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How to Connect an XLR Female to a TRS

Professional microphones and certain other audio devices require a type of cable known as XLR, which connects using a series of pins. The most common variety uses three pins. XLR cables have certain limitations, though, as not all sound cards and input devices are equipped to handle them. To solve this problem, you can interface your device with a 1/4-inch TRS cable to achieve a connection using the more common 1/4" audio connector, like the type used for electric guitars and other analog instruments.

Things You'll Need

  • XLR-Male-to-TRS cable
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Instructions

    • 1

      Connect a standard XLR cable (male-to-female) to your XLR microphone or other device. Because your female connector requires a TRS extension, your male connector must connect to your XLR device. While commercially manufactured XLR outputs seldom use this type of configuration, homemade XLR devices can be assembled in this manner.

    • 2

      Connect an XLR-to-TRS adapter cable to your original XLR cable, using the female connector on your XLR cable and the male connector on your adapter cable. When purchasing an XLR-to-TRS adapter cable, find one with an XLR male connector, or both a male and female connector side by side, as these adapters come in many different varieties.

    • 3

      Conect your TRS plug to your input device, which might include a mixing board, audio interface, public address system or amplifier. Insert the plug into any 1/4-inch jack marked "Input" or "Line In" to achieve a direct audio connection from your XLR device to your input device.

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