Professional XLR Audio Connectors

The XLR connector is a type of electrical connector primarily found on professional audio, video, and stage lighting equipment. The connectors are circular in design and have between three and seven pins.

XLR Connectors are most commonly used in audio applications such as in studios and stage environments, along with lighting and controlling machines such as fog machines. This electrical connector is widespread in professional audio applications for many reasons, but mainly because of its suitability in delivering balanced microphone and line-level signals with no loss of quality over long cable distances. In addition, the robust circular connector shape allows for reliable connection time and again. 

What are male and female XLR connectors?

XLR connectors are available in male or female genders. Both genders can be paired with wires which are attached to contacts on the connector. The male XLR connector features pins surrounded by a barrel sleeve to protect the small pin layout when not in use. Female XLR connectors feature a matching layout of sockets with a stepped body that mates with the male XLR barrel sleeve to make a stable connection.

XLR connectors typically have built-in push-button locking, ensuring a secure connection which may be vital in stage audio setups or wherever the possibility of accidental disconnection is high. For secure, durable and quality audio connections, XLR connectors are the industry standard.

Available in a range of pin counts, the most common XLR format is a standard three-pin. This is because being the industry standard and can be found in almost all audio and lighting applications. However, other pin counts can be used for a variety of reasons; higher pin counts can allow for a more significant number of signals being transferred through the cable for applications such as controlling multi-function lighting systems.