XLR (eXternal Line Return) cables, known for their sturdiness and reliability, are ubiquitous in professional audio setups around the world. Identifiable by their circular heads and three-prong connectors, XLR cables are the backbone of transmitting balanced audio signals with minimal interference over long distances. Used by both audio equipment and some lighting fixtures, these cables are favored in recording studios, live sound environments, and broadcast booths for their ability to maintain signal integrity even in busy signal environments. XLR cables are designed to have study connectors with locking mechanisms that provide a secure connection, ensuring peace of mind for audio and lighting technicians during performances and recordings.
Beyond their durability, XLR cables offer superior audio quality when compared to other kinds of audio cables, like Jack cables, thanks to their balanced transmission design. By carrying two copies of the audio signal with opposite polarities, XLR cables effectively cancel out electromagnetic interference, resulting in cleaner sound reproduction. This feature makes XLR cables indispensable for professional musicians, audio engineers, and broadcasters who demand pristine audio fidelity. Used to connect microphones, speakers, and mixing consoles as well as some lighting fixtures and lighting consoles, XLR cords can be found in every event space around the world.
Invented in 1950 by James H. Cannon, founder of Cannon Electric Company, the cords were designed for military communication applications as well as for sound equipment in professional studios. Like most cables and cords, each features a male and female end, with the male end having pins and the female end having pin receptacles. 3-pin XLR cords are the most common but they are also produced in four, five, six, and seven-pin styles. Both three and five-pin XLR cords are used by many intelligent lighting fixtures (intelligent meaning LED color changing or movement capabilities) with 5-pin being the most common today. These 5-pin XLR cords are the standard for digital lighting control and are referred to as DMX cables.
In three-pin XLR cords the first pin is the ground, the second is positive or “hot” and the third is negative or “cold”. Signal flow for XLR cables flows from the female to the male end, making the male end the output and the female the input. These kinds of cables can also handle “Phantom Power” which is a low voltage (48 volts) that some audio equipment like condenser microphones.
