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

6.35mm TS vs. XLR 4-Pin

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

Comparing:
6.35mm TS
XLR 4-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 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

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
6.35mm TS
XLR 4-Pin
Connector Family
Phone Jack (Quarter-Inch / Standard Phone) Circular Audio / Power Interconnect (XLR4)
Conductors / Contacts
2 (Tip, Sleeve) 4 Pins
Signal Format
Unbalanced Mono Audio Broadcast Intercom / Balanced Headphone / 12V DC Power
Primary Applications
Electric guitar/bass cables, instrument patch leads, amplifier inputs, effects pedals Broadcast television intercom headsets, audiophile balanced headphones, field video DC power
Shaft / Plug Diameter
6.35 mm (1/4") —
Standard Mono Pinout
Tip: Hot Signal (+) | Sleeve: Ground / Shield —
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 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 3-Pin → Compare 6.35mm TS vs. XLR 5-Pin →