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

3.5 mm TRS vs. XLR 5-Pin

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

Comparing:
3.5 mm TRS
XLR 5-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 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 TRS
XLR 5-Pin
Connector Family
Phone Jack (Mini-Jack) Circular Stage & Lighting Interconnect (XLR5)
Conductors / Contacts
3 (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) 5 Pins
Signal Format
Unbalanced Stereo / Balanced Mono DMX512 Digital Lighting Control / Dual-Element Audio
Primary Applications
Standard headphones, PC audio line-out, auxiliary inputs, portable media players Stage lighting consoles, moving head fixtures, dimmers, dual-channel stereo microphones
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 —
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 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 4-Pin →