When it comes to connecting audio equipment, there are a variety of different cables and connections available. One common type of connection is the 3.5 mm TRS jack, which is often used with headphones and portable devices. Another common type of connection is the XLR connector, which is commonly used with professional audio equipment such as microphones and mixers.
While these two types of connections may seem incompatible at first glance, it is actually possible to wire a 3.5 mm TRS jack to an XLR connector with the right knowledge and equipment. In this article, we will provide a detailed wiring diagram for doing just that.
What You Will Need
Before we dive into the wiring diagram, let’s first discuss the equipment you will need to complete this project:
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| 3.5 mm TRS jack | A small, cylindrical jack with three metal sections (or “poles”) that is often used with headphones and portable devices. |
| XLR connector | A larger, rectangular connector with three or more pins that is commonly used with professional audio equipment such as microphones and mixers. |
| Soldering iron | A tool used to heat and melt metal in order to create a strong electrical connection. |
| Solder | A metal alloy used to create a strong electrical connection between two pieces of metal. |
| Wire stripper | A tool used to remove the insulation from the ends of wires. |
| Multimeter | A tool used to test electrical connections and measure voltage, current, and resistance. |
Wiring Diagram
Now that you have all the necessary equipment, it’s time to start wiring your 3.5 mm TRS jack to an XLR connector. Follow these steps:
- Using your wire stripper, remove about an inch of insulation from each end of the wire you will be using to connect the 3.5 mm TRS jack to the XLR connector. You should have two wires – one with a white or silver-colored insulation, and one with a black or copper-colored insulation.
- Take the wire with the white or silver-colored insulation and attach it to the pin on the 3.5 mm TRS jack that is closest to the metal section at the base of the jack (known as the “sleeve” section). Use your soldering iron and solder to create a strong electrical connection. Be careful not to apply too much heat and melt the plastic insulator around the metal section.
- Take the wire with the black or copper-colored insulation and attach it to the pin on the 3.5 mm TRS jack that is located between the middle and the base of the jack (known as the “ring” section). Again, use your soldering iron and solder to create a strong electrical connection.
- Take the remaining wire and attach it to the pin on the 3.5 mm TRS jack that is located closest to the tip of the jack (known as the “tip” section). Use your soldering iron and solder to create a strong electrical connection.
- Now it’s time to connect the 3.5 mm TRS jack to the XLR connector. Take the wire attached to the “sleeve” section of the jack and attach it to the pin on the XLR connector that is closest to the metal “sleeve” section of the XLR connector. This should be pin 1 on a 3-pin XLR connector, or pin 1 and 3 on a 5-pin XLR connector.
- Take the wire attached to the “ring” section of the jack and attach it to the pin on the XLR connector that is located between the “sleeve” and “tip” sections of the XLR connector. This should be pin 2 on a 3-pin XLR connector, or pin 2 and 4 on a 5-pin XLR connector.
- Take the wire attached to the “tip” section of the jack and attach it to the pin on the XLR connector that is closest to the “tip” section of the XLR connector. This should be pin 3 on a 3-pin XLR connector, or pin 5 on a 5-pin XLR connector.
- Use your multimeter to test the connections and make sure everything is working properly. You should have continuity (i.e. a complete electrical connection) between the wires on the 3.5 mm TRS jack and the corresponding pins on the XLR connector.
FAQs
Q: What is a 3.5 mm TRS jack?
A: A 3.5 mm TRS jack is a type of audio connector that is commonly used with headphones and portable devices such as smartphones, laptops, and MP3 players. The “TRS” stands for “tip, ring, sleeve,” which refers to the three metal sections (or “poles”) on the jack.
Q: What is an XLR connector?
A: An XLR connector is a type of audio connector that is commonly used with professional audio equipment such as microphones, mixers, and speakers. XLR connectors come in various sizes (usually 3-pin or 5-pin) and have three or more pins that make up the connection.
Q: Why would I want to wire a 3.5 mm TRS jack to an XLR connector?
A: There are a variety of reasons why you might want to wire a 3.5 mm TRS jack to an XLR connector. For example, you might have a portable device (such as a smartphone or laptop) that you want to connect to a professional audio system, or you might want to use a microphone or other professional audio equipment with a device that only has a 3.5 mm TRS jack.
Q: What equipment do I need to wire a 3.5 mm TRS jack to an XLR connector?
A: To wire a 3.5 mm TRS jack to an XLR connector, you will need a 3.5 mm TRS jack, an XLR connector, a soldering iron, solder, wire stripper, and a multimeter to test your connections.
Q: Is it difficult to wire a 3.5 mm TRS jack to an XLR connector?
A: The process of wiring a 3.5 mm TRS jack to an XLR connector can be a bit tricky, especially if you are not familiar with soldering or working with small wires. However, with the right tools and some patience, it is definitely doable for most people.
Q: How can I test my connections to make sure everything is working properly?
A: You can use a multimeter to test your connections and make sure that you have continuity (i.e. a complete electrical connection) between the wires on the 3.5 mm TRS jack and the corresponding pins on the XLR connector. You can also test your audio equipment to make sure that everything is working as expected.
