Side-by-Side Comparison
Jack Connectors
RCA vs. XLR 3-Pin
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
RCA
XLR 3-Pin
The RCA connector, introduced by RCA Corporation around 1937, is a de facto industry-standard connector for consumer audio and composite video -- there is no formal mechanical specification for the connector itself, though the composite video signal it typically carries targets a nominal 75-ohm impedance.
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.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Connector Family
|
Coaxial Phono Connector | Circular Audio Interconnect (Cannon XLR) |
|
Conductors / Contacts
|
2 (Center Pin, Outer Shield Ring) | 3 (Pins 1, 2, 3 + Shell) |
|
Signal Format
|
Unbalanced Line-Level Audio / Composite Video / S/PDIF | Balanced Analog Audio / AES3 Digital |
|
Primary Applications
|
Home theater receivers, DJ turntables/mixers, composite/component video, S/PDIF digital | Professional studio microphones, PA live sound, mixer connections, stage snakes |
|
Outer Shell / Contact Diameter
|
8.3–8.5 mm (Outer) | 3.175 mm (Center Pin) | — |
|
Standard Pinout
|
Center Pin: Positive Signal (+) | Outer Ring: Ground / Shield (-) | — |
|
Characteristic Impedance
|
75 Ω (Video / S/PDIF) | ~50 Ω (Audio) | — |
|
Standard Balanced Pinout
|
— | Pin 1: Ground/Shield | Pin 2: Hot (+) | Pin 3: Cold (-) |
|
Phantom Power Support
|
— | 48V DC (+/- 4V) IEC 61938 P48 |