XLR Connectors
Professional balanced audio connector — the standard for microphones and line-level audio.
Types
- XLR3 (3-pin): Balanced audio (mic/line level)
- XLR5 (5-pin): DMX lighting control
- XLR4 (4-pin): Intercom systems (Clear-Com, RTS)
Max Cable Length
- Balanced audio: up to 100m+ (depending on signal level and environment)
Common Uses in AV
- Microphones (dynamic and condenser)
- Line-level audio between components
- DMX lighting control
- Intercom systems
Key Considerations
- Always use balanced connections for noise rejection
- Phantom power (+48V) carried on pins 2 and 3 for condenser mics
- Male = output, Female = input (by convention)
- Pin 1: Ground, Pin 2: Hot (+), Pin 3: Cold (−)