FIELD GUIDESource-led reference
Port & Cable

P026 / Audio / Connector

3-pin XLR connector

Three-pole XLR connectors are a distinct keyed, latching circular family.

Also called XLR XLR3 3 pin microphone

XLR shape alone does not establish the signal or power arrangement.

Look for

Check pole count, mating side and the equipment function. This record only covers the three-pole recognition form. Read the source-scoped pinout below.

Claim inspection dates: 2026-10-01, 2026-10-11 · Independent review pending

3-pin XLR connector: three-quarter view. Computer-generated illustration, not a photograph.

Three-quarter view Computer-generated illustration with prior AI visual review. Not a photograph, measurement or compatibility check. Independent technical and rights review pending.

3-pin XLR connector: mating face. Computer-generated illustration, not a photograph.

Mating face Computer-generated illustration with prior AI visual review. Not a photograph, measurement or compatibility check. Independent technical and rights review pending.

3-pin XLR connector: fitted in place. Computer-generated illustration, not a photograph.

Fitted in place Computer-generated illustration with prior AI visual review. Not a photograph, measurement or compatibility check. Independent technical and rights review pending.

3-pin XLR connector: original recognition drawing, not to scale.

Recognition drawing Original schematic, not to scale. Drawing review pending.

Pins & wiring

Pinout

Choose the exact wiring. Pin numbers follow its stated view; a schematic does not establish physical positions. Check your exact device before wiring.

What the status labels mean
Confirmed
Recorded research passes agree within this variant; this is not independent human review or hardware validation.
Single source
Only one underlying document, or one pass, supports this assignment.
Device-specific
Supported for the named equipment or wiring only. Check your device’s manual.
Unverified
Missing or conflicting evidence. Do not wire from this row.
Not connected
The source explicitly says NC, no contact or no pin for this wiring.
Wiring variant

Focusrite ISA Two microphone input

Device-specific wiring. Check your device’s manual before connecting or applying power.

View and evidence limits

Female receptacle mating-face convention; use contact numbers. ISA-specific left/right position is unverified.

  • P026 3-pin XLR — Agree (1 ground/screen, 2 hot +, 3 cold −) — AES/IEC standard text paywalled; confirmed from Yamaha, Focusrite, Shure documents. Physical position of pin 1 on the mating face not confirmed from a dimensioned drawing.
  • AES3, lighting/control, DC power, proprietary XLR3 wiring and historical fixed pin-3-hot devices were not established from primary documents in this pass.
  • The retrieved V2 p. 9 labels an XLR-3 male Output but supplies no separate numbered output table or XLR face drawing. Its output pin functions and ISA-specific spatial layout are unverified here.
3-pole XLR audio pin-role referenceFemale receptacle mating-face convention; use contact numbers. ISA-specific left/right position is unverified.SCHEMATIC · physical positions unconfirmedNot to scale · check the named wiring and device manual1: Screen (device_specific)12: Hot (+ve) (device_specific)23: Cold (-ve) (device_specific)3powergrounddataConfigshieldNCUnknown
Schematic only · physical contact positions unconfirmed. Original drawing · not to scale. Scroll sideways if needed.
Focusrite ISA Two microphone input — source-scoped contact map
PinSignalWhat it doesStatus
1ScreenCable screen or shield connection; check the named equipment.Device-specific
Sources
2Hot (+ve)Control, detection or configuration connection; check the source and device.Device-specific
Sources
3Cold (-ve)Control, detection or configuration connection; check the source and device.Device-specific
Sources
Sources (1)

Yamaha M-5000 BAL input — PHASE NORMAL

Device-specific wiring. Check your device’s manual before connecting or applying power.

View and evidence limits

Female receptacle face, lever up; 2 upper left, 1 upper right, 3 below.

  • P026 3-pin XLR — Agree (1 ground/screen, 2 hot +, 3 cold −) — AES/IEC standard text paywalled; confirmed from Yamaha, Focusrite, Shure documents. Physical position of pin 1 on the mating face not confirmed from a dimensioned drawing.
  • AES3, lighting/control, DC power, proprietary XLR3 wiring and historical fixed pin-3-hot devices were not established from primary documents in this pass.
  • The retrieved V2 p. 9 labels an XLR-3 male Output but supplies no separate numbered output table or XLR face drawing. Its output pin functions and ISA-specific spatial layout are unverified here.
3-pole XLR audio pin-role referenceFemale receptacle face, lever up; 2 upper left, 1 upper right, 3 below.SCHEMATIC · physical positions unconfirmedNot to scale · check the named wiring and device manual1: Ground (earth) (device_specific)12: Hot (device_specific)23: Cold (device_specific)3powergrounddataConfigshieldNCUnknown
Schematic only · physical contact positions unconfirmed. Original drawing · not to scale. Scroll sideways if needed.
Yamaha M-5000 BAL input — PHASE NORMAL — source-scoped contact map
PinSignalWhat it doesStatus
1Ground (earth)Ground reference and return.Device-specific
Sources
2HotControl, detection or configuration connection; check the source and device.Device-specific
Sources
3ColdControl, detection or configuration connection; check the source and device.Device-specific
Sources
Sources (1)

Yamaha M-5000 BAL input — PHASE INVERTED

Device-specific wiring. Check your device’s manual before connecting or applying power.

View and evidence limits

Female receptacle face, lever up; 2 upper left, 1 upper right, 3 below.

  • P026 3-pin XLR — Agree (1 ground/screen, 2 hot +, 3 cold −) — AES/IEC standard text paywalled; confirmed from Yamaha, Focusrite, Shure documents. Physical position of pin 1 on the mating face not confirmed from a dimensioned drawing.
  • AES3, lighting/control, DC power, proprietary XLR3 wiring and historical fixed pin-3-hot devices were not established from primary documents in this pass.
  • The retrieved V2 p. 9 labels an XLR-3 male Output but supplies no separate numbered output table or XLR face drawing. Its output pin functions and ISA-specific spatial layout are unverified here.
3-pole XLR audio pin-role referenceFemale receptacle face, lever up; 2 upper left, 1 upper right, 3 below.SCHEMATIC · physical positions unconfirmedNot to scale · check the named wiring and device manual1: Ground (earth) (device_specific)12: Cold (device_specific)23: Hot (device_specific)3powergrounddataConfigshieldNCUnknown
Schematic only · physical contact positions unconfirmed. Original drawing · not to scale. Scroll sideways if needed.
Yamaha M-5000 BAL input — PHASE INVERTED — source-scoped contact map
PinSignalWhat it doesStatus
1Ground (earth)Ground reference and return.Device-specific
Sources
2ColdControl, detection or configuration connection; check the source and device.Device-specific
Sources
3HotControl, detection or configuration connection; check the source and device.Device-specific
Sources
Sources (1)

Image inspection / P026

See the view. Check its scope.

2 registered views for this reference. Different part examples are not automatically mates; all remain not to scale and independently unapproved.

3-pin XLR connector: Three-pole connector designation. Cable-side male XLR body concept; count markers are NOT spatial pin positions. Qualitative source-linked recognition study, not a pinout or a dimensional guide. (private workspace)

P026 / Inherited recognition study

3-pin XLR connector

3-pin XLR connector

Cable-side male XLR body concept; count markers are NOT spatial pin positions · Cable plug / cable end

Not to scale. Technical and rights review pending.

Inspect view & provenance (private workspace)
Neutrik NC3MXX: qualitative oblique exterior; contact assignment omitted. Original source-observed exterior study, not to scale. (private workspace)

P026 / Source-observed physical study

3-pole XLR

Neutrik NC3MXX

Qualitative oblique exterior; contact assignment omitted · Cable plug / cable end

Not to scale. Technical and rights review pending.

Inspect view & provenance (private workspace)

Application notes / Audio / P026

Does three contacts mean the same microphone connection?

FIELD NOTES 04

No wiring or device match follows from contact count. NC3MXX is a full-size male XLR cable component; Switchcraft TA3MLX is a separate Mini-XLR component.

Identify first

Read the part and the device.

Distinguish full-size XLR from Mini-XLR, then record connector role and exact device.

Still unresolved

Keep this requirement open.

Signal assignment, bias or phantom-power requirements and device compatibility remain unverified.

Not established · named example only

Does matching contact count establish a full-size/Mini-XLR cable?

Unknown: component identity does not specify either device’s circuit.

Boundary. No pin mapping, bias voltage or microphone compatibility has been invented.

Next check. Find the equipment maker’s model-specific cable or wiring documentation.

S028 · S350 · C026C (private workspace) · C309C (private workspace)

Before choosing an adapter or reader

  1. Identify both connector families and genders.
  2. Find each device’s connector assignment.
  3. Use a documented cable or adapter, not a contact-count guess.
Read the evidence and its scope · 3 observations

C026A (private workspace) — Three-pole XLR connectors are a distinct keyed, latching circular family.

Consumer identification / documented standard or product class only

S028

C026C (private workspace) — Neutrik NC3MXX is a three-pole male cable connector with nickel housing, silver contacts and a latch-lock interface.

Exact XLR component identity; not a device signal, microphone-bias or electrical compatibility assignment.

S028

C309C (private workspace) — Switchcraft TA3MLX is a three-conductor male Tini-QG Mini-XLR cord connector with solder-cup termination and no flex relief.

Exact TA3MLX configuration. Shared conductor count with full-size XLR does not establish interchangeable housings or wiring.

S350

Source interpretation is not independent engineering review, hardware testing, wiring advice or a public-release approval.

Inspect the named exterior · Neutrik NC3MXX
Neutrik NC3MXX: qualitative oblique exterior; contact assignment omitted. Original source-observed exterior study, not to scale.
Original qualitative exterior only. No pin numbers, wiring, exact mating geometry or independent approval. Qualitative exterior; not to scale.

Male cable connector; Qualitative oblique exterior; contact assignment omitted. Manufacturer NC3MXX product photograph, oblique exterior. Shell and boot observed; proportions qualitative.

Original source-scoped paraphrase and qualitative vector interpretation; no manufacturer raster artwork republished. Independent technical and rights review remains pending.

S028 · S497 · Read the application notes →

The useful distinction

Does an XLR shell identify audio, control or power?

No equipment service follows from these component descriptions alone. Keep the complete part, pole count and cable-versus-panel role separate from the port label and device manual. C026C · C126A · C206A

Component or signal: documented distinction and remaining check
CheckDocumented distinctionWhat this does not establish
Three-pole componentNC3MXX is a three-pole male cable connector with a latch-lock interface. C026CThat construction is not a universal microphone assignment or permission to apply phantom power.
Five-pole componentNC5MXX is separately listed as a five-pole male cable connector. C126APole count alone does not establish a lighting-control protocol or cable specification.
Four-pole componentNC4MXX is a four-pole male cable component. C206ANo camera-power polarity or supply voltage is established by this component identity.

Keep this limit: No generic XLR pinout, DMX wiring assignment, power polarity or cross-pole adapter is authorized here. C026C · C126A · C206A

Before choosing the cable or component

  1. Record the full equipment model, exact port label and connector part where known.
  2. Find the manual’s stated signal or power role and approved cable for that port.
  3. Do not substitute an audio, control or power cable using housing resemblance or contact count.
Original source statements and citation return points

Three-pole XLR connectors are a distinct keyed, latching circular family. [C026A]

Neutrik NC3MXX is a three-pole male cable connector with nickel housing, silver contacts and a latch-lock interface. [C026C]

Source check · 14 October 2026. Three product descriptions were rechecked, not installation wiring. The NC5MXX-linked drawing-title conflict remains unresolved.

Source-qualified reference, not a wiring, optical-link or compatibility approval. Each linked claim and source carries its own recorded inspection date and review status. Selected source checks do not constitute independent technical or rights approval.

Existing source trail: S028 · S101 · S209.

Audio questions · 5-pin XLR connector · 4-pin XLR connector

Identify the documented form

Identify the XLR pole count, cable/device role and equipment service separately.

  1. The three-pole family is keyed and latching; inspect the actual mating side and count rather than a generic circular silhouette. S028
  2. NC3MXX is a named male cable connector with a latch-lock interface, not a generic picture of every XLR role. S028
Documented identity facts; exact part and variant scope remains with each value
Nominal contacts3S028 · S192three-pole XLR audio wiring convention; nominal engineering count, not automatically positions, population or a device wiring map. three-pole XLR audio wiring convention
Positions / cavity spanNot recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Populated contactsNot recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Connector roleplug (Neutrik NC3MXX)S028Recorded source-scoped values; named examples do not describe every family variant or establish compatibility. Exact XLR component identity; not a device signal, microphone-bias or electrical compatibility assignment.
Rows, pitch, dimensions, keying and view limits
Additional scoped facts; not a fabrication drawing or a mating approval
Contact rowsNot recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Contact pitchNot recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Dimensions / axisNot recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Coupling / latchlatch (Claim C026A); latch (Claim C026C); latch (Neutrik NC3MXX); latch lock (NC3MXX)S028 · S028 · S870Separate exact examples; retain each value’s source, role, axis and part scope. Consumer identification / documented standard or product class only Exact XLR component identity; not a device signal, microphone-bias or electrical compatibility assignment. Exact named example NC3MXX: Three-pole male XLR cable connector. Exact example only; no universal geometry, electrical compatibility, fabrication approval or wiring instruction. Cable acceptance diameter is not XLR mating-shell diameter.
Keying / polarizationNot recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
View conventionNot recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Contact gender / arrangementmale (Neutrik NC3MXX)S028Recorded source-scoped values; named examples do not describe every family variant or establish compatibility. Exact XLR component identity; not a device signal, microphone-bias or electrical compatibility assignment.
Mountingcable (Claim C026C); solder contacts (NC3MXX)S028 · S870Separate exact examples; retain each value’s source, role, axis and part scope. Exact XLR component identity; not a device signal, microphone-bias or electrical compatibility assignment. Exact named example NC3MXX: Three-pole male XLR cable connector. Exact example only; no universal geometry, electrical compatibility, fabrication approval or wiring instruction. Cable acceptance diameter is not XLR mating-shell diameter.
Shell / formnickel housing (Neutrik NC3MXX)S028Recorded source-scoped values; named examples do not describe every family variant or establish compatibility. Exact XLR component identity; not a device signal, microphone-bias or electrical compatibility assignment.
ManufacturerNeutrik (NC3MXX)S028Recorded source-scoped values; named examples do not describe every family variant or establish compatibility. Exact XLR component identity; not a device signal, microphone-bias or electrical compatibility assignment.
SeriesXLR XX (NC3MXX)S028Recorded source-scoped values; named examples do not describe every family variant or establish compatibility. Exact XLR component identity; not a device signal, microphone-bias or electrical compatibility assignment.
Exact part / implementationNC3MXX (NC3MXX)S028Recorded source-scoped values; named examples do not describe every family variant or establish compatibility. Exact XLR component identity; not a device signal, microphone-bias or electrical compatibility assignment.
Recorded markingsNot recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Keep this limit: The shell family and pole count do not establish the equipment’s signal or power service. S028

Make the next check

Read the equipment’s connector purpose and its own wiring requirements; do not transfer a generic pin convention.

Existing source inspection and AI review remain distinct from independent technical review. A matching form does not establish a safe connection.

Recorded variant and source limits
  • No generic XLR mechanical dimensions or pin-face geometry are published in V35.
  • A device may use an XLR shell for a documented function outside this audio convention; exact equipment documentation still controls.
  • Focusrite ISA Two microphone input: Female receptacle mating-face convention; use contact numbers. ISA-specific left/right position is unverified.
  • Yamaha M-5000 BAL input — PHASE NORMAL: Female receptacle face, lever up; 2 upper left, 1 upper right, 3 below.
  • Yamaha M-5000 BAL input — PHASE INVERTED: Female receptacle face, lever up; 2 upper left, 1 upper right, 3 below.
Report a correction to this identification or view →

Bounded facts, visible unknowns

Specifications and limits

3-pin XLR connector facts and limitations
Form coveredThree-pole XLR [C026A]
Pin assignmentSee the pinout section [C026A]
Mechanical dimensionsNo independently reviewed mechanical drawing in this release; do not use this page for fabrication.
Engineering pinoutSource-checked engineering profile available; independent review pending. Open engineering profile →
Verified device listNot included. Check exact device and accessory documentation.
A boundary, not an omission to guess around.

This record is an identification starting point. It does not provide measured mating tolerances, electrical approval, or a list of verified device models. Use the original device and accessory documentation to resolve the remaining requirements.

Before you connect

What to check

  1. Verify pole count and the exact application.
  2. Read input/output and power requirements in the equipment manual.
  3. Do not assume an adapter with matching connectors is suitable for every XLR use.
Trace a supported connection class →

Your next step

Move from the form to the requirement.

Read the engineering reference Source-scoped details, orientation and explicit unknowns.Work through a connection Choose your task before deciding on a cable.Explore this evidence trail Inspect the claims and their dependencies. (private workspace)

The source trail

Evidence for this page

AI-assisted inspection is not independent engineering review. Source scope and access limitations are disclosed below. Procedural checklists are editorial requirements, not hardware measurements.

Back to first citation ↑
C026ASource checked · pending review

Three-pole XLR connectors are a distinct keyed, latching circular family.

Neutrik · NC3MXX XLR cable connector ↗

Locator: Product identification
Access: public page.

S028: full source recordInspect review dependencies → (private workspace)

Claim scope: Consumer identification / documented standard or product class only. Next review due 2026-12-30.

Back to first citation ↑
C026CSource checked · pending review

Neutrik NC3MXX is a three-pole male cable connector with nickel housing, silver contacts and a latch-lock interface.

Neutrik · NC3MXX XLR cable connector ↗

Locator: Product identification
Access: public page.

S028: full source recordInspect review dependencies → (private workspace)

Claim scope: Exact XLR component identity; not a device signal, microphone-bias or electrical compatibility assignment.. Next review due 2027-01-09.

Suggest a correction to this field note →

Common questions

Questions this record can help resolve

Does an XLR cable automatically work with every microphone setup?Keep the 3-pin XLR cable form separate from device-specific pin assignment, phantom-power behavior, signal role and exact equipment compatibility.

Discovery Quality III

Questions this record helps answer

All focused explainers →
Mini-XLR pin numbering vs device wiringDoes knowing the Mini-XLR pin number tell me what that pin carries on my microphone, beltpack, headset or other device?

Audio connection desk

Follow the signal beyond the plug

Signal roles, channel layouts and power requirements are distinct from connector shape. No hardware approval is implied.

Audio deskAudio patch sheet

Put this field note to work.

Add to discovery trayRecord an unsaved candidate (private workspace)

Compare look-alikes: Three-pin versus five-pin XLR · 3-pin Mini-XLR versus full-size 3-pin XLR

Candidate selection does not confirm the identity or capabilities of your physical item.

Evidence behind this page

Scope first. Source second. Approval separate.

1 linked sources · 2 scoped claims · 0 sources with inspection/access flags.

Page scope: consumer_pilot

Assessment 2026-10-22 · earliest scheduled source review 2026-12-30. This is a recorded-date assessment, not a live source check. Page-level independent review is not established by this panel.

Inspect 1 source scopes, access limits and dates

S028 · NC3MXX XLR cable connector

Neutrik · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-01 · due 2026-12-30

Within inspection window

Scoped support: 3-pole male XLR physical example; no universal signal or power promise.

Not established / limitations:

Locator: Product identification

Trace 2 claims to their source records

C026A · P026

Three-pole XLR connectors are a distinct keyed, latching circular family.

Claim scope: Consumer identification / documented standard or product class only

Source links: S028 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C026C · P026

Neutrik NC3MXX is a three-pole male cable connector with nickel housing, silver contacts and a latch-lock interface.

Claim scope: Exact XLR component identity; not a device signal, microphone-bias or electrical compatibility assignment.

Source links: S028 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

Prepare this page for review → (private workspace)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.