🔊🎙️ Composite RCA • XLR Mono Cable

This cable connects RCA (unbalanced, consumer-grade) to XLR (balanced, professional-grade) audio ports. It’s used to link devices like CD players, mixers, and amplifiers across format boundaries. While the signal becomes unbalanced in transit, the physical connection allows integration between gear types.
 
🔧 Cable Varieties
1️⃣ RCA Male → XLR Male
Use Case: Send unbalanced audio from RCA source to XLR input
Example: CD player → mixer input
Signal Path: RCA tip to XLR pin 2 (hot), RCA sleeve to XLR pins 1 & 3 (ground/cold)
Note: XLR input receives unbalanced signal—some gear may reject or attenuate it
2️⃣ RCA Male → XLR Female
Use Case: Send unbalanced audio to XLR output (e.g., patching into mic-level feed)
Example: RCA source → XLR mic cable extension
Signal Path: Same wiring as above, but plugs into male XLR jack
Note: Often used in custom setups or signal routing labs
 
🖥️ Compatible Devices
📼 RCA Side
CD players, cassette decks, turntables
TVs, DVD players, consumer mixers
Surveillance DVRs, legacy AV gear
🎙️ XLR Side
Mixers, audio interfaces, preamps
Powered speakers, PA systems
Studio patch bays, broadcast consoles
 
✅ Common Uses
🔊 Connect consumer audio gear to pro mixers
🎧 Patch RCA outputs into XLR-based studio setups
🧪 Test signal flow between unbalanced and balanced systems
🧱 Integrate legacy AV sources into modern sound rigs
 
🧠 Signal Format Notes
RCA = Unbalanced analog audio (tip = signal, sleeve = ground)
XLR = Balanced analog audio (pin 2 = hot, pin 3 = cold, pin 1 = ground)
❗ Cable bridges formats but does not balance the signal
🧲 Some gear may require transformer isolation for proper impedance matching
 
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
🚫 Signal remains unbalanced—may introduce noise in long runs
🔄 Match connector gender to device ports—direction matters
📏 Use short cables to minimize hum and interference
🧯 Not suitable for phantom-powered mic inputs—can damage gear
🧪 Always test signal level compatibility before deployment
 
🛠️ Quick Tips for Beginners
🔍 RCA tip = XLR pin 2; RCA sleeve = XLR pins 1 & 3
🧭 Use for direct device-to-device links
🧰 Use to extend or adapt cable ends
🧪 Avoid using with phantom power—disable it on XLR input
🎧 For clean signal, consider transformer-based adapters in noisy environments