XLR connectors are often found on audio equipment. They serve as the link between a microphone and an audio mixer or other devices. This connector is also often called a balanced input. Even so, it must be assembled correctly for the resulting audio to be better. Assembling an XLR connector is certainly not a task to take lightly, so here are a few things you should keep in mind when wiring an XLR jack.
Things to Keep in Mind When Assembling an XLR Connector
Connecting the Pins to the Cable Correctly
The first thing to watch when assembling an XLR connector is checking the pin numbers carefully, on both the female and male cable ends. This keeps the wiring from being reversed. Connectors usually have their pin numbers printed on them, so be sure to remember them well. An XLR jack can be assembled in either stereo or mono. For a mono assembly, pins 1 and 3 must be connected to each other.
That means the ground must be connected to the return in, with pin 2 serving as the positive signal. However, if the assembly is done in stereo, each pin must be wired separately to the cable. Pin 1 is ground, pin 2 is input signal A, and pin 3 is input signal B. Reversed wiring can cause interference that results in defective audio. The worst case is equipment that produces no sound at all.
Solder Quality
Beyond getting the pin numbers right, you also need to pay attention to the quality of your solder joints when assembling an XLR jack. This can affect how the XLR connector functions. Soldering should not take too long. This prevents the plastic insulator from melting, which would make the jack unstable and loose. As a result, the connector cannot carry the audio signal properly, and the sound it outputs will not be what you expect.
Neat Installation
You might think this only affects appearance. However, stray wire strands must not be left touching other pins, not even a single hair-thin strand. If you leave them, a wire may cut out intermittently, which can be very disruptive. For that reason, inspect carefully after finishing the soldering and before closing up the XLR connector.
Those are the 3 things you should watch to assemble an XLR connector correctly. How easy or difficult the installation is can also depend on the XLR connector you buy. Therefore, check carefully whether the connector is reasonably easy to assemble. Also make sure the connector you buy has features that improve its integrity. It is even better to buy from a reputable XLR connector seller.
