🎚️🔊 3.5mm Mono • XLR Mono Audio Cable

This cable connects a 3.5mm mono TS plug to a standard XLR mono connector. It’s used to route unbalanced audio from compact devices into mixers, recorders, or PA systems with XLR inputs. While it doesn’t truly balance the signal, it enables physical compatibility between formats.
 
🔧 Converter Form
3.5mm mono TS male → XLR male
3.5mm mono TS male → XLR female
Typically short patch cables (6" to 10ft)
Unbalanced signal path—wired for mono only
No active electronics or signal conversion
 
🖥️ Compatible Devices
📱 3.5mm side:
Voice recorders, lavalier mics, wireless transmitters
Embedded boards with mono audio output
Legacy audio players and compact mixers
🎛️ XLR side:
Mixers, audio interfaces, PA systems
Field recorders and rack-mounted gear
XLR patch bays and mic-level inputs
 
✅ Common Uses
🎤 Connect mono mic or recorder to XLR input
🎚️ Patch embedded mono audio into pro gear
📼 Route legacy mono playback into balanced systems
🧪 Prototype mono audio paths in hybrid setups
🔊 Use in compact rigs where space-saving connectors are needed
 
🧠 Signal Format
🔈 3.5mm TS:
Tip = Signal
Sleeve = Ground
🎙️ XLR (3-pin):
Pin 2 = Signal
Pin 1 = Ground
Pin 3 = Often tied to ground or left floating
🔁 No true balancing—signal remains unbalanced
⚙️ Wiring may vary slightly depending on manufacturer
 
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
🚫 Not suitable for stereo—mono only
🌀 No phantom power pass-through—may damage unbalanced gear
📉 Impedance mismatch can affect signal level or introduce noise
🔌 XLR female ends may be mistaken for mic inputs—label clearly
🧪 Some mixers expect balanced input—check compatibility before use
 
🛠️ Quick Tips for Beginners
🧭 Match cable gender to your gear: 3.5mm mono TS male → XLR male is most common
🧵 Keep cable runs short to minimize interference
🔍 Confirm mono TS plug—don’t use stereo TRS by mistake
🧯 Avoid plugging into phantom-powered XLR ports unless cable is protected
🧪 Test signal path before live use or recording