Application of connectors, part 1, XLR-type polarity and gender
Description
This AES standard specifies a common scheme for wiring the connectors used in audio systems, particularly to avoid the inversion of absolute polarity among the items in the analog signal chain .
Contents
This standard shall apply to three- and five-pin circular connectors, commonly and generically known as XLR-type, used for the interconnection of all categories of sound system components for professional audio, commercial, recording, broadcast, and similar applications, regardless of function, type, or level of the signal. It specifies the application and polarity of analog signals for these connectors. This standard does not pertain to the dimensions of the connectors.
The standard is based on IEC 268-12, Sound Syslem Equipment, Part 12: Application of Connectors for Broadcast and Similar Use.
In sound systems it is often necessary to connect pieces of equipment from different manufacturers. This standard provides a common scheme for wiring the connectors used, particularly to avoid the inversion of absolute polarity among the items in a signal chain.
Positive sound pressure: shall designate that portion of the sound wave during which the pressure is in excess of the atmospheric ambient.
Positive polarity: shall designate an electrical signal voltage which acquires a potential that has a phase angle within 90 degrees with respect to a positive sound pressure peak.
Positive-polarity terminal: shall be that terminal on which a positive signal shall be measured with respect to the oppositely polarized terminal when a positive-polarity signal is applied as observed with an oscilloscope or similarly functioning instrument.
Return terminal: shall be that terminal which is polarized opposite to the positive-polarity terminal, that is, the negative-polarity terminal.
Positive-supply terminal: shall be that terminal which carries the positive voltage of a direct-current microphone power supply.
Negative-supply terminal: shall be that terminal which carries the negative voltage of a direct-current microphone power supply.
Contact designation and gender shall be as shown in Table VI.
Connector pin designations shall be as shown in Table VII.
Table VI - Connector designations and applications.
Table VII. Connector pin designations.
Note 1 - If an unbalanced amplifier input is to accept a balanced microphone, contact 3 (or 3 an d 5) ot the input shall be connected to contact 1.
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