XLR Jack Guide: The Standard Microphone Connector Explained
Learn what an XLR jack is, how Cannon Electric developed it, and how its male and female three-pin connectors link microphones to mixers and soundcards.
The jack cables that connect one device to another come in several types and shapes. They are built differently because each one has its own job and sits in a different spot, so anyone working in this field needs to know them one by one. Knowing them is not enough, either: you should also keep a few types on hand so you are not constantly unplugging and replugging. Even so, many people still know little about the XLR jack, its types, and its connector shapes. Here is the full rundown.
About the XLR Jack
The connector was first invented by James H. Cannon at a fairly large company called Cannon Electric. He named it the Cannon X, but the cable kept being developed until it reached its best specifications. After a long process, the connecting cable was renamed XLR. Alongside this product, Cannon Electric also launched a similar one built from very different components and of very different quality.
One of the most popular uses of this jack cable is as the input link from a mic to a mixer or another device. The XLR jack is also used to pass signals on to other equipment, so it can work actively and carry a voltage source. Thanks to this principle, many devices can run to support your recording sessions. Small as it is, it does quite a lot.
Types of XLR Jack: Male and Female Connectors
It consists of two different connectors that join together and complement each other. The first is the male connector. The second is the female connector. They are fitted on different devices: one sits on the body casing and the other on another piece of equipment. Examples of devices that use this type of connector include mixers, soundcards, phantom power units, and more.
The two connectors also differ in shape, so you can tell them apart easily. The male connector has three elongated metal pins. The female XLR jack has three holes that match its partner, so the two fit together snugly. The three pin positions are numbered differently, so you can wire them in the right direction or order. This is done to keep noise out of the mic or mixer.
Audio connections between different devices need cables, and that is the basis for making all the different jack cables. The varied shapes mean different companies design their own unique forms, which can be used across many kinds of equipment. You can choose an XLR jack for a wide range of devices, because the cable is functional and sold at an affordable price. The jack has three unique pin configurations, so pay close attention to them.
