# XLR vs TRS output
**URL:** https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/xlr-vs-trs-output/7903
**Category:** Quad Cortex
**Tags:** quad-cortex
**Created:** [August 15, 2022, 7:50pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/xlr-vs-trs-output/7903 "2022-08-15T19:50:56Z")
**Posts on this page:** 10
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@LilSenate](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/LilSenate)
#### Post date: [August 15, 2022, 7:50pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/xlr-vs-trs-output/7903/1 "2022-08-15T19:50:56Z")
I am building a new board with some side patch bays and will probably have 4 output bays (2 TRS and 2 XLR). I am just curious was the difference is. Is an XLR cable just a TRS cable with a different connector?
What is the difference between running XLR out, or TRS out that goes into an XLR adaptor?
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### Author:  [@bluzdog](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/bluzdog)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2022, 2:40pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/xlr-vs-trs-output/7903/2 "2022-08-16T14:40:57Z")
Both are balanced connections and are basically the same as far as signal flow goes. The main difference comes in to play when using phantom power on a mic input. XLR keeps it’s pins isolated from each other and TRS will short the ring and the sleeve as it’s plugged in. There’s no difference as far as outputs go.
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### Author:  [@747](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/747)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2022, 3:59pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/xlr-vs-trs-output/7903/3 "2022-08-16T15:59:01Z")
> [@LilSenate](#):
>
> Is an XLR cable just a TRS cable with a different connector?
Yes. Both are balanced cables but with different connectors.
> [@LilSenate](#):
>
> What is the difference between running XLR out, or TRS out that goes into an XLR adaptor?
Just the connector. I always prefer to use a XLR connection if possible because XLR is less likely to interference. Also it locks in stronger then a TRS cable but is generally speaking a little more expensive.
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### Author:  [@davide](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/davide)
#### Post date: [August 31, 2022, 5:33pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/xlr-vs-trs-output/7903/4 "2022-08-31T17:33:09Z")
I’ve seen many posts stating that the output of the 1/4" outputs is stronger/hotter/higher than the XLR outputs.
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### Author:  [@xush](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/xush)
#### Post date: [September 1, 2022, 4:17am UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/xlr-vs-trs-output/7903/5 "2022-09-01T04:17:48Z")
The manual states that 1/4" TRS cables can give a 6dB boost vs XLR, if the inputs on the receiving gear are also balanced
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### Author:  [@christoph](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/christoph)
#### Post date: [September 1, 2022, 8:08pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/xlr-vs-trs-output/7903/6 "2022-09-01T20:08:39Z")
I always prefer XLR to trs because XLR is locked in place. There is no tripping over a cable and accidentally pulling the plug.
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### Author:  [@Brad\_G](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/Brad_G)
#### Post date: [September 8, 2023, 9:06pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/xlr-vs-trs-output/7903/7 "2023-09-08T21:06:07Z")
I just tested them side by side, and the 1/4" outputs are definitely louder.
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### Author:  [@davide](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/davide)
#### Post date: [September 8, 2023, 9:48pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/xlr-vs-trs-output/7903/8 "2023-09-08T21:48:33Z")
Yup. Saw a few people measured the exact difference. I just don’t remember what it is.
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### Author:  [@rafael.porcher](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/rafael.porcher)
#### Post date: [September 13, 2024, 1:43am UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/xlr-vs-trs-output/7903/9 "2024-09-13T01:43:22Z")
I also noticed the same difference, and while searching, I found this post. I tested an XLR vs TRS. Is it really just as simple as that?
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### Author:  [@DavidRSTV](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/DavidRSTV)
#### Post date: [September 13, 2024, 4:54am UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/xlr-vs-trs-output/7903/10 "2024-09-13T04:54:08Z")
The difference in output volume ist documented in the manual - with numbers. So no suprises (or bugs / unwanted behaviour) here.