Side-by-Side Comparison
Jack Connectors
RCA vs. XLR 4-Pin
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
Comparing:
RCA
XLR 4-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.
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.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Connector Family
|
Coaxial Phono Connector | Circular Audio / Power Interconnect (XLR4) |
|
Conductors / Contacts
|
2 (Center Pin, Outer Shield Ring) | 4 Pins |
|
Signal Format
|
Unbalanced Line-Level Audio / Composite Video / S/PDIF | Broadcast Intercom / Balanced Headphone / 12V DC Power |
|
Primary Applications
|
Home theater receivers, DJ turntables/mixers, composite/component video, S/PDIF digital | Broadcast television intercom headsets, audiophile balanced headphones, field video DC power |
|
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) | — |
|
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) |