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

3.5 mm TRS vs. XLR 4-Pin

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

Comparing:
3.5 mm TRS
XLR 4-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 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 TRS
XLR 4-Pin
Connector Family
Phone Jack (Mini-Jack) Circular Audio / Power Interconnect (XLR4)
Conductors / Contacts
3 (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) 4 Pins
Signal Format
Unbalanced Stereo / Balanced Mono Broadcast Intercom / Balanced Headphone / 12V DC Power
Primary Applications
Standard headphones, PC audio line-out, auxiliary inputs, portable media players Broadcast television intercom headsets, audiophile balanced headphones, field video DC power
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 —
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 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 3-Pin → Compare 3.5 mm TRS vs. XLR 5-Pin →