XLR Jacks Explained: The Go-To Connector for Microphones
Learn what an XLR jack is, who invented it, and how male and female XLR connectors link microphones to mixers, sound cards and phantom power units.
The jack cables that link one device to another come in several types and shapes. They differ because their functions and positions differ, so anyone working in this field has to understand each one. It isn't enough to understand them, either: you should keep several types of jacks on hand so you don't have to keep unplugging and swapping. Still, many people don't know much about the XLR jack, its types and its connector shapes. Here is the full rundown.
What to Know About the XLR Jack
It was first invented by James H. Cannon at a fairly large company called Cannon Electric. The inventor named it the Cannon X, but the cable kept being developed until it reached its best specification. After a long process, the connecting cable was named XLR. Alongside this product, Cannon Electric also released a similar one built from very different components and of very different quality.
One of the most popular uses of this jack cable is to carry the input from a mic to a mixer or other equipment. The XLR jack also links signals to other devices, so connected gear can operate actively and receive power. Thanks to this principle, many devices can work together to support your recording sessions. Although it is small in design, it does a lot.
Types of XLR Jacks: Male and Female Connectors
The XLR jack has two different connectors that mate with each other, so they complete one another. The first is the male connector, and the second is the female connector. They are fitted to different devices: one sits on the body casing and the other sits on the other piece of equipment. Examples of equipment that use this kind of connector include mixers, sound cards and phantom power units.
The two connectors also differ in shape, so you can tell them apart easily. The male connector is designed with three long metal pins. The female XLR jack has three holes that match its counterpart, so the two fit together snugly. The three-pin configuration is numbered, so you can connect it in the right direction or order. The purpose is to keep noise out of the mic or mixer.
Audio connections between different devices need cables, and that is the basis for making the various types of jack cables. Their varied shapes lead companies to design unique forms that can be used across many kinds of equipment. You can choose the XLR jack for a wide range of devices, because the cable is functional and priced affordably. The jack has a unique three-pin configuration, so it needs to be handled with care.
