XLR
The three-pin connector used for balanced audio connections, standard on microphones, direct boxes and professional line equipment.
Its three contacts carry the signal in opposite polarity on two conductors plus a separate shield, which is what makes a balanced connection resistant to interference, and the body latches so a cable cannot be pulled out accidentally. It also has a standard pin arrangement for phantom power, so a condenser microphone can be powered over the same cable that carries its signal. A guitar's jack plug is a different, unbalanced design.
Example: a microphone cable with XLR connectors at both ends is the standard link between a microphone and a mixing console input.
See also
Related
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