XLR connectors, male and female, which ones goes where?

[Kram]

Hello,

I am about to finish a MiniA and a pre amp, both balanced.

Is there a standard for the interconnect cables, ie what goes on the ends of the interconnects is it a male or female, same for the ins and outs on the pre amp and the input on the amp, male or female?

Thanks and happy new year
Mark.

[Key]

Pre = female - so you would connect the male end of the XLR here
Mic = male - so you would connect the female end here.

[Speedskater]

The PA guys have a naughty saying, it should be easy to figure out:
"Something the truck"
Which means that the signal starts out in the field and goes to the control room truck.
So the field = male.
The truck = female.

[zigzagflux]

I always remember by just assuming the 'standard' is bass ackwards. A properly designed system has the output (driver) equipped with a female plug such that inadvertent touching or dropping does not provide any risk. The input (receiver) end is therefore equipped with the male plug, as touching these pins with your finger provides no risk. Even though we are talking a few volts or less, and there is no real personal risk, the principle stands.

Then I reverse that logic and recognize they decided to do just the opposite.

Output = male
Input = female

[Kram]

I didnt quite get that,lol.

So is the interconnect male on both ends and the pre amp output female and the amp input also female.

[Kram]

i get it now i think.

pre outs are male

amp inputs are female

the interconnect has a male on one end and a female on the other.

have I got it right now

[Key]

Yeah. Only thing you need to look out for now is the occasional piece of equipment that has pin 2 and 3 swapped.

Also if you are doing DIY then you don't exactly have to follow any rules. You can use a 2 1/4" to XLR cable to have the ins and outs on the same connection if you are operating unbalanced. There are also 4, 5, and 6 pin versions to do the same idea with balanced.

[Kram]

Thanks guys, shopping time now I think.

Mark.

[dhaen]

Best to stay standard if you can, you might want to connect to kit in future. I've never seen pins 2 & 3 intentionally swapped...

[Steerpike]

Originally Posted by dhaen

I've never seen pins 2 & 3 intentionally swapped...

Otari tape recorders are noted for this 'convention'.
It has no effect on the correct operation of the setup, but means you won't maintain 'absolute phase' throughout.