🎚️ 3.5mm Stereo • XLR Stereo Audio Cable

This cable connects a 3.5mm stereo TRS source to an XLR input or output. 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 Male
Form: Mini stereo plug → XLR male plug
Use Case: Send stereo signal into a mixer or PA system
Examples:
Laptop → mixer input
Phone → powered speaker
Tablet → audio interface
Note: Often unbalanced; may sum stereo to mono depending on wiring
🔸 3.5mm TRS Male → XLR Female
Form: Mini stereo plug → XLR female plug
Use Case: Connect stereo source to XLR mic input or extension
Examples:
Phone → mic input on camera or recorder
Laptop → XLR patch panel
MP3 player → XLR-equipped speaker
Note: May require phantom-safe wiring if used with mic inputs
 
🖥️ Compatible Devices
📱 Phones, tablets, laptops
🎛️ Mixers, recorders, interfaces
📼 Camcorders, DSLRs, boomboxes
🎧 Headphones (via adapter)
🧪 Embedded boards with stereo output
🚗 Car stereos with XLR input (rare but possible)
 
✅ Common Uses
🔊 Connect mobile device to mixer or PA
🎛️ Patch stereo playback into XLR input
📼 Route audio from laptop to camera or recorder
🧰 Bridge consumer gear with pro audio systems
🧪 Prototype stereo-to-XLR 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 sum stereo to mono
Others route L/R to separate pins—check wiring spec
 
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
🔄 Not truly balanced — most are unbalanced or pseudo-balanced
🧬 Stereo-to-mono summing — may lose channel separation
🔊 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 sum stereo to mono
🧰 Ideal for live rigs, studio setups, and embedded builds
🎛️ Test signal path before permanent install