Eurorack Jack Confusion

Modules for DIY in Eurorack use 3.5mm mono jacks that come in three basic types, each with a different PCB footprint. The part numbers for each of these is different from different manufacturers and also have changed over time. I’m writing this post for my own benefit as well as anyone who has ever been confused by the proliferation of part numbers.

Thonkiconn

Thonkiconn jacks are named for the DIY seller Thonk.

WQP-518MA, previously PJ301M-12, previously WQP-PJ398SM   

WQP-518MA are the newest version from Qingpu Electronics featuring a square bushing plate for added durability.

WQP-518MA
WQP-518MA bottom
PJ301M-12

Erthenvar or snap-in (BM suffix)

The WQP-518MA-BM is the new improved version of the WQP-PJ301BM, previously WQP-PJ398S-BM, featuring Qingpu’s rugged square based bushing. The sleeve connection is through the outer bracket that snaps into place on the PCB allowing for easy construction and panel fitting. This type of jack is used in Befaco modules.

Qingpu WQP-PJ398S-BM

Kobiconn

Kobiconn jacks are used by nonlinearcircuits and others. They are easily identified by three lugs, one of which flies above the PCB.

Kobiconn 16PJ138 (A865)
Tayda A-865
CLIFF FC6812-JYO-35

Doepfer type jack

Some Eurorack modules use yet another type of jack.

CLIFF CL1384

PJ324 stereo jack

Added by request, but it’s not typical for Eurorack builds.

PJ324

Even more types!

There are many types of 3.5mm jack available. I can’t list all of them of course. This post is for the typical Eurorack DIY builder.

5 Responses to Eurorack Jack Confusion

  1. Joshua Rodriquez says:

    Great and Beneficial Post!

  2. Richard says:

    Thanks, Josh. It was a bit of work finding those photos!

  3. Joe says:

    Thanks for the summary. Bookmarked.
    You might want to include the PJ-324, which are used in quite some modules to mount the PCBs orthogonally to the panel to save space.

  4. Richard says:

    Hi Joe. All the PJ324 jacks I found were stereo jacks, like the one I added. Do you have a link to a DIY module that uses these?

  5. Joe says:

    Michael Zülch uses these for example in his 2hp Slim Line modules. https://github.com/mzuelch/CATs-Eurosynth

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