AudioBanter.com - View Single Post - What Does "XLR" Mean? -- Official Answer

(Mike Rivers) wrote in message

I suppose that XLR could stand for something, but I imagine that if it
actually did, someone would know. This is a pretty historic part
number.

Hasn't this been answered? ...... A few times.

X = A small circular plug in the Cannon connector series that was not
originally designed for microphones, but was later adapted, due to
it's small size.

Cannon originally made a large circular connector, the "P" (pin)
series. Microphones used a 3 pin design of that. Speakers used (and
still do) a 4 or 8 pin version of that series......... They wanted a
smaller connector so they designed the "UA" series which were D shaped
connectors. Mics such as the EV 666 and 654 used these........ In
their desire for an even smaller mic connector they went with a small
circular connector that cannon had around called the "X" series.

L = Latch.... The X series had no latch, so they added one

R = Rubber .... The XL series connector became popluar and cannon
later embedded the contacts in rubber to insulate them.

XLR

J_West

Read more here from Ray Rayburn, a very knowlegable audio technician
....... http://www.soundfirst.com/xlr.html