Talk:XLR connector

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Proposed change, right after the photo:

EIA Standard RS-297-A describes the use of the XLR3 for audio signal level applications. Before the standard was adopted, some audio equipment manufacturers reversed the use of pin 2 (properly the normal or "hot" input) and pin 3 (inverting input). This was generally not significant when using entirely balanced signal paths, since balanced outputs will have the same polarity as their inputs and no one will know the difference. But this could be a huge problem when going from balanced to unbalanced signals, as when using an unbalanced, XLR-equipped, pin-3-hot signal processing device (like older Klark Teknik compressors and gates) with a mixing desk that had unbalanced insert points and insert cables that wired the insert connnector's shield to pin 3. The result would be no signal whatsoever, unless one rewired the insert cable or made two special adapters to swap pins 2 and 3 for each inserted channel. Such problems were only exacerbated when using cables that were wired tip-send with a ring-send desk (see tip ring sleeve). It was much better to have a processor that also had 1/4" connectors. [Can you tell I had personal experience with this???]

The pin 2 vs. pin 3 debate was such an important and almost comical issue that, during at least one Audio Engineering Society convention in the late 1980s, one manufacturer (or the AES itself?) handed out spinny wheels, with a needle mounted to a piece of cardboard that was printed with a pie shape with pieces alternately labeled "pin 2 hot" and "pin 3 hot"--showing that whether a manufacturer chose pin 2 or pin 3 was seemingly completely random. [I can take a digital photo of this wheel if anyone is interested.]

But pin 2 is now the standard. Pin 1 is always earth, and many connectors connect it internally to the connector body.

Another proposed change, near the beginning:

The name XLR probably comes from the ITT Cannon part number. However, no one knows for sure why it was chosen, and debates about the origins of the name can be found in the archives of some of the major online audio communities. One helpful mnemonic to remember the now-standard wiring for an audio XLR connector (see below) is this:

pin 1 = X = earth/ground/shield
pin 2 = L = live/"hot"/"normal" input
pin 3 = R = return/"cold"/"inverting" input

In any case, XLR has become the standard name for these connectors, which are now made by many manufacturers apart from Cannon. Historically it is no more correct than the name "Cannon plug", which also continues to be used.

1 Confusion
2 mini XLR
3 mono?
4 Common mode noise cancellation
5 video??
6 Better photo?
7 History?
8 XLR-LNE
9 Pictures
10 (→XLR3 connectors - «+"XLR and 1/4' TRS combo jack."» not the best picture of a dark object.

[edit] Confusion

I believe the above mention of X being for earth, L being for Live and R being for return is what tends to confuse many young people in the industry and those visiting this site.--Tm1000 01:01, 25 September 2005 (UTC)

[edit] mini XLR

what is the official name for these connectors? sometimes called "mini-XLR":

http://www.ereca.fr/telec/422acces2.jpg - Omegatron 15:37, Apr 21, 2005 (UTC)

Switchcraft invented them and called them TINI Q-G. No one else does, but the partnumbers such as TA3F are well known. Meggar 05:45, 2005 Apr 22 (UTC)

[edit] mono?

I assume XLR only carries a mono signal? kwami 11:27, 17 December 2005 (UTC)

Yep. I guess it could carry an unbalanced stereo signal, too, like a TRS connector, but I've never seen this used in actual products. — Omegatron 16:22, 17 December 2005 (UTC)

Thanks! kwami 23:36, 27 December 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Common mode noise cancellation

Isn't the advantage of two inverted signals that the receiver can use them noise cancellation?

essentially yes as our balanced audio article says "Much of the noise induced in the cable is induced equally in both signal lines, so this noise can be easily rejected by using a differential amplifier or a balun at the input." Plugwash 19:37, 6 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] video??

the start of the article atm reads "XLR plugs and sockets are used mostly in professional audio and video electronics cabling applications. Home audio and video electronics normally use RCA connectors.". are xlr connectors used for video or just used along side video? (i've always thought it was the latter) --MilkMiruku 12:56, 21 April 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Better photo?

The current XLR image has poor contrast as wells overshapening artifacts. Could it please be replaced with a better image or diagram?

post a better one here and we'll discuss it. Metal bodied connectors are a HUGE pita to photgraph well because some part of them almost invariblly ends up reflecting the light source directly into the camera. Plugwash 16:13, 1 June 2006 (UTC)

I found a better one on Commons. Doesn't show panel-mount though. I might try my hand at it, but not in the next few days...

A diagram showing the pinouts would be good, too. I'm a little confused about the case connection. Is the standard trying to recommend a three-conductor+shielded cable? — Omegatron 01:07, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] History?

Can anyone tell when XLR was invented?

[edit] XLR-LNE

I have uploaded picture of a XLR-LNE plug, socket follows shortly --jmb 23:01, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

XLR-LNE Plug

XLR-LNE Socket

(I also have a EP-LNE and EP4 plug in my junk box if pictures wanted for any other articles. Sure I must have one of the old EP4 (socket) mains lead somewhere) --jmb 23:24, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

Very cool. They're a little blurry at the front of the connector, which is the part we want to see. Can you take more? I've found that putting the camera in macro mode and then zooming in all the way works best. Maybe just the plug and socket by themselves without the paper behind? — Omegatron 23:36, 8 August 2006 (UTC)

I will have another try later, trouble is the flash being above the camera tends to not penetrate into the pins. I will get a floodlight out and see if I can some more light with that. --jmb 07:42, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

This one should be better. The trouble with using Macro is that it is difficult to get enough light into the front of the subject. It is easier to get further away and then use zoom. --jmb 08:54, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

XLR-LNE Plug and Socket

Yeah, my camera can be in macro mode and zoom in all the way, which works best for me. Allows more of it to be in focus.

This version is much better. Thanks. — Omegatron 12:16, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Pictures

I found some more XLR connectors in a box of junk so Ihave taken some pictures. Leave someone else to fit on the main page if wanted. I have some XLR3 but you seem to have that covered OK. --jmb 15:14, 5 December 2006 (UTC)