| The XLR plug is the standard for pro audio and video | | | | first, before the other pins make contact while the |
| applications. The plug itself is an electrical connector by | | | | XLRM is being inserted. Due to the fact that the |
| design. Not unlike the more ubiquitous RCA plug , which | | | | ground connection is made before the signal lines |
| used regularly with home audio and video electronics, | | | | make contact, XLR's can be plugged and unplugged |
| the XLR connector is different in several important | | | | without interference from external signals, a common |
| ways. | | | | problem with RCA connections. There is some |
| Originally designed and manufactured by James h. the | | | | discrepancy between various manufacturers between |
| connector was first called the "Cannon X," and after | | | | swapping pin 2 (normal input) and pin 3 (inverting input), |
| the addition of a latch the "Cannon XL" and finally the | | | | but this reflects nothing more than their own |
| "XLR" after having a rubber compound added to the | | | | pre-existing standards before any standards existed. |
| connectors. | | | | Pin 1 is exclusively the earthly return or ground pin, and |
| The 3-pin XLR is the most widely used, and is the | | | | often soldered to the internal shell or case. |
| standard as a balanced audio connector for | | | | Lastly, the XLRM male connector is used for output |
| professional microphones and connections between | | | | and the XLRF plug is used for input. So, a microphone |
| equipment. Other widely used configurations of the | | | | for example will have the XLRM connector. Signal |
| XLR plug is the 4-pin XLR4, used with Clear-Com and | | | | cables will have XLRM at one end and an XLRF |
| Telex intercom headsets and as DC power | | | | connector at the other. Mixing boards and various |
| connectors for video and film cameras. XLR5 is the | | | | multi-track recording equipment pieces typically have |
| standard for DMX512 digital lighting control as well as | | | | XLRF inputs and XLRM returns which lead back to |
| dual element microphones and dual channel intercom | | | | the stage, or to other components. |
| headsets. XLR6 is the standard connection for dual | | | | XLR connectors have been the standard in the |
| channel intercom belt-packs. | | | | professional recording and audio industry. XLR plugs |
| There are several now obselete configurations with | | | | are typically referred to as "balanced" and help reduce |
| additonal pins including the XLR-LNE mains power | | | | noise interference, especially over long spans. Quality in |
| connector, which was identified by its red insulation and | | | | XLR cables varies greatly depending on the |
| shrouded pins, and has now been replace by the | | | | manufacturer, but for professional use please check |
| Neutrik PowerCon connector. Until recently, XLR3 | | | | out Canare, Mogami and Neutrik. |
| connectors were also widely used with 2-conductor | | | | Recently, the advent of USB microphones that |
| loudspeaker cables, with either pin 2 or 3 as live (varies | | | | connect directly to a PC or MAC have gained |
| depending on the manufacturer) and pin 1 as the | | | | popularity. So far, USB microphones are primarily |
| earthly return. However, this turned out to be | | | | intended to be used as studio microphones, and live |
| dangerous to equipment and has since been replaced | | | | stage vocal microphones continue to use the standard |
| by the Neutrik Speakon connector. | | | | XLR connections. |
| XLRF connectors are made to connect the ground pin | | | | |