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

XLR 3-Pin vs. XLR 4-Pin

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

Comparing:
XLR 3-Pin
XLR 4-Pin
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 →
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
XLR 3-Pin
XLR 4-Pin
Connector Family
Circular Audio Interconnect (Cannon XLR) Circular Audio / Power Interconnect (XLR4)
Conductors / Contacts
3 (Pins 1, 2, 3 + Shell) 4 Pins
Signal Format
Balanced Analog Audio / AES3 Digital Broadcast Intercom / Balanced Headphone / 12V DC Power
Primary Applications
Professional studio microphones, PA live sound, mixer connections, stage snakes Broadcast television intercom headsets, audiophile balanced headphones, field video DC power
Standard Balanced Pinout
Pin 1: Ground/Shield | Pin 2: Hot (+) | Pin 3: Cold (-) —
Phantom Power Support
48V DC (+/- 4V) IEC 61938 P48 —
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 XLR 3-Pin vs. 2.5mm TRRS → Compare XLR 3-Pin vs. 2.5mm TRS → Compare XLR 3-Pin vs. 3.5 mm TRRS → Compare XLR 3-Pin vs. 3.5 mm TRS → Compare XLR 3-Pin vs. 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS → Compare XLR 3-Pin vs. 6.35mm TS → Compare XLR 3-Pin vs. Coaxial Cable Types (RG Series) → Compare XLR 3-Pin vs. RCA → Compare XLR 3-Pin vs. XLR 5-Pin →