Side-by-Side Comparison
Jack Connectors
2.5mm TRRS vs. XLR 4-Pin
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
Comparing:
2.5mm TRRS
XLR 4-Pin
2.5mm TRRS adds a microphone conductor to the 2.5mm TRS jack, following the same CTIA or OMTP wiring conventions as 3.5mm TRRS. It served as a mobile phone headset jack -- including on older Nokia handsets -- before 3.5mm became the universal smartphone headset size.
4-pin XLR uses the same connector shell as standard 3-pin XLR but carries entirely different, incompatible signals depending on the equipment: intercom headsets, balanced headphone outputs, or 12V DC power -- with no universal standard or keying to prevent connecting the wrong device to the wrong port.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Connector Family
|
Phone Jack (Micro-Mini) | Circular Audio / Power Interconnect (XLR4) |
|
Conductors / Contacts
|
4 (Tip, Ring 1, Ring 2, Sleeve) | 4 Pins |
|
Signal Format
|
Stereo Audio + Microphone / Video | Broadcast Intercom / Balanced Headphone / 12V DC Power |
|
Primary Applications
|
Pre-smartphone Nokia/mobile headsets, portable AV camcorder break-out | Broadcast television intercom headsets, audiophile balanced headphones, field video DC power |
|
Shaft / Plug Diameter
|
2.5 mm | — |
|
CTIA Standard Pinout
|
Tip: Left | Ring 1: Right | Ring 2: Ground | Sleeve: Mic | — |
|
OMTP Standard Pinout
|
Tip: Left | Ring 1: Right | Ring 2: Mic | Sleeve: Ground | — |
|
Intercom Pinout
|
— | Pin 1: Mic Gnd | Pin 2: Mic Signal | Pin 3: Phone Return | Pin 4: Phone Signal |
|
Balanced Headphone Pinout
|
— | Pin 1: L(+) | Pin 2: L(-) | Pin 3: R(+) | Pin 4: R(-) |
|
DC Power Pinout
|
— | Pin 1: 0V / Gnd | Pin 4: +12V DC (Pins 2 & 3 Unused) |
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