The XLR connection measures 2.35 inches at its widest point. Some microphones accept mini-XLR connections, about half the size of standard XLR connections. Balance. XLR cable is always, always balanced, which means there is less likelihood of noise and interference. This also makes the audio quality superb.

Some devices, usually with a transformer output, provide a balanced output that is "floating" with respect to ground; the impedance to ground from each side of the output is high. More commonly, devices drive one or both sides of the balanced interface with a signal referenced to ground. When one side is not driven, care is taken to assure that the impedance to ground is equal to the impedance of the driven side. Before we start looking at their differences, let’s take a moment to look at what TRS and XLR cables have in common.

Versatility. TRS cable is a standard choice for musical instruments such as guitars, keyboards, and synthesizers. While keyboard workstations are now supporting XLR connectors, there are still lots of instruments that only support TRS connectors.

On the other hand, TRS connections are easier to use than XLR because they don’t require any special tools to connect or disconnect them. Just plug them into your device! Although TRS and XLR don’t differ that much from each other as far as sound quality is concerned, there are many situations when XLR cables are a more favorable choice. At one time three-pin XLR connectors were also used extensively on loudspeaker cables, as when first introduced they represented a new standard of ruggedness, and economical alternatives were not readily available. Often, two-conductor loudspeaker cable had three-pin female connectors on both ends, to distinguish it from a three-conductor shielded signal-level cable, which has a female connector at one end and a male at the other. Either pin 2 or 3 was live, depending on the manufacturer, with pin 1 always the 'earthy' return. This usage is now both obsolete and dangerous to equipment but is still sometimes encountered, especially on older equipment. For example, some loudspeakers have a built-in male connector as an input connector for speaker-level signal. This use was superseded in professional audio applications by the Neutrik Speakon connector.Increasing cable capacitance over long cable runs decreases the signal level at which high frequencies are attenuated. If each wire carries half the signal voltage swing as in fully differential outputs then longer cable runs can be used without the loss of high frequencies. The obvious pro to consider when using an XLR vs TRS is sound quality. With an XLR connector, there’s no chance of interference between the left and right channels, so all you’re left with is pure audio quality! Six-pin XLR connectors are used for dual channel intercom systems [14] and stage lighting control applications. [15] [ unreliable source?] [16] [ unreliable source?] [17] [ unreliable source?] Another common use is professional stereo headset with balanced microphone (headphone left-pin 4, headphone right-pin 5, headphone common-pin 3, mic high-pin 2, mic low-pin 1, mic ground-pin 6). [ citation needed] Seven-pin (XLR7) [ edit ]