1/4 TRS to XLR Cable 6.35 mm Balanced Lead for Monitors

This TRS to XLR cable covers the connection that comes up constantly in small studios and live rigs: a balanced 6.35 mm output on an interface, controller or mixer feeding an input that takes a three pin XLR. Active monitors, stage boxes and powered speakers all sit on that boundary, and a purpose-built lead is tidier and more reliable than an adapter stacked on the end of a general purpose cable.

Where it is used

• Audio interfaces with balanced 6.35 mm outputs feeding active monitors
• Mixer and controller outputs running to powered speakers
• Stage boxes and patch systems where the two formats meet
• Keyboard, drum machine and modeler rigs that need a balanced feed to front of house

Wiring and shielding

The lead is wired balanced: the tip and ring of the 6.35 mm plug carry the two signal legs and the sleeve carries the screen, which is what gives the common mode rejection that makes long balanced runs quiet. Two layers of shielding are used, a spiral screen for coverage and a foil layer beneath it, because this cable usually lives within a metre of mains adapters, power strips and computer monitors. The 6.35 mm contacts are gold plated, the XLR contacts are nickel finished, and both ends are moulded with a strain relief that takes the pull off the solder joints when a lead is yanked off a stand.

Lengths and finishes

Stock lengths cover 0.3 m for patching within a rack or across a desktop, and 1 m, 3 m and 6 m for runs to speakers or across a small stage. Shorter leads keep a desk tidy and reduce the amount of cable that ends up coiled next to a power supply. For fixed installs we can build to a specified length and label both ends.

Fitment and mating

Connector bodies are built to standard 6.35 mm and three pin XLR dimensions, so they seat and release normally on equipment from different makers. Check the output on your source before ordering: some consumer devices present an unbalanced stereo 6.35 mm output, which will still make a connection but will not give you the noise rejection of a balanced feed.

Confirm before ordering

• Conductor gauge and copper grade need supplier datasheet confirmation
• Shielding coverage figures are taken from competitor listings, not measured by us
• Published resistance and capacitance values are not yet verified

Related Cable Ranges

Signal and Data Cables • Panel Mount Cable • Ethernet Cable Patch Cord