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

3.5 mm TRRS vs. XLR 5-Pin

Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.

Comparing:
3.5 mm TRRS
XLR 5-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 5-Pin →

5-pin XLR is the standard connector for DMX512 digital lighting control -- though 3-pin XLR is commonly, and per the DMX512 spec itself non-compliantly, substituted in practice. 5-pin XLR is also used for some stereo microphones and modular professional audio equipment.

View full XLR 5-Pin spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
3.5 mm TRRS
XLR 5-Pin
Connector Family
Phone Jack (Mini-Jack) Circular Stage & Lighting Interconnect (XLR5)
Conductors / Contacts
4 (Tip, Ring 1, Ring 2, Sleeve) 5 Pins
Signal Format
Stereo Audio + Microphone / Inline Remote DMX512 Digital Lighting Control / Dual-Element Audio
Primary Applications
Smartphone headsets, gaming headsets, laptops with combo audio/mic jack Stage lighting consoles, moving head fixtures, dimmers, dual-channel stereo microphones
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) —
DMX512 Pinout
— Pin 1: Shield | Pin 2: Data 1(-) | Pin 3: Data 1(+) | Pin 4: Data 2(-) | Pin 5: Data 2(+)
Governing Standard
— ANSI E1.11 / USITT DMX512-A

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 4-Pin →