Due to this, it can transmit voice signals when you speak through them. Thus, this particular 3.5mm connector is normally used in conjunction with smartphones. Difference Between XLR and 3.5mm Balanced/Unbalanced connections have developed a negative reputation for being subparly made over time. This is hardly surprising considering the subpar construction of the majority of 3.5mm connectors. As a result, 3.5mm connector pins are prone to breaking. Which is Better: XLR or 3.5mm Due to this, whenever an XLR connector is being mentioned, it is the 3-pin XLR connector that is being referred to. Thus, a typical XLR connector is a 3-pin connector that is used in the audio and visual industries. This 3-pin connector is usually used to connect microphones and some musical equipment. Because the cables that come with XLR connectors are basically noise-canceling, many prefer them over 3.5mm cables.

It is also used in some stage lighting equipment. This is some brief information on what an XLR is. If you are interested in learning more about XLR, you should read this article titled “ XLR vs ¼ Inch”. What is A 3.5mm Connector? The same cannot be said, regrettably, of 3.5mm connectors and the cables that go with them. This is due to the unbalanced nature of 3.5mm connection cords. The stereo signals that the TRS male connector sends are unbalanced even though it is capable of sending balanced mono signals. Long cable runs make unbalanced cables more susceptible to electromagnetic noise and interference.All cables with an XLR connector are known to be balanced cables. This is because they primarily carry balanced audio signals. Any audio cable designed to be balanced can eliminate external noise and interferences that may try to affect the purity of the audio signal it is carrying. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about 3.5mm connectors and the cables they come with. This is because 3.5mm connector cables are largely unbalanced cables. Fortunately, because XLR is designed to transmit balanced audio signals, it is not susceptible to these external noises and electromagnetic interference. Thus, an XLR can be used for long cable-run applications without facing any problems. You can find 3.5mm ports on other audio devices such as mixing consoles, DACs, audio interfaces, integrated amps, and receivers. Thus, this audio equipment also allows you to connect headphones with 3.5mm connectors to them.

Thus, cables with 3.5mm connectors are susceptible to being accidentally pulled out from the audio equipment they are connected to. Build Quality Even though 3.5mm connectors, in general, are primarily meant for transmitting musical sounds, the 3.5 TRRS male connectors have been designed to have microphone functionality. Yes, XLR connectors can be used with consumer audio devices, but an adapter may be needed to convert the XLR signal to a 3.5mm or other type of connector that is compatible with the device. Can 3.5mm connectors be used with professional audio equipment?

Another difference between XLR and 3.5mm connectors lies in their build quality. In general, most XLR connectors are made from relatively high-quality materials. Due to this, they do not get damaged easily. Thus, XLR connectors tend to last longer than 3.5mm connectors. The choice between XLR and 3.5mm connectors will depend on the specific requirements of your audio setup, including the type of equipment you are using, the length of the cable needed, and the desired sound quality. If you need to transmit audio signals over longer distances, or if you require high-quality sound for professional applications, an XLR connector may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a simple and affordable audio solution for portable devices, a 3.5mm connector may be the way to go. Are there other types of audio connectors besides XLR and 3.5mm? Also, the three pins of XLR connectors provide a much better and more reliable connection than that of the 3.5mm connector. Thus, connections involving XLR connectors tend to be more solid than a 3.5mm connector connection. Can You Connect XLR to 3.5mm?