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

3.5 mm TRS vs. XLR 3-Pin

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

Comparing:
3.5 mm TRS
XLR 3-Pin
3.5 mm TRS →

3.5mm TRS is the 3-conductor version of the 3.5mm mini-jack. It's wired either as unbalanced stereo audio (tip: left, ring: right, sleeve: ground) in consumer headphones, or as balanced mono (tip: hot, ring: cold, sleeve: ground) in some professional audio gear -- the same three contacts, different signals depending on the device.

View full 3.5 mm TRS spec sheet →
XLR 3-Pin →

Standard 3-pin XLR audio connectors use Pin 1 for chassis ground/shield, Pin 2 for the positive (hot) signal, and Pin 3 for the negative (cold) signal. 48V phantom power is supplied equally across Pins 2 and 3 relative to Pin 1.

View full XLR 3-Pin spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
3.5 mm TRS
XLR 3-Pin
Connector Family
Phone Jack (Mini-Jack) Circular Audio Interconnect (Cannon XLR)
Conductors / Contacts
3 (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) 3 (Pins 1, 2, 3 + Shell)
Signal Format
Unbalanced Stereo / Balanced Mono Balanced Analog Audio / AES3 Digital
Primary Applications
Standard headphones, PC audio line-out, auxiliary inputs, portable media players Professional studio microphones, PA live sound, mixer connections, stage snakes
Shaft / Plug Diameter
3.5 mm (1/8") —
Standard Stereo Pinout
Tip: Left | Ring: Right | Sleeve: Ground —
Balanced Mono Pinout
Tip: Hot (+) | Ring: Cold (-) | Sleeve: Ground —
Standard Balanced Pinout
— Pin 1: Ground/Shield | Pin 2: Hot (+) | Pin 3: Cold (-)
Phantom Power Support
— 48V DC (+/- 4V) IEC 61938 P48

Other Alternatives to Compare

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