Made in Japan Quality: The Excellence of Tomoca’s Pro Audition Plugs

Greetings! This is Mark, a writer for Sound House.

Today, I’d like to talk about plugs for custom cables.

When you’re making shield cables for electric guitars or basses, what kind of plugs do you use?

As for me... I use a variety of plugs from different manufacturers, without sticking to a specific brand.

Neutrik, Switchcraft, Canare, Amphenol, Lian, Oyaide, G&H, Providence, CLASSIC PRO...

Each brand has its own specifications and features, so I select them based on the usage scenario, but recently, I’ve found a plug I particularly like. I want to introduce it to you all, as I think you should give it a try.

Here it is: the Pro Audition Series from Tomoca Electronics Co.

“Hey, I’ve seen this before but ignored it.” If that’s you—yes, you!

This is a masterpiece you shouldn’t overlook!

Tomoca Pro Audition

Tomoca is a long-established Japanese electrical material manufacturer. They offer a wide range of audio plugs.

TOMOCA Product Catalog Website

One of their standout products is the Pro Audition Series, which is a proud Made-in-Japan product from Tomoca.

Tomoca / AS-106C

The key feature is the shape of the tip.

The Pro Audition phone plug uses a unique shape called UHS developed in collaboration with AET Inc.

As mentioned in an article by Sound House staff, there are several standards like JIS and EIA for plugs and jacks, and they differ slightly in dimensions.
Although the differences are minor at a glance, they make a big difference in terms of fit, contact stability, and how securely the plug stays in place.

To build a reliable system, it’s important not to choose plugs based solely on the brand name, but to check the specifications of your equipment before choosing the right plug.

This is where the Pro Audition’s UHS shape comes in.

Based on my testing, the Pro Audition works well with both JIS standard domestic jacks (like Marushin Musen Denki) and EIA standard overseas jacks (like Switchcraft).

Another feature that shouldn’t be overlooked is the wider sleeve diameter. The Pro Audition has a diameter that’s just right for the inner diameter of the jack.

Depending on the equipment you’re using, you might wonder, “Is this putting too much strain on the equipment?” But this tight fit actually has a positive effect on stability and preventing disconnections.

I’ve been using it for years with the same equipment, and I haven’t had any issues, so unless it’s a case where you’d need to apply oil or something, I don’t think it’s a concern.

This perfect fit is really great, and it’s ideal for lines where you don’t want it to come out, like between the guitar and the board.

After realizing how good it is, I’ve replaced all the plugs on my studio cables with Pro Audition plugs. I also use them for the patch cables going into and out of the junction box.

Body that Supports Thicker Cables

The body of the Pro Audition is well-designed too.

With its matte finish, minimal yet easy-to-grip texture, and tightly fastening screw, you’d be surprised this is just a 300 yen plug.

The diameter of the hole for the cable is 9mm, and the spring inner diameter is 7mm (measured with the AS-100C).

The thickness of the metal plate that holds the cable is 0.5mm, so if you remove the spring, even thicker cables like Mogami 3368 (8mm diameter) will just barely fit!
I also used the Pro Audition when cutting the Fender Deluxe Series Instrument Cable to the exact dimensions I wanted.

Fender / Deluxe Series Instrument Cable Tweed S/S 3m

It easily accommodated an 8mm cloth-covered cable without any issues.

With the ability to handle a wide range of diameters, an internal layout that makes handling easy, good soldering lugs, solid insulation tubes, and a spring that doesn’t feel sluggish, the Pro Audition plugs offer both high-quality construction and versatility.

A Worthwhile Product to Try

So, that’s an introduction to the Tomoca Pro Audition Series. Honestly, it’s a plug that’s worth trying.

As I mentioned, using it for lines where you don’t want disconnections, like between the guitar and the board, really lets it show off its performance, and I also use it for the junction box. While it’s bulkier than L-shaped plugs or solderless plugs, the reliability it offers is well worth it.
I recommend buying in bulk when it’s in stock!

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