# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Jack Connectors

3.5 mm TRRS vs. XLR 4-Pin

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:
3.5 mm TRRS
XLR 4-Pin
3.5 mm TRRS →

3.5mm TRRS connectors transmit stereo audio plus a microphone signal over four conductors. CTIA wiring places ground on Ring 2 and mic on the sleeve; OMTP swaps ground to the sleeve and mic to Ring 2, causing muted or distorted audio when the two are mixed.

View full 3.5 mm TRRS spec sheet →
XLR 4-Pin →

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.

View full XLR 4-Pin spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
3.5 mm TRRS
XLR 4-Pin
Connector Family
Phone Jack (Mini-Jack) Circular Audio / Power Interconnect (XLR4)
Conductors / Contacts
4 (Tip, Ring 1, Ring 2, Sleeve) 4 Pins
Signal Format
Stereo Audio + Microphone / Inline Remote Broadcast Intercom / Balanced Headphone / 12V DC Power
Primary Applications
Smartphone headsets, gaming headsets, laptops with combo audio/mic jack Broadcast television intercom headsets, audiophile balanced headphones, field video DC power
Shaft / Plug Diameter
3.5 mm (1/8") —
CTIA Standard Pinout
Tip: Left | Ring 1: Right | Ring 2: Ground | Sleeve: Mic (Apple, Android) —
OMTP Standard Pinout
Tip: Left | Ring 1: Right | Ring 2: Mic | Sleeve: Ground (Legacy EU) —
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)

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. 2.5mm TRRS → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. 2.5mm TRS → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. 3.5 mm TRS → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. 6.35mm TS → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. Coaxial Cable Types (RG Series) → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. RCA → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. XLR 3-Pin → Compare 3.5 mm TRRS vs. XLR 5-Pin →