Side-by-Side Comparison
Jack Connectors
XLR 3-Pin vs. XLR 5-Pin
Comparing 2 standards across 8 specifications. 8 key differences identified.
Comparing:
XLR 3-Pin
XLR 5-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.
5-pin XLR is the standard connector for DMX512 digital lighting control -- though 3-pin XLR is commonly, and per the DMX512 spec itself non-compliantly, substituted in practice. 5-pin XLR is also used for some stereo microphones and modular professional audio equipment.
Specification Comparison Table
8 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Connector Family
|
Circular Audio Interconnect (Cannon XLR) | Circular Stage & Lighting Interconnect (XLR5) |
|
Conductors / Contacts
|
3 (Pins 1, 2, 3 + Shell) | 5 Pins |
|
Signal Format
|
Balanced Analog Audio / AES3 Digital | DMX512 Digital Lighting Control / Dual-Element Audio |
|
Primary Applications
|
Professional studio microphones, PA live sound, mixer connections, stage snakes | Stage lighting consoles, moving head fixtures, dimmers, dual-channel stereo microphones |
|
Standard Balanced Pinout
|
Pin 1: Ground/Shield | Pin 2: Hot (+) | Pin 3: Cold (-) | — |
|
Phantom Power Support
|
48V DC (+/- 4V) IEC 61938 P48 | — |
|
DMX512 Pinout
|
— | Pin 1: Shield | Pin 2: Data 1(-) | Pin 3: Data 1(+) | Pin 4: Data 2(-) | Pin 5: Data 2(+) |
|
Governing Standard
|
— | ANSI E1.11 / USITT DMX512-A |
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