XLR 3-Pin Pinout Diagram for Balanced Audio Wiring

3-pin circular connector

Standards: IEC 61076-2-103

What is the XLR 3-Pin pinout?

The XLR 3-Pin Audio Connector has 3 pins. Pin 1 is GND (ground). Pin 2 is HOT (data). Pin 3 is COLD (data).

The XLR connector is the industry standard for balanced audio. Pin 1 is always Ground/Shield, Pin 2 is Hot (+), and Pin 3 is Cold (-).

Standards: IEC 61076-2-103

Filter:
Circular Connector Pinout DiagramInteractive circular connector diagram showing 3 pins with signal names and color coding.Pin 1: GND - Chassis Ground (Cable Shield)1Pin 2: HOT - Positive / Hot (+)2Pin 3: COLD - Negative / Cold (-)3M12

Pin Assignment Table

XLR 3-Pin Audio Connector pin assignments - 3 pins
PinSignalTypeDescription
1
GND
groundChassis Ground (Cable Shield)
2
HOT
dataPositive / Hot (+)
3
COLD
dataNegative / Cold (-)

Signal Types

Ground
Data

Common Applications

MicrophonesAudio InterfacesDMX Lighting

Need another printable connector reference?

Use the pinout as a working reference now, then jump to the full library or the next workflow when you need it.

Browse the full pinout library

The XLR 3-Pin connector has 3 pins: Pin 1 (GND), Pin 2 (HOT), and Pin 3 (COLD). Common in Microphones and Audio Interfaces.

XLR 3-Pin Wiring Guide

The XLR connector is the industry standard for balanced audio. Pin 1 is always Ground/Shield, Pin 2 is Hot (+), and Pin 3 is Cold (-).

Wiring Tips & Best Practices

Always connect the cable shield to Pin 1. Do NOT connect Pin 1 to the connector shell lug unless specifically required for chassis grounding, as this can cause ground loops.

Why Use Interactive Diagrams?

  • Accuracy: Hover over pins to see exact signal names and descriptions
  • Clarity: Color-coded by signal type (power, ground, data)
  • Printable: Export clean diagrams for shop floor reference

Related Connector Pinouts

XLR 3-Pin Pinout Diagram | Balanced Audio Connector Wiring | WireIt