I'm just planning what XLR connectors I'm going to need for the balanced lines in my active speaker and pre-amp project. I found that my DAC (a Cambridge audio dacmagic plus) has two 3-pin Male/pin chassis sockets for its balanced output...
I was always of the opinion that outlets should be female and inlets male but I've little experience of balanced stuff; is there a different convention for balanced XLR or is my DAC unusual?
Cheers
Kev
I was always of the opinion that outlets should be female and inlets male but I've little experience of balanced stuff; is there a different convention for balanced XLR or is my DAC unusual?
Cheers
Kev
XLR is opposite to all conventional POWER sockets.
The manufacturers protect us from injury by making power outlet poles "female".
But XLR signal outlet poles are "male". Note also that the "earthing" female projects further to ensure "first contact".
The manufacturers protect us from injury by making power outlet poles "female".
But XLR signal outlet poles are "male". Note also that the "earthing" female projects further to ensure "first contact".
Thanks for the quick replies both of you!
I nearly made a mistake there; seems counter-intuitive, although I suppose it doesn't matter for low voltages and modern ICs that protect themselves against shorts so I'll just follow the convention.
Cheers
Kev
I nearly made a mistake there; seems counter-intuitive, although I suppose it doesn't matter for low voltages and modern ICs that protect themselves against shorts so I'll just follow the convention.
Cheers
Kev
The opposite to convention warns you when you try to plug in a non signal cable.
XLRs get used for lots of (unofficial?) purposes other than signal.
XLRs get used for lots of (unofficial?) purposes other than signal.
Ah, yes that makes sense; I'd not considered using them for other stuff but I guess they're pretty good connectors so the temptation is there.
Cheers
Kev
Cheers
Kev
Well they were never specifically an audio connector in the first place....
Actually way back in the day you used to see them used on speakers (Typically they way around you would expect for power) so doing the opposite for line and mic level made sense.
Lots of other stuff uses them however, comms, cue lights, DMX512 (Should really be 5 pin, but there is plenty of three pin non standards compliant crap out there), I have even see 3 pin XLR on PYRO!
Regards, Dan.
Actually way back in the day you used to see them used on speakers (Typically they way around you would expect for power) so doing the opposite for line and mic level made sense.
Lots of other stuff uses them however, comms, cue lights, DMX512 (Should really be 5 pin, but there is plenty of three pin non standards compliant crap out there), I have even see 3 pin XLR on PYRO!
Regards, Dan.
Cannon XL connectors were designed for audio use. They were the original XLR connectors.
This is a bit of history about the connectors.
XLR History
This is a bit of history about the connectors.
XLR History
Good stuff, thanks for the info. Its interesting to see how popular they have become across all sorts of manufacturers; I suppose that is what can happen with a good design.
This is my first foray into using them, so I got a couple to look at before going for it; it has to be said that I'm impressed with their quality, as well as their value.
Cheers
Kev
This is my first foray into using them, so I got a couple to look at before going for it; it has to be said that I'm impressed with their quality, as well as their value.
Cheers
Kev
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