Before the arrival of USB, aux cables, most specifically the 3.5mm, was the common way of connecting headphones, microphones. speakers, mp3 player to other devices. It is still used even today. However, you will find that the USB option is becoming more common. Laptops, speakers, TVs, and other items will feature both aux and USB or may lack the aux port.
You may have a functional headset or portable speaker with aux jacks. However, the device you want to connect it to, for instance, a tablet, smartphone, notebook or any other may lack an aux cable. Instead, what you get is a USB port. So how do you go about it? In the following read, I will show, you two step by step guides on how to convert aux cables to USB. Before you read further also check our article on How To Fix Aux Cables?
A Complete Guide How To Convert Aux Cables To USB
Method 1:
You may want everything to remain intact and you don’t want to cut or strip wires or do any kind of soldering or use hot glue. This is the best option for you.
What you will need:
- USB soundcard or converter
- micro USB connector (optional)
- Time
NB: No tools needed
The USB sound card of the converter is a small device that features a USB port on one end and two-aux points on the other need. One will be marked headphone while the other will have the microphone icon.
The traditional type of jack or aux cable will have three sections. Two differently colored wires (usually red and blue/ black) will be for the audio, the right and left side. The golden one will be the ground. Modern types may have four wires with the extra one being for the microphone. The 3-part unit won’t work in a unit designed for a 4-part aux cable.
In most USB, you will find four wires. Two being for the right and left side while the other two are for power, optic (red) and negative (black/blue).
Step 1
You simply take the 3.5mm jacks coming from the headset, smartphone, to any other device and plug them into the end with the jack input. You can use both of them or either the microphone or headphone option. This will depend on the device.
NB: phones have a micro USB port, which is much smaller. You will need a specula type that usually comes with the phone. Alternatively, you can buy it.
Step 2
Connect the USB end of the sound card or converter to the device with a USB point.
It should now be fully functional
Method 2
This is more of a permanent connection and will involve stripping, soldering, and waterproofing the joints. It’s a good choice if you have several parts lying around or are sure you’ll never need to use the aux cable in another device. It is also a good choice for people who don’t mind getting g down and dirty.
Why you need:
- Unit with the aux cable
- Cable or wire with a USB point
- Wire stripper
- Soldering iron/gun
- Solder wire
- Hot glue gun
- Time
Make sure to read our article on Best Aux Cables. I am sure you will love to read it.
Step 1: Expose the ends of the wires
Cut the side without the aux connector or USB. Inside the aux unit, you will find three wires. One red, the other green or blue, and the last one are golden. The colored wires are for the left and right audio while the golden one is the ground. Usually, the wires will have a special coating to prevent conductivity.
The first step is to cut the plastic like sheeting by about 0.75-1 inch. This will expose the 3 wires. The next move is to burn the ends using a lighter, a candle, or even a matchstick. This removes the coating and exposes the wires.
Thereafter, you clean the ends with cleaning alcohol, circuit board cleaner, or any other compound to remove any soot, oil, grease, dirt or dust.
NB: Do not expose the wires to the flame for too long for they can start to melt. They usually are very thin strands.
For the USB, you will find four wires. Two will be for audio, while two (usually red and black/blue) will be for power. You don’t need the ones for power. Just the audio. And like the aux, you need to strip them about 1-inch to expose the copper wires. The USB wires are normally not coated. Hence, once you remove the plastic cover, you will be able to use them.
NB there are some types of USB cables that only have 2 wires. This will usually be for power hence won’t work in this case.
Step 2: Join the audio wires
Take the two ends of the colored wires and twist them together. Ensure they are tight enough. Also, do not overdo it because it may break some strands. Do the same for the golden wires. Now you go to the USB end. After cutting the main cable and the inner sheathing, you will have the needed wires. Twist the ones for sound firmly and cut the other for power ensuring they are concealed.
Step 3: Join the aux and USB
Take the audio wires and join them to either of the two wires on the USB. You need to do this while they are connected to the speaker on one side and the device with the USB on the other hand. You may need to switch the two wires to know the correct one. This is symbolized by the production of good sound.
Step 4: Solder the joints
Use the soldering gun/ iron and the solder wire to create a firm bond. The best practice is to apply a thin layer of solder on the wires first. This process is known as tinning and it improves strength and connectivity. It also makes soldering the final product easier. Thereafter solder the joint as usual.
Step 5: Waterproof the joint
To make the connection/ joint waterproof, you need to apply hot glue. This provides good protection against moisture, dirt, oils, water and other things.
Conclusion
The above is the step by step guide on how to convert aux cables to USB. It’s relatively a simple process that does not require great skills. It nevertheless provides a decent and reliable accessory. It also saves you the money that you would have used to buy a compatible device.
