Side by side

Four-pin versus six-pin XLR

What is the pole count and the equipment application? XLR shape alone does not establish signal or power.

Computer-generated illustration, not a photograph. — P206 · Connector4-pin XLR connector

How they differ

4-pin XLR connector Confirm four poles and the exact equipment application; do not adapt or wire by XLR shape alone.
6-pin XLR connector Confirm six poles and the equipment function; use the device manual before selecting or wiring a mating connector.

At a glance

Source-scoped form facts; counts, variants and unknowns are distinct
Field	4-pin XLR connector	6-pin XLR connector
Type	Connector	Connector
Family	Audio	Audio
Shape	round	round
Nominal contacts	4S209Nominal pole count only; no signal or power assignment is inferred.	6S210Nominal pole count only; no signal or power assignment is inferred.
Positions / cavity span	4 (Claim C206B)S619Recorded source-scoped values; named examples do not describe every family variant or establish compatibility. Named NC4MXX component view only. Four contacts do not identify an installed port’s service, polarity, voltage or cable wiring.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Contact rows	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Connector role	plug; socket; plug (NC4MXX)S209 · S914Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. four-pole XLR plug/receptacle interface NC4MXX. Documented role: plug. Exact part layout must control; no NC6MXX versus NC6MSXX intermateability inferred.; Global503forNC4/NC6; official US page/PDF successfully read. No drawing axes or rows proposed.	plug; socket; plug (NC6MXX)S210 · S915Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. six-pole XLR plug/receptacle interface NC6MXX. Documented role: plug. Exact part layout must control; no NC6MXX versus NC6MSXX intermateability inferred.; Global503forNC4/NC6; official US page/PDF successfully read. No drawing axes or rows proposed.
Key distinction	Pole count identifies the connector form, not the device signal, power scheme or pin assignment.	Pole count alone does not identify the application or electrical assignment.

Full evidence ledger and sources ↓

Illustrations are computer-generated with prior AI visual review; independent technical and rights review pending. A comparison is not a compatibility verdict.

This comparison stays within one evidence layer.

All selected records are Connector records. Similar layer does not mean compatible, interchangeable or safe to mate.

Families represented: Audio

The reference ledger

Read the same question across.

2 selected records · 14 fields
No score. No compatibility verdict.

On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways or open the field-by-field reading view below. Illustrations are not a size comparison.

Comparison of selected field notes; source links accompany each documented specification
What you are comparing	P206 / Connector4-pin XLR connector Identification schematic · not to scale · drawing review pending	P207 / Connector6-pin XLR connector Identification schematic · not to scale · drawing review pending
Layer	Connector	Connector
Key distinction	Pole count identifies the connector form, not the device signal, power scheme or pin assignment.	Pole count alone does not identify the application or electrical assignment.
Nominal contacts	4S209Nominal pole count only; no signal or power assignment is inferred.	6S210Nominal pole count only; no signal or power assignment is inferred.
Positions / cavity span	4 (Claim C206B)S619Recorded source-scoped values; named examples do not describe every family variant or establish compatibility. Named NC4MXX component view only. Four contacts do not identify an installed port’s service, polarity, voltage or cable wiring.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Populated contacts	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Contact rows	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Contact pitch	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Dimensions / axis	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Connector role	plug; socket; plug (NC4MXX)S209 · S914Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. four-pole XLR plug/receptacle interface NC4MXX. Documented role: plug. Exact part layout must control; no NC6MXX versus NC6MSXX intermateability inferred.; Global503forNC4/NC6; official US page/PDF successfully read. No drawing axes or rows proposed.	plug; socket; plug (NC6MXX)S210 · S915Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. six-pole XLR plug/receptacle interface NC6MXX. Documented role: plug. Exact part layout must control; no NC6MXX versus NC6MSXX intermateability inferred.; Global503forNC4/NC6; official US page/PDF successfully read. No drawing axes or rows proposed.
Coupling / latch	latch (Claim C206C); Latch lock; improved locking recess without window (NC4MXX)S209 · S914Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. Component construction and retention only; not an assembled lead, panel receptacle or camera-power connection approval. NC4MXX. Documented role: plug. Exact part layout must control; no NC6MXX versus NC6MSXX intermateability inferred.; Global503forNC4/NC6; official US page/PDF successfully read. No drawing axes or rows proposed.	Latch lock; improved locking recess without window (NC6MXX)S915Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. NC6MXX. Documented role: plug. Exact part layout must control; no NC6MXX versus NC6MSXX intermateability inferred.; Global503forNC4/NC6; official US page/PDF successfully read. No drawing axes or rows proposed.
Keying / polarization	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Documented identification	Four-pole XLR connector form.C206A	Six-pole XLR connector form.C207A
Source-observed V148 component scope	NC4MXX cable component with separate end and longitudinal views.C206B · C206C	NC6MXX and NC6MSXX are distinct source-observed arrangements.C207B · C207C
Evidence	C206A,C206B,C206C → Independent review pending	C207A,C207B,C207C → Independent review pending

Read field by field — no sideways scrolling

The same selected records, fields, values and source links as the table. Missing fields remain non-equivalent; no values are merged.

Layer

4-pin XLR connectorP206 / Connector: Connector
6-pin XLR connectorP207 / Connector: Connector

Key distinction

4-pin XLR connectorP206 / Connector: Pole count identifies the connector form, not the device signal, power scheme or pin assignment.
6-pin XLR connectorP207 / Connector: Pole count alone does not identify the application or electrical assignment.

Nominal contacts

4-pin XLR connectorP206 / Connector: 4S209Nominal pole count only; no signal or power assignment is inferred.
6-pin XLR connectorP207 / Connector: 6S210Nominal pole count only; no signal or power assignment is inferred.

Positions / cavity span

4-pin XLR connectorP206 / Connector: 4 (Claim C206B)S619Recorded source-scoped values; named examples do not describe every family variant or establish compatibility. Named NC4MXX component view only. Four contacts do not identify an installed port’s service, polarity, voltage or cable wiring.
6-pin XLR connectorP207 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Populated contacts

4-pin XLR connectorP206 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
6-pin XLR connectorP207 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Contact rows

4-pin XLR connectorP206 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
6-pin XLR connectorP207 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Contact pitch

4-pin XLR connectorP206 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
6-pin XLR connectorP207 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Dimensions / axis

4-pin XLR connectorP206 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
6-pin XLR connectorP207 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Connector role

4-pin XLR connectorP206 / Connector: plug; socket; plug (NC4MXX)S209 · S914Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. four-pole XLR plug/receptacle interface NC4MXX. Documented role: plug. Exact part layout must control; no NC6MXX versus NC6MSXX intermateability inferred.; Global503forNC4/NC6; official US page/PDF successfully read. No drawing axes or rows proposed.
6-pin XLR connectorP207 / Connector: plug; socket; plug (NC6MXX)S210 · S915Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. six-pole XLR plug/receptacle interface NC6MXX. Documented role: plug. Exact part layout must control; no NC6MXX versus NC6MSXX intermateability inferred.; Global503forNC4/NC6; official US page/PDF successfully read. No drawing axes or rows proposed.

Coupling / latch

4-pin XLR connectorP206 / Connector: latch (Claim C206C); Latch lock; improved locking recess without window (NC4MXX)S209 · S914Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. Component construction and retention only; not an assembled lead, panel receptacle or camera-power connection approval. NC4MXX. Documented role: plug. Exact part layout must control; no NC6MXX versus NC6MSXX intermateability inferred.; Global503forNC4/NC6; official US page/PDF successfully read. No drawing axes or rows proposed.
6-pin XLR connectorP207 / Connector: Latch lock; improved locking recess without window (NC6MXX)S915Named source examples retain separate role, part, view and axis limits; values are not a universal family specification. NC6MXX. Documented role: plug. Exact part layout must control; no NC6MXX versus NC6MSXX intermateability inferred.; Global503forNC4/NC6; official US page/PDF successfully read. No drawing axes or rows proposed.

Keying / polarization

4-pin XLR connectorP206 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
6-pin XLR connectorP207 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Documented identification

4-pin XLR connectorP206 / Connector: Four-pole XLR connector form.C206A
6-pin XLR connectorP207 / Connector: Six-pole XLR connector form.C207A

Source-observed V148 component scope

4-pin XLR connectorP206 / Connector: NC4MXX cable component with separate end and longitudinal views.C206B · C206C
6-pin XLR connectorP207 / Connector: NC6MXX and NC6MSXX are distinct source-observed arrangements.C207B · C207C

Evidence

4-pin XLR connectorP206 / Connector: C206A,C206B,C206C →
Independent review pending
6-pin XLR connectorP207 / Connector: C207A,C207B,C207C →
Independent review pending

Your next step

Use the distinction in context.

Open the field notes Read source-linked facts and limitations.Compare another pair Start from a common confusion.Check a connection A comparison is not a compatibility verdict.

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Browse every comparison →

TOSLINK vs Mini-TOSLINKStandard TOSLINK and Mini-TOSLINK are different optical-audio connector forms. Mini-TOSLINK can resemble a 3.5 mm jack, so confirm optical support from device documentation.2-, 4- and 8-pole speakONWhich pole count and equipment wiring does the loudspeaker system document?3-pin Mini-XLR versus full-size 3-pin XLRAre you looking at the compact Mini-XLR/Tini-QG form or a full-size XLR connector? Matching three-pole counts do not make the shells interchangeable.3-pin versus 4-pin Mini-XLRDoes the compact Mini-XLR/Tini-QG form have three or four conductors? Conductor count does not establish the device wiring or signal role.3.5 mm TRS vs TRRSContact arrangement is a visual clue. Signal assignment still needs device documentation.4-pin versus 5-pin Mini-XLRDoes the compact Mini-XLR/Tini-QG form have four or five conductors? Do not infer a pin assignment from count alone.

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Evidence behind this page

Scope first. Source second. Approval separate.

6 linked sources · 6 scoped claims · 0 sources with inspection/access flags.

Page scope: Evidence behind the compared records; the editorial comparison still needs separate review.

Assessment 2026-10-22 · earliest scheduled source review 2027-01-03. This is a recorded-date assessment, not a live source check. Page-level independent review is not established by this panel.

Inspect 6 source scopes, access limits and dates

S209 · NC4MXX 4-pole male XLR cable connector

Neutrik · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-05 · due 2027-01-03

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Identifies NC4MXX as a four-pole male XLR cable connector.

Not established / limitations: Identification/reference scope only. V36 does not convert this source into a universal pinout, fabrication drawing, electrical approval or end-to-end compatibility verdict.

Locator: Product overview

S210 · NC6MXX 6-pole male XLR cable connector

Neutrik · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-05 · due 2027-01-03

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Identifies NC6MXX as a six-pole male XLR cable connector.

Locator: Product overview

S619 · ST-NC4MXX component drawing

Neutrik · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-13 · due 2027-01-11

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Four-position end view of named component, not an installed camera/intercom power port.

Not established / limitations: Four-position end view of named component, not an installed camera/intercom power port. Raw document bytes were not obtained in the container; no raw-file hash or archived-source possession is claimed.

Locator: Single sheet; left end view and two longitudinal profiles; revision B, changed-date 17.04.07.

S621 · ST-NC6MXX component drawing

Neutrik · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-13 · due 2027-01-11

Within inspection window

Scoped support: NC6MXX arrangement only; not the separate NC6MSXX arrangement or a wiring map.

Not established / limitations: NC6MXX arrangement only; not the separate NC6MSXX arrangement or a wiring map. Raw document bytes were not obtained in the container; no raw-file hash or archived-source possession is claimed.

Locator: Single sheet; left end view with five peripheral positions and a central position; revision B, changed-date 17.04.07.

S622 · NC6MSXX six-pole male cable connector variant

Neutrik · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-13 · due 2027-01-11

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Named NC6MSXX variant; manufacturer arrangement statement is not independent universal mating or wiring approval.

Not established / limitations: Named NC6MSXX variant; manufacturer arrangement statement is not independent universal mating or wiring approval. Raw document bytes were not obtained in the container; no raw-file hash or archived-source possession is claimed.

Locator: Product description and Mechanical / Equivalent; manufacturer explicitly identifies a Switchcraft pin arrangement.

S623 · ST-NC6MSXX component drawing

Neutrik · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-13 · due 2027-01-11

Within inspection window

Scoped support: NC6MSXX source-facing arrangement only; no contact numbering or signal functions reproduced.

Not established / limitations: NC6MSXX source-facing arrangement only; no contact numbering or signal functions reproduced. Raw document bytes were not obtained in the container; no raw-file hash or archived-source possession is claimed.

Locator: Single sheet; left end view; five peripheral positions and center, differing from ST-NC6MXX; revision B, changed-date 17.04.07.

Trace 6 claims to their source records

C206A · P206

Neutrik identifies NC4MXX as a four-pole male XLR cable connector.

Claim scope: V36 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction or end-to-end compatibility proof.

Source links: S209 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C206B · P206

The ST-NC4MXX sheet shows a keyed four-position end view separately from the connector’s longitudinal housing and boot profiles.

Claim scope: Named NC4MXX component view only. Four contacts do not identify an installed port’s service, polarity, voltage or cable wiring.

Source links: S619 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C206C · P206

For NC4MXX, Neutrik specifies solder contacts, latch retention and chuck-type cable strain relief.

Claim scope: Component construction and retention only; not an assembled lead, panel receptacle or camera-power connection approval.

Source links: S209 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C207A · P207

Neutrik identifies NC6MXX as a six-pole male XLR cable connector.

Claim scope: V36 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction or end-to-end compatibility proof.

Source links: S210 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C207B · P207

Neutrik separately lists NC6MSXX with a Switchcraft pin arrangement, alongside the NC6MXX six-pole male cable connector.

Claim scope: Exact variant distinction. The manufacturer’s arrangement description is not a universal claim about all Switchcraft parts, wiring or interoperability.

Source links: S210 · S622 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C207C · P207

The ST-NC6MXX and ST-NC6MSXX sheets each show six contact positions, including a central position, but their peripheral arrangements differ.

Claim scope: Visually inspected source-facing layouts only. Do not substitute variants from contact count or use the unnumbered studies as pinouts.

Source links: S621 · S623 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

Prepare this page for review →Read the evidence method →

Recorded evidence only. An inspection date, publisher label, source link or generated packet is not independent technical review, hardware testing, fabrication approval or a compatibility verdict.