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Gear / Technical Help => Cables => Topic started by: Teen Wolf Blitzer on September 17, 2007, 07:18:09 PM

Title: Mini XLR confusion
Post by: Teen Wolf Blitzer on September 17, 2007, 07:18:09 PM
I apparently am confused.  Was looking around online for mini xlr cables and whatnot and noticed something.  These are the type I have on my sound devices breakouts (pic 1).  I need a pair of extention cables for the TOA KY's but the mini connector is different. (Pic 2 crude drawing) Any input?
Title: Re: Mini XLR confusion
Post by: jazzunit on September 17, 2007, 08:09:54 PM
What you've got in pic1 is commonly referred to as a TA3F , or Tini QG connector. In Pic 2 you have a TA4F connector.  Each of these is female.  Should you want the male variety, it would be a TA4M.  I believe they are both made by Switchcraft.  I'm pretty sure Digi-Key sells them.

Hope that helps.

DC
Title: Re: Mini XLR confusion
Post by: Teen Wolf Blitzer on September 17, 2007, 08:16:28 PM

http://www.audiogear.com/Switchcraft-Mini-XLR-Connectors.html

I see TA4F but they look like they only have 3 pins too.  I need 4 pins like the crudely done drawing above.  Anyone know what kinda mini XLR the Gefells use?  I thought I read somewhere they are 4 pins? 


Or maybe the site just has the same pic on every connector?
Title: Re: Mini XLR confusion
Post by: guysonic on September 17, 2007, 08:43:00 PM

http://www.audiogear.com/Switchcraft-Mini-XLR-Connectors.html

I see TA4F but they look like they only have 3 pins too.  I need 4 pins like the crudely done drawing above.  Anyone know what kinda mini XLR the Gefells use?  I thought I read somewhere they are 4 pins? 


Or maybe the site just has the same pic on every connector?

The part number is correct, but as often happens on some sites, the displayed picture may not be correct.
Title: Re: Mini XLR confusion
Post by: Teen Wolf Blitzer on September 17, 2007, 08:49:15 PM
Thanks!  Found it.   ;D

http://www.locationsound.com/ls/images/items/pscrcon62.jpg
Title: Re: Mini XLR confusion
Post by: F.O.Bean on September 22, 2007, 02:51:16 AM
Thanks!  Found it.   ;D

http://www.locationsound.com/ls/images/items/pscrcon62.jpg

thats what is on my MBHO actives FWIW, but my 722 has the 3-pin variety ??? I am confused on this subject. Since the 722 'mini-xlr's have 3-pins, that would technically be a 'mini-xlr' cable I guess ??? But MBHO also calls the 4-pin variety they use for their active cables 'mini-xlr's' but they dont have 3-pins, but instead have 4 pins. so are they BOTH technically called 'MINI-XLR's' ???

Mark, help a brotha out with this info ;)
Title: Re: Mini XLR confusion
Post by: guysonic on September 22, 2007, 10:11:22 AM
Thanks!  Found it.   ;D

http://www.locationsound.com/ls/images/items/pscrcon62.jpg

thats what is on my MBHO actives FWIW, but my 722 has the 3-pin variety ??? I am confused on this subject. Since the 722 'mini-xlr's have 3-pins, that would technically be a 'mini-xlr' cable I guess ??? But MBHO also calls the 4-pin variety they use for their active cables 'mini-xlr's' but they dont have 3-pins, but instead have 4 pins. so are they BOTH technically called 'MINI-XLR's' ???

Mark, help a brotha out with this info ;)

XLR moniker regarded as common usage for standard/mini-standard sizes, with 3, 4, or 5 pins.  4 pin seems most used for extenal power connections. 

Because mini-XLR is likely NOT an industry-wide standard size, additional listing showing Switchcraft model part number helps avoid confusion.
Title: Re: Mini XLR confusion
Post by: Jamos on September 23, 2007, 06:44:55 PM
Yeah they are all generally referred to as "mini-XLR"...
but there are the TA3F (3 pin), TA4F (4 pin), and TA5F, (5 pin) varieties.  Also there are male versions.

So just make sure you know which of those you need.  Most Shure wireless transmitters use the TA4F as the connector...and soldering them is a bitch, IME.

Title: Re: Mini XLR confusion
Post by: F.O.Bean on September 23, 2007, 07:13:17 PM
+T Fellas. Thanks for the info :)
Title: Re: Mini XLR confusion
Post by: Nick's Picks on September 24, 2007, 07:27:42 AM
why MBHO things they need a 4th pin....
beyond me.  probably the cheapest to buy in bulk.
Title: Re: Mini XLR confusion
Post by: ArchivalAudio on September 29, 2007, 11:58:30 PM
Mark
Way to get the old
TOA- KY's up n running!
good luck
may be busman can help you out?

peace