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Differences between TRS and XLR

  • Oct 01, 2025
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In this tips, we will explain the differences between TRS and XLR, as well as the compatibility of these electric Audio connectors.

Latch: The Standard Plug

In everyday life, is used for the stereo or headphones, and usually a Jack plug. But also in the professional and semiprofessional environment, the Jack is widely used.
  1. At Jack with two rings (TS-Jack) is transferred to a channel unbalanced (Mono Signal) as an AC voltage between Signal and ground.
  2. In the case of the supposed Stereo Jack (TRS), there are two possibilities: Either two channels protrude respectively unbalanced between channel and common ground (Two Mono signals or a Stereo Signal) or a channel is symmetrically transferred (a Mono Signal).
  3. In the case of an unbalanced connection will simply transmit the Signal.
  4. A balanced connection uses a Trick to the transmission to eliminate errors: The Signal is transmitted in the normal (+) and reversed (-), i.e. with a negative voltage. The sum of the two signals would be Zero. Therefore, the reversed Signal is rotated in the terminal and back again. Disorders, for example, by electromagnetic waves from the outside, produce in two transmission channels of the same noise. By the Turn of a channel after the Transmission of the useful signal and the sum of the interference noise to Zero is doubled.
  5. The typical plug is the male Connector type, the connector is female.
  6. When the male connector is inserted into the female connector strip Signal and ground, and a short Crack is audible.
  7. In a particular practical tip we will explain how you broken latch cable repair.
Male 6.3 mm Jack
Male XLR plug

Compatibility between TRS and XLR

TRS and XLR are basically compatible. Both are typical speaker connections. It depends on the assignment of the lines, what is an Adapter or adapter cable transfers exactly.
  1. There are Adapter and balanced cable adapter, with which you can Sound from XLR to TRS to transfer.
  2. In addition, Combi-Jacks that will work with both TRS as well as XLR connectors exist.
  3. However, you can only with a few devices,phantom power via TRS transfer. Because, as described above, the Insertion of the latch to a short circuit that can damage sensitive devices.
  4. There are also adapters from XLR to TS Jack. Here are bridged for a single-ended Transmission, two of the XLR Pins.
Jack and XLR Combi-connector
TRS and XLR are perfectly compatible, as long as the latch transmits a channel symmetrically. More important than the question to Jack or XLR to the balanced or unbalanced Transmission is so. In the case of long cable routes or a source of interference-rich environment, balanced Connections are always preferable. Conventional phantom power is only three lines. Tips for installing a sound card and to the structure of a karaoke machine to give more CHIP Online practical tips.

Latest Videos

Jack in 6.3 mm as a balanced Mono plug...

Jack in 6.3 mm as a balanced Mono plug...

... as a balanced Stereo plug (two balanced channels), and as an unbalanced Mono connection.

... as a balanced Stereo plug (two balanced channels), and as an unbalanced Mono connection.

It is up to the device used, whether a two channels unbalanced...

It is up to the device used, whether a two channels unbalanced...

... or a channel is symmetrically transferred.

... or a channel is symmetrically transferred.

There is an Adapter from 3.5 to 6.3 mm Jack (see figure), and Vice versa.

There is an Adapter from 3.5 to 6.3 mm Jack (see figure), and Vice versa.

Both connectors are typical [[http://praxistipps.chip.de/lautsprecheranschluesse-typen-und-ihre-vorzuege_41085/Lautsprecheranschlüsse]]. With an Adapter, or adapter cable unbalanced Jack and Jacks XLR can be connected to plugs...

Both connectors are typical [[http://praxistipps.chip.de/lautsprecheranschluesse-typen-und-ihre-vorzuege_41085/Lautsprecheranschlüsse]]. With an Adapter, or adapter cable unbalanced Jack and Jacks XLR can be connected to plugs...

... with male...

... with male...

and female. In the photo, the clamp is marked. When you connect the unbalanced Jack with the XLR is used a XLR cable. This violates, however, the XLR Standard, and the advantage of a symmetrical connection is lost.

and female. In the photo, the clamp is marked. When you connect the unbalanced Jack with the XLR is used a XLR cable. This violates, however, the XLR Standard, and the advantage of a symmetrical connection is lost.

and female. In the photo, the clamp is marked. When you connect the unbalanced Jack with the XLR is used a XLR cable. This violates, however, the XLR Standard, and the advantage of a symmetrical connection is lost.

and female. In the photo, the clamp is marked. When you connect the unbalanced Jack with the XLR is used a XLR cable. This violates, however, the XLR Standard, and the advantage of a symmetrical connection is lost.

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