AudioCalcs
Connector Calculator — Audio Pinouts & Wiring Guide
Reference guide for audio connector pinouts, wiring and signal levels.
How We Calculate This
This tool is a quick reference for audio and AV connector types, their pinout configurations, signal levels and common applications.
Selecting a connector type displays its pin assignments, whether it carries a balanced signal, the typical signal level or current rating, and its characteristic impedance.
Pinouts follow the published standards: XLR-3 uses the AES14-1992 / IEC 61076-2-103 convention (Pin 1 ground, Pin 2 hot, Pin 3 cold); the 5-pin XLR carries DMX512 over RS-485 (120Ω nominal per ANSI E1.27-1); AES3/AES-EBU digital audio uses 110Ω balanced; and the 3.5mm TRRS headset pinout follows the CTIA/AHJ standard (mic on the sleeve).
Always check equipment manuals for specific wiring requirements, as some older equipment reverses pins 2 and 3 on XLR, and DMX wiring can vary between manufacturers.
Working figures for this are collected in our Cable Connector Guide reference table.
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard XLR pinout is: Pin 1 = Ground/Shield, Pin 2 = Hot (positive), Pin 3 = Cold (negative). This follows the AES and IEC standard. Some older European equipment reversed pins 2 and 3.
TS (Tip-Sleeve) has two conductors and carries one unbalanced signal. TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) has three conductors and can carry either a balanced mono signal or an unbalanced stereo signal. The same 6.35mm jack is used for both.
No. Guitar cables are shielded signal cables designed for high-impedance, low-current signals. Speaker cables need to carry significant current and use heavier gauge conductors. Using a guitar cable for speakers can cause overheating, signal loss and potential damage.
Speakon connectors lock in place (no accidental disconnection), can handle high current (40A), have no exposed contacts (safety), and are designed specifically for speaker connections. They have largely replaced 6.35mm jacks in professional PA.
Related Calculators
Cable Length Calculator
Calculate the maximum cable length before signal degradation for XLR, TRS, TS and other audio cable types. Free online calculator.
Signal Loss Calculator
Calculate audio signal attenuation in dB over a cable run based on cable type, length and frequency. Free online audio calculator.
Snake Calculator
Calculate audio snake requirements from channel count, cable run length and connector types for live sound and studio installations.
Cable Loss Calculator
Calculate signal loss over audio cable runs including resistance loss, capacitance effects, noise floor impact, impedance and recommended maximum lengths.
Cable Impedance Calculator
Calculate the characteristic impedance of audio cables from conductor diameter, spacing and dielectric constant. Free online tool.
Was this calculator helpful?
Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates based on standard formulas. Always verify results for critical applications.