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

6.35mm TS vs. XLR 3-Pin

Comparing 2 standards across 8 specifications. 8 key differences identified.

Comparing:
6.35mm TS
XLR 3-Pin
6.35mm TS →

6.35mm TS (Tip-Sleeve) is the 2-conductor version of the quarter-inch phone connector, carrying a single unbalanced mono signal. It's the standard connector for electric guitar and instrument cables, unchanged in essentials since its telephone-switchboard origins.

View full 6.35mm TS 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

8 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
6.35mm TS
XLR 3-Pin
Connector Family
Phone Jack (Quarter-Inch / Standard Phone) Circular Audio Interconnect (Cannon XLR)
Conductors / Contacts
2 (Tip, Sleeve) 3 (Pins 1, 2, 3 + Shell)
Signal Format
Unbalanced Mono Audio Balanced Analog Audio / AES3 Digital
Primary Applications
Electric guitar/bass cables, instrument patch leads, amplifier inputs, effects pedals Professional studio microphones, PA live sound, mixer connections, stage snakes
Shaft / Plug Diameter
6.35 mm (1/4") —
Standard Mono Pinout
Tip: Hot Signal (+) | Sleeve: Ground / Shield —
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 6.35mm TS vs. 2.5mm TRRS → Compare 6.35mm TS vs. 2.5mm TRS → Compare 6.35mm TS vs. 3.5 mm TRRS → Compare 6.35mm TS vs. 3.5 mm TRS → Compare 6.35mm TS vs. 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS → Compare 6.35mm TS vs. Coaxial Cable Types (RG Series) → Compare 6.35mm TS vs. RCA → Compare 6.35mm TS vs. XLR 4-Pin → Compare 6.35mm TS vs. XLR 5-Pin →