What is an XLR connector and what is it used for?

XLR connectors are rugged electrical connectors which are used mostly in professional audio and video electronics cabling applications.

Some examples of application areas of XLR connectors are:

Sound and video mixers
Microphones
Studio equipment like amplifiers, professional CD players, mastering deck, etc.
Active loudspeakers
Lighting applications
Industrial applications (Control circuits, etc.)

How do I wire my cable onto my 3 pole XLR (pin configuration)?

The international application standard IEC 60 268-12 defines wiring of XLR connectors. The following is a brief description of the 3 pole version.

Pin 1 --> Xternal of cable (shield/ground)
Pin 2 --> Live (“Hot” /+ polarity)
Pin 3 --> Return (“Cold” /- polarity)

Why does my 6 pole XLR not fit into the Neutrik 6 pole XLR?

Currently there are two configurations of conventional 6 pole XLRs. The NEUTRIK 6 pole XLR meets the industry standard according IEC 61076-2-103. Nevertheless NEUTRIK offers both types of 6 pin configurations. The standard NEUTRIK 6 pin has a black insert - the insert of the non-standard configuration is gray.

The difference in the part #s is the additional “S”:
NC6MX - standard 6 pole male XLR cable connector, nickel housing, silver contacts
NC6MSX - same product with non-standard pin configuration

Can I use the Neutrik XLR cable connectors for digital AES/EBU Signals?

Yes, according to our tests they work properly for digital AES/EBU signals but we recommend our EMC and XCC series with a 360° ground contact to the chassis connector and a circumferential cable shield connection. These connectors are ideal for digital AES/EBU transmissions and optimized regarding EMI and RF-leakage.

How can I remove/lock the insert of the D-Series?

The 2 piece D-Series connectors consist of an insert and a shell, this allows soldering the insert onto the PCB and locking it into the shell afterwards.

In the middle of the insert your can see a hole with a slot. Use a '00' size flathead screwdriver (part # SD-1) to lock/unlock the insert in the housing.

Can the latch of a XLR chassis connector be removed and replaced?

Yes, you can remove the latch at the AA-, 3 pole A- and 3 pole B-Series.

Which screws/rivets can I use for fastening of chassis connectors?

SCREWS

Screws for chassis connectors with through holes depend on panel material and panel thickness. We suggest the following:

Metal panel (Steel, Aluminum, Zinc)
- Flat head thread forming screws, Pozidriv, DIN 7500 M, zinc plated, M3 x length (drilled hole ~ 3.1 mm)
- Flat head metric machine screws, Pozidriv, DIN 965A, zinc plated, M3 x length (thread M3)

Plastic Panels
PT-flat head screws, WN 1413, zinc plated, KA30 x length (depends on material, ~ 2.4 mm)

For various chassis mount versions we offer correspondig screws. (A-Screw-1-8, B-Screw-1-8, E-Screw-1-12)

RIVETS

It is possible to use any aluminum 1/8'' or 3.2 mm 90° countersunk blind rivet. We suggest drilling a hole diameter of 3.3mm for the panel. It is possible to use pneumatic, electrical or hand riveting tools.

Which connector is suitable for miniature XLR connections?

The REAN tiny XLR is a miniature XLR connector. Please see www.rean-connectors.com.