How do I know if I need Mono or Stereo?

All audio output from radios is MONO. Output from things like radios and MP3 players (phones) are all Stereo. By looking at the plugs, you can easily see if they require a mono or a stereo socket. Mono – has only 2 metal rings on the plug while Stereo has 3 or more steel rings (as a rule of thumb if the plug has 4 Rings, it will normally mean the earpieces have a built in Microphone as well)

Mono

Stereo

What happens if I plug a "Stereo Plug", like used on my phone earplugs into a MONO socket?

If you plug in a stereo plug into a mono socket, the result is likely that you will only hear sound in one Ear.

What happens if you plug a MONO plug into a Stereo Socket?

This is a little more serious, most like your sound will be muffled. This is caused by the plug “shorting out” one of the sound channels and will affect the audio quality of the output. This potential can cause damage to equipment. 

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