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Audio Connectors

There are a variety of different audio connectors available. The most common types are 3-pin XLR, RCA, and 6.5mm jacks (also known as ¼" jacks).

3-pin XLR

3-pin XLR connectors are mainly used for balanced audio signals. Using a balanced signal reduces the risk of inference.

Pin 1 is the earth (or shield)
Pin 2 is the +ve (or 'hot')
Pin 3 is the -ve (or 'cold).

There are a number of different XLR's - 3-pin, 4-pin, 5-pin etc

3-pin XLR Male
3-pin XLR Female

¼" Jack (6.5mm Jack)

There are two types of 6.5mm Jacks: Mono and stereo. The mono jack has a tip and a sleeve, the stereo jack has ring, a tip and a sleeve.

On the mono jack the tip is the +ve, and the sleeve is the -ve or shield.
On a stereo jack being used for a balanced signal, the tip is the +ve, the ring is the -ve, and the sleeve is the shield.
On a stereo jack being used for a stereo signal (left and right), the tip is the left, the ring is the right, and the sleeve is the shield.

Jacks also come in various sizes - 6.5mm (¼"), 3.5mm, 2.5mm. The wiring for all of them is the same.

1/4" Mono Jack
1/4" Stereo Jack

RCA

RCAs are used a lot for home stereos, videos, DVDs etc.

The RCA can carry either audio or video. It is wired the same way as a mono jack: The center pin is the +ve, and the outer ring is the -ve or shield.

RCA Male

Audio Cales and Connections
Audio Cables	XLR to 1/4" mono jack	XLR to RCA	Stereo jack to 2 x RCA
Audio Connectors	XLR to stereo jack	XLR to 2 x RCA