Buyer's Guide: Sourcing XLR Connectors

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XLR or extra line return connectors are electrical connectors that are used with audio and video devices such as amplifiers, mixers, microphones and loudspeakers. They were originally known as Cannon connectors after inventor James H. Cannon, founder of Cannon Electric.

Most commonly used in professional applications, XLR connectors are available in different sizes and shapes. Typically, they have three pins, but can also come in four-pin, five-pin, six-pin and seven-pin versions. The pins are usually a metal or alloy and are arranged in a circular pattern.

These connectors are designed to provide a secure and reliable connection between two devices, preventing interference and noise and reducing the risk of electrical shorts. They are durable and can withstand a wide range of temperatures and environmental conditions.

XLR connectors are typically made from a variety of metals and alloys, commonly brass, nickel and steel. Brass is a soft metal that is durable, and nickel and steel are strong metals. All three shell materials are resistant to corrosion and oxidation. The pins are usually made from copper and have silver or gold plating.

Frequently asked questions about XLR connectors

What are the two types of XLR connectors?

XLR connectors are available in male and female configurations. The male variant has pins that protrude from the connector, while the female has sockets that accept the pins.

XLR connectors are used to connect microphones to amplifiers, mixers and loudspeakers, and speakers to amplifiers, mixers and other audio equipment.

They plug car audio systems into speakers, amplifiers and other audio devices. They are also used in lighting and sound systems in professional A/V applications and in telephone lines and other equipment in the telecom industry.

What is the market size of XLR connectors?

Globally, the XLR connectors market was estimated at $25 million in 2022 and is forecast to reach $29 million by 2027 at CAGR of 2.1 percent, according to TheExpressWire at the Digital Journal. Three-pin types dominate with a 78 percent share, followed by four-pin with 8 percent and five-pin with 5 percent. In terms of applications, professional audio equipment account for 51 percent and microphones 26 percent. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market, and North America and Europe are the others.

What are the most important factors for buyers to consider when buying wholesale XLR connectors?

When sourcing XLR connectors, the most important factors buyers consider are quality, price and availability. Buyers want to make sure that products are reliable and durable and provide a secure connection but are also affordable and cost-effective. They should also choose connectors that are readily available in the quantity they need and can be shipped on time.

How to find trustworthy XLR connector manufacturers?

Online platforms nowadays allow buyers to easily look for the right manufacturer that meets their specific needs. Global Sources, for instance, not only provides site visitors with a comprehensive list of products and their details but also a list of suppliers that have been verified by third parties to ensure buyers are only dealing with legitimate companies. The B2B sourcing platform lets visitors filter and customize their searches, check the qualifications and relevant company information of the suppliers and take a virtual tour of some of the manufacturers’ facilities.

Here are verified manufacturers and their ready-to-source XLR connectors on GlobalSources.com.

XLR connector, lasts 1,500 cycles

Company: Dongguan Hooya Electronics Co. Ltd

Description: Model DIN-323PH XLR connector, with 50VDC, 0.5A rated load, has ≤0.03ohm contact and ≥100Mohm insulation resistance and 1,500VAC/min withstand voltage. Its insertion/extraction force is 1 to 5kgf, terminal strength ≥3kgf, temperature range -25 to 70 C and life span 1,500 cycles. Price and MOQ are available on direct inquiry.

ISO 9001:2008-compliant Dongguan Hooya accepts OEM orders. Xiaomi, Ubiquiti, Toshiba, Hasee, VTech, Flextronics, Harman, Foxconn, Sharp, Hikvision and NEC are its major customers.

Lead time: 21 to 30 days

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3-pin XLR connector for power amplifiers, audio mixers

Company: Yat Shun Electronic Co. Ltd

Description: The DIN-315 is a three-pin male XLR connector for power amplifiers and audio mixers. It has ≤0.03ohm contact and ≥100Mohm insulation resistance, 1,500VAC/min withstand voltage and 50VDC, 0.5A rated load. Its insertion/extraction force is 1 to 5kgf and terminal strength ≥3kgf. This horizontal PCB-mount unit has -25 to 70 C temperature range and lasts 1,500 cycles. Price and MOQ are provided on direct inquiry.

Yat Shun was established in 2013 and is ISO 14001-compliant. It offers OEM services. Philips, Mattel, TE, Flextronics, VTech and Belimo are among its major clients.

Lead time: 21 to 30 days

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XLR chassis connector

Company: King Net Enterprise Co. Ltd

Description: The XR1080 is an XLR chassis connector with solder cups and three to seven pins. This male unit has nickel, silver or gold plating on the contacts, a die-cast shell and a reinforced plastic insert. It has a one-touch lock latch for easy insertion and removal. Price, MOQ and lead time are available on direct inquiry.

King Net offers microphone components and accessories. It can produce 1 million units every month. Panasonic is one of its major customers.

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UL94V-0-rated female XLR connector

Company: Zhejiang Jinjia Electronics Co. Ltd

Description: This female connector, the XLR-16AP-N3B, has rated and withstand voltages of 50VDC and 1,500V. It is UL94V-0-rated. Length is 25.3mm, width 25.3mm and height 24mm. Zhejiang Jinjia has been manufacturing connectors since 1985. It complies with ISO 45001:2018 and 14001 standards. Bose, QSC, Flex and Xiaomi are major customers.

Price: $0.21 to $ 0.219

MOQ: 1,000 units

Lead time: 35 to 42 days

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Mini XLR connector

Company: Dragon City Industries Ltd

Description: For audio products, the MC-901 is a mini XLR connector available in 3 to 6-pin variants. It complies with RoHS requirements. Price, MOQ and lead time are provided on direct inquiry.

Dragon offers a range of connectors, jackets, sockets and terminals. It welcomes OEM orders.

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Male, female XLR connectors

Company: Changzhou Saintronix Co. Ltd

Description: The ST-14059 is a 3.5mm audio cable terminated with male and female XLR connectors. It comes with a one-year warranty. ISO 9002-compliant Changzhou Saintronix specializes in A/V cable manufacturing. It provides OEM services.

Price: $0.25 to $0.50

MOQ: 1,000 units

Lead time: 10 to 15 days

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3-pin XLR connector

Company: Dongguan DaJiang Electronics Co. Ltd

Description: The BLE-xlr-1-3940 is a 3-pin XLR connector for microphones and is available in male and female variants. It is made of nickel-plated copper and plastic. This 500VAC, 0.5mA plug, with >100Mohm insulation resistance, requires 0.3 to 3kg insertion force, has -20 to 180 C operating temperature and lasts more than 5,000 cycles. This plug, which is subjected to a salt spray test of over 24 hours, can withstand tin soldering at 350±10 C for 3 to 5 seconds. It meets REACH and RoHS requirements. Available lengths are 20.5 and 22.5mm and outer diameters 2.5, 3.15, 4 and 5.5mm.

ISO 9001- and 14001-compliant Dongguan DaJiang specializes in DC power plugs and audio jacks. Sony, Samsung, LG, Dell and Huawei are some of its customers.

Price: $0.55

MOQ: 1,000 units

Lead time: 3 to 7 days

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Mini female XLR connector

Company: Shallin Electronics Co. Ltd

Description: This mini female XLR connector, the M58842B, has three gold-plated pins. It is RoHS-compliant. Also available are variants with four, five and six pins. Price and MOQ are given on direct inquiry.

Shallin has been manufacturing components since 1977. It exports all output. OEM orders are welcome.

Lead time: 14 to 21 days

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3-pin panel-mount XLR connector

Company: Dongguan Xieao Industrial Co. Ltd

Description: The xa-4dsadsfd is a 3-pin panel-mount male XLR connector with solder bucket connections and precision machined or stamped contacts.

ISO 9001-compliant Dongguan Xieao welcomes OEM projects. Sharp is one of its major customers.

Price: $0.36 to $0.51

MOQ: 200 units

Lead time: 10 to 42 days

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3-pin XLR connector

Company: Dragon Well Electronics Co. Ltd

Description: Model DW-XLR-C-PJ-20D is a 3-pin XLR connector with rated load of 12VDC, 1A, contact resistance of less than 30ohms, insulation resistance of more than 100Mohms and withstand voltage of 500VAC at 50Hz for 1 minute. It requires an actuation force of 3 to 30N and has a life span of 5,000 cycles. ISO 9001:2015-compliant Dragon Well lists  VTech, Sharp, Samsung and Huawei as major customers.

Price: $0.01

MOQ: 1,000 units

Lead time: 10 to 15 days

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