ULTRA Low-Profile XLR Plug

[JimJhn]

Hi.

I need an ultra low-profile XLR plug for a particular situation.

On researching, there seems to be a standard line of rotatable right-angle plugs that buy you some space in tight situations, but they are still not sort of "pancake" style you can do with 1/4" plugs.

Then I came across a picture of a DPA that seemed to cut the clearance into half of that?

Does anyone have any experience with these? I looked but the DPA plugs are sold only with completed cables, and are not cheap.

Many thanks!

(Below are the "standard" low-profile plugs I'm seeing, and then the DPA)

 

[Khron]

I looked but the DPA plugs are sold only with completed cables, and are not cheap.

Probably because it's difficult (if not impossible) to make such low-profile connectors that are NOT moulded / cast in place, while maintaining reliability (ie. not just clipped together or something)..?

 

[JimJhn]

I think that is it.

I tried making my own a couple of different ways with old Neutrik connectors but gave up. They would function, but probably I'm guessing for only a few days.

 

[radardoug]

XLRs generally do not need to be low profile, so manufacturers dont make them. Look at your problem a different way. What 3 pin connector can I find that fits my space requirements? There are a large number of 3 pin connectors available, including the ones Shure use on radio mikes.

 

[emrr]

The concert taper and field recording crowd are all over this, and I don't think I've seen anything smaller than the right angle type you showed. There is another right angle type that is plastic (and yellow maybe?), don't recall who makes it.

 

[JimJhn]

Hey thanks! I actually moved some stuff around and it's fitting now with an angle XLR cable I bought awhile back. Not optimal but better than messing around with this more than necessary and having a solution that fails at the wrong time!

 

[David Kulka]

Sounds like you found a solution but another way would've been to use the insert only without any shell.

 

[JimJhn]

Hey thanks man! I actually tried that, with a cable-tie, epoxy and some sheathing, but my soldering skills are so pathetic I kind of knew that it would never be reliable. It was interesting to see the whole idea of the XLR pins and how much space do you really need to make a proper connection vs. how much space a reliable plug and cable take up?

 

[emrr]

Insert Roger Daltry footage here….

 

[MidnightArrakis]

Hi.

I need an ultra low-profile XLR plug for a particular situation.

On researching, there seems to be a standard line of rotatable right-angle plugs that buy you some space in tight situations, but they are still not sort of "pancake" style you can do with 1/4" plugs.

[I need an ultra low-profile XLR plug for a particular situation] -- Just what exactly is it that you are attempting to accomplish? Can you either explain clearly all of the details or maybe possibly provide some photos of the situation? That would greatly help!!!

As @radardoug had mentioned.....is whatever it is that you're doing require an XLR-connector specifically? Will some other 3-pin connector work, like a LEMO or a MOLEX or something?

(NOTE: LEMO connectors are really, really tiny while also being very, very reliable. The outer-diameter of the 3-pin audio connector shown below is only 3/8ths of an inch in diameter)!!!


>> Cable-mount connector:


>> Panel-mount connector (Rear-View):


Is your application -- 1) A cable-mount type or, 2) A panel-mount type?

>> Inquiring minds need to know!!!.....

/