These are used to connect devices to a computer system. These devices can then transmit data to the computer telling the system what operations to perform (what things to do). A MIDI controller keyboard would connect using a USB cable, audio interfaces most often connect through a USB cable, external hard drives.. any equipment you can think of that will connect directly into the computer will more than likely use this type of cable. 

These cables are used to connect different types of audio equipment. Most commonly used to connect microphones to an audio interface or mixing desk.

They can also be used to connect a DI box to studio equipment as they are able to carry power, known as phantom power (+48volts).

The audio signal that runs through these cables is known as a balanced signal. This means that the cable cancels out any noise that passes through it, think of the way that noise cancelling headphones get rid of the noise from the outside world. This is the same process that happens in a balanced cable, it can cancel out any interference that tries to affect the signal passing through it.

This is a stereo connector as it can carry a left and right signal.

These come in various sizes; The quarter inch (1/4”) version is most commonly used to connect instruments to amplifiers or other studio equipment that can accept this type of connection. Instrument cables are mono – they only carry one signal. This also means that they are unbalanced.

3.5mm jack connectors are found on headphones. This is the small jack connector that connects headphones, MP3 players and other smaller audio equipment. 

This type of cable is commonly found connecting stereo equipment. The red connector carries the Right-hand signal while the white connector carries the left-hand signal. So, if you panned the guitar to the left it would come through the white connection.

This is a stereo connector.