🎚️ 3.5mm Stereo • XLR Stereo Audio Cable

This cable connects an XLR source to a 3.5mm stereo TRS input. It’s used to route stereo audio from phones, tablets, or laptops into professional audio systems—or vice versa—depending on the connector configuration.
 
🔌 Cable Varieties
🔸 3.5mm TRS Male → XLR Female
Form: Mini stereo plug → XLR female plug
Use Case: Connect XLR output to 3.5mm stereo input or extension
Examples:
XLR microphone → mic input on camera or recorder
XLR patch panel → Aux input
XLR output → 3.5mm stereo-equipped speaker
Note: May require phantom-safe wiring if used with mic inputs
 
🖥️ Compatible Devices
🎛️ Mixers, recorders, interfaces
📼 Camcorders, DSLRs, boomboxes
🎧 Headphones (via adapter)
🧪 Embedded boards with stereo output
🚗 Car stereos
 
✅ Common Uses
🔊 Connect stereo mic or XLR output to mixer or aux input
🎛️ Patch stereo playback into XLR input
📼 Route audio from laptop to camera or recorder
🧰 Bridge consumer gear with pro audio systems
🧪 Prototype XLR-to-stereo paths in embedded builds
 
🧠 Signal Format
3.5mm TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve):
Tip = Left audio
Ring = Right audio
Sleeve = Ground
XLR (3-pin):
Pin 1 = Ground
Pin 2 = Signal (often Left or summed)
Pin 3 = Signal (often Right or unused)
Stereo Behavior:
Some cables split mono to stereo with duplicate channels
Others route L/R to separate pins—check wiring spec
 
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
🔄 Not truly balanced — most are unbalanced or pseudo-balanced
🔊 Phantom power risk — avoid sending 48V into 3.5mm devices
📏 Cable length matters — longer runs may need shielding
🎛️ Connector fit — XLR ends may be bulky for tight builds
 
🛠️ Quick Tips for Beginners
🔍 Count the black bands: 2 = TRS (stereo), 3 = TRRS (mic/control)
🧠 Use for stereo playback, not mic input unless specified
⚡ Check wiring spec—some cables split mono into duplicate channel stereo
🧰 Ideal for live rigs, studio setups, and embedded builds
🎛️ Test signal path before permanent install