how to wire an XLR
How to wire an XLR Connector (balanced)
A balanced system is used in pro audio with an overall screen covering a twisted pair. Pin 2 on the XLR is 'hot' and carries the positive going signal, whilst pin 3 is 'cold' and provides the return. The audio signal is carried in anti-phase on the positive and negative wires, and this is decoded at the receiving end to extract the audio signal. Any interference that penetrates the overall braided screen affects both the 'hot' and 'cold' wires simultaneously, and due to the balanced transformer or electronics at the pre-amplifier is effectively ignored as the pre-amp only amplifies the difference between 'hot' and 'cold'.
The female XLR uses the same pin numbering but pins 1 and 2 are reversed . Manufacturers usually number each pin but this can be difficult to see unless you are in a well lit environment and preferably have some magification available.
How to wire an XLR connector (unbalanced)
The unbalanced system is used for high impedance microphones over short distances, and is not recommended for professional use due to susceptability to any RF noise - such as lighting sources, taxi radios etc. In this case the audio signal is carried on the positive pin only,
and signal ground is connected to the negative and ground (screen).
Pin 1 is shorted to pin 3, at either end of the cable
How to wire a 1/4" Jack Plug (unblanced)
The tip of the jack is 'hot' and carries the positive going signal, whilst the sleeve is 'cold' and carries the ground.
To wire to an unbalanced twin core cable, connect the blue or 'cold' wire to the sleeve as well.
If you are wiring to a balanced (stereo) jack plug, positive is the tip, negative is the ring and ground is the sleeve.
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