Change in Wiring on our XLR to 3.5mm "Balanced to Stereo Cables"
Posted: 6 June 2012
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Synopsis: Some customers have reported that new our "Balanced / Mono" XLR to "Stereo" 3.5mm cables have not been working with some Camera and Laptop inputs. Found to be due to Pin1 and Pin3 on the XLR not being bridged. We have now bridged all remaining stock. Anyo
What is the purpose of a Balanced to Stereo Cable?
These cables are designed to enable a normal microphone that has a 3pin XLR output and balanced (mono) signal, to be connected to devices that have a stereo (Left and Right) input. The mono signal from the mic, is sent to both the Left and Right channels on the stereo input.
Using a regular "balanced" XLR to 3.5mm cable, can mean the "inverted balanced" signal (Pin3) gets sent to either the Left or Right channel (Ring) on the stereo input. This will result in a weird hiss sound on 1 of the channels (Left or Right).
Devices with stereo 3.5mm "mini jack" inputs include digital video cameras and laptop and desktop computers.
Though with computers, note that different sound card manufacturers do things quite differently and these mic inputs (usually coloured PINK and with a little mic symbol), some can be stereo, though others are only mono, but with a splitter automatically built in to send the signal to both left and right inputs on the recording software.
What is the wiring configuration?
Wiring:
XLR Pin1 = TRS Sleeve
XLR Pin2 = TRS Tip
XLR Pin2 = TRS Ring
XLR Pin3 = TRS Sleeve
