The Neutrik XX series is the successor to the 'industry standard' X series XLR cable connector, and offers several new features. It is available in 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 pin configurations, with silver or gold plated contacts and nickel or black housings. Note that the black shell finish is non-conductive; for applications where the XLR shell needs to be conductive, please use the nickel plated versions.
They are easy to assemble, with only four parts and no screws. The contact block is hard plastic (polyamide), and is inserted from the rear of the shell. The female contacts are a unique cage design, with seven independent contact springs for low contact resistance and high integrity, and incorporate a solder barrier to prevent solder running into the contact mating area. The female connector has an improved solid metal latch which is larger and easier to handle, plus a new feature of additional ground spring contacts for better shell ground continuity. The male has an improved locking recess for more secure mating retention. The Neutrik chuck design gives secure clamping onto all cables 3.5mm - 8.0mm diameter, and now provides a higher resistance to pull-out. An improved ratchet lock helps prevent accidental opening of the strain relief while in use. Glands with polyurethane strain reliefs give high protection to the cable against bending stresses. For larger cables, up to 10.0mm diameter, an alternative version with a larger chuck and special gland is available - see Neutrik XLR Cable Connectors - XX-14 series.
Glands with moulded coloured flashes for identification (BXX series) are available - see Neutrik XLR Cable Connector Glands - XX series. Colour coding rings are also available - see Neutrik XLR Cable Connector Rings - XX series.
Ordering note
Type codes with no suffix denote nickel plated shell, with silver-plated contacts (standard type). Type codes with BAG suffix denote black shell, with silver-plated contacts. Type codes with B suffix denote black shell, with gold plated contacts. Note that the black shell finish is non-conductive; for applications where the XLR shell needs to be conductive, please use the nickel plated versions.
Type codes with WOB suffix denotes that the connector is supplied without a gland, which should be ordered separately as required.
XX series connectors are normally supplied unassembled, in individual plastic bags, however the 3-pin types are also available in bulk packs of 100, for speed of assembly.