Regular XLr and Mini XLR - the difference?

boosh

boosh

Well-known member
Hey guys,

I have a shoot next week where an AV team is providing sound for us. They said they have a regular XLR feed for us to take but also mentioned they had someone turn up once with a mini XLR and that they can't provide sound through this. I just wanted to check that the XLR sockets on typical cameras like a Sony FS700 are regular XLR? I've never heard of mini XLR but just wanted to check so I don't turn up with the wrong type of cable....

Cheers
 
Have you tried google? I have never heard of a mini XLR until just now but google explains all. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XLR_connector and particularly
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XLR_connector#Mini_XLR_Connector

Google also shows that there are lots of adaptor cables for mini XLR to "everything" including standard XLR

I would have though an AV team would (should?) have an XLR to mini XLR adaptor as should anyone with a system using a mini XLR.

More important you should know what all the plugs/sockets on your camera are.



As an aside I never realised there were so many variations of the "standard" XLR!!! 3, 4, 5,6 and 7 pin variants!
 
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"Regular" XLR is the gold standard for pro audio (with 1/4 inch TRS a distant runner-up.) Any gear that uses mini XLR is expected to provide mini-to-regular adapter tails. As Mr. Jones noted, gear like the RED camera, and several Blackmagic Design cameras and others use "oddball" connectors, notably mini-XLR. IMHO, it is the burden of the people bringing the oddball gear to provide adapters to the industry-standard connectors. It is reasonable to assume that any gear that uses mini-XLR is clearly identified.
 
Getting adapter cables isn't a big deal. I've had a ton of mini-to-regular cables made up. Sound Devices uses mini XLR connectors in addition to regular and 10 pin and Lectro SR receivers have mini output boards, too.
 
Run&Gun said:
Getting adapter cables isn't a big deal. I've had a ton of mini-to-regular cables made up. Sound Devices uses mini XLR connectors in addition to regular and 10 pin and Lectro SR receivers have mini output boards, too.
Click to expand...

Same here. And if you really need them you can find adapters available on eBay for under $10.
 
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