the:
NP2RX-B
right-angle equivalent with:
- 2-pole configuration
- Black shell
- Gold contacts
Choose according to the physical cable-routing requirement.
NP2X-B Straight
Ideal where:
- Straight cable exit is preferred
- Equipment clearance is adequate
- Standard cable construction is required
NP2RX-B Right Angle
Ideal where:
- Rear clearance is limited
- Pedalboard space is restricted
- A 90-degree cable exit is preferable
Product Specifications
Brand: Neutrik
Model: NP2X-B
Series: Plug X / PX Series
Product Type: Professional phone plug
Connector Size: 6.35mm / ¼ inch
Number of Poles: 2
Configuration: TS / mono
Gender: Male
Wiring: Solder contacts
Cable O.D.: 4–7mm
Maximum Conductor Size: 1.0mm² / 18 AWG
Shell: Zinc die-cast ZnAl4Cu1
Shell Finish: Black KTL coating
Contacts: Brass CuZn39Pb3
Contact Plating: 0.2µm gold
Insert: PA6.6, 30% glass reinforced
Strain Relief: POM chuck-type
Bushing: POM + PU
Housing Width: 14.5mm
Suitable Jack Pitch: 15.88mm high-density jackfields
Contact Resistance: Depends on mating connector
Rated Current: Depends on mating connector
Dielectric Strength: 1kV DC
Insulation Resistance: >2GΩ initially
Rated Voltage: <50V
Mechanical Life: >1,000 mating cycles
Temperature Range: -20°C to +65°C
Standard Compliance: IEC 60603-11 / EIA RS-453
Solderability: IEC 68-2-20 compliant
Optional Large-Cable Bushing: BPX-L for 7–8mm cable O.D.
Why Choose the Neutrik NP2X-B?
Choose the NP2X-B where a professional 6.35mm TS cable requires:
- Genuine Neutrik quality
- 2-pole mono / TS configuration
- Black metal housing
- Gold-plated contacts
- Precision-machined one-piece tip
- No riveted tip joint
- Extra-slim 14.5mm shell
- High-density 15.88mm jackfield compatibility
- Chuck-type strain relief
- 4–7mm standard cable compatibility
- Up to 1.0mm² / 18 AWG conductors
- Solder termination
- More than 1,000 mating cycles
- Optional colour-coded boots and rings
- Professional field-serviceable construction
It is particularly suited to professional guitar, bass, instrument and unbalanced audio cables where repeated use and reliable cable retention are important.
Why Buy Neutrik NP2X-B from GigLife?
GigLife supplies professional connectors, adaptors, cables, tapes, consumables and technical accessories specifically for the entertainment and production industries.
With more than 25 years of hands-on live entertainment industry experience, GigLife understands that the humble ¼-inch jack plug is still relied upon every day across stages, studios, theatres, touring systems and professional AV—and that connector quality matters when a cable has to work show after show.
Products are selected by people who work in production and understand the requirements of:
- Audio engineers
- Musicians
- Guitar and bass technicians
- Theatre technicians
- Touring crews
- Production companies
- Recording studios
- Broadcast facilities
- Film and television departments
- AV technicians
- Festivals
- Schools and performing arts centres
- Conference production
- Exhibition contractors
- Equipment-hire businesses
- Cable manufacturers and repair workshops
Whether you are building a premium guitar lead, repairing touring instrument cables, wiring an equipment rack, manufacturing patch leads or restocking a technical workshop, GigLife supplies genuine professional components selected by people who understand the job.
Orders are dispatched from Brisbane, with Australia-wide shipping available.
GigLife is proudly by the professionals… for the professionals.
