Non-Latching or No Latch Female XLR Connector

Why not post the manufacture? Perhaps someone with a similar unit will have a solution. IMHO your post is not defamatory; you're just looking for a solution to what I hope is a simple fix.

Hi Al,

Thank you for your sincere reminder and detail information. I will try not to do anything unwise to downgrade the benefits of balanced design.

Happy Listening.

Otto

Adding to my previous post, if what you are referring to is continuing to use balanced cabling, but using an XLR to RCA adapter at its end to adapt to an RCA input, that too would defeat the noise and ground loop-related benefits of a balanced interface. It would also change the configuration of the input circuit that is being used, and it might reduce system gain by 6 db. Also, and perhaps most significantly, many XLR to RCA adapters short one of the two signals in the balanced signal pair (usually and perhaps always the one on pin 3) to ground (pin 1), and depending on its design the output stage of the component driving the cable might not react well to that. I believe, btw, that Cardas adapters are one of those that do NOT short pin 3 to ground, on XLR female to RCA male adapters. (Pin 3 SHOULD be shorted to ground on XLR male to RCA female adapters).

Regards,
-- Al

I am thinking to put the XLR-RCA adopter as temporary solution.

Keep in mind that doing this is likely to have considerably greater sonic consequences than those caused by the adapter itself. By changing the cabling from XLR to RCA (if I understand correctly that doing that is what you are referring to), in addition to the cable change itself you will be changing the configuration of the interface circuit that is being used in the component driving the cable, you will be defeating the advantages balanced connections provide with respect to reduced susceptibility to ground loop issues and noise pickup, and you will be reducing overall system gain by 6 db.

If you do want to use an adapter, you might find that better results can be obtained by connecting an XLR male-to-male adapter in series with an XLR female-to-female adapter, which would avoid those potential downsides of using an XLR-to-RCA adapter. Of course, not using an adapter at all would still be preferable.

XLR male-to-male adapters

XLR female-to-female adapters

Regards,
-- Al

Otto,

I suggest that you call the manufacturer directly, or email them, and ask for assistance. Do let us know their response. G.

Hi Guidocoroda,

Usually I do not post the manufacturer name that I have not positive experiences. After all, it is just my personal limited experience. It might work well in other settings and is fine with the taste of others.

Otto

Hi Guidocoroda,

I don't consider it's a problem, just inconvenience. After all, it's an European manufacturer. They just might have different design concept(s) than we have here in USA.

Hi Rodman99999,

With EDGE as amplification and Montana EPX as loadspeakers, I do hope the impact would be minimal as revealation is less critical to my personal taste.

Again, thank you both for your suggestions.

Happy Listening.

Otto

Hello again Otto- You may find an audible signal degradation with an adapter, if the rest of your system is very resolving. Hopefully- you won't!

Hi Otto, what is the manufacturer and model of the machine/device having these problems?

Thanks, G.

Hi Rodman99999,

I do like the sound from this gear. Unfortunately I am not good at soldering. I am thinking to put the XLR-RCA adopter as temporary solution.

Thanks!

Hi Otto- I do agree that those receptacles would seem an unnecessary inconvenience. If you are pleased with the unit's presentation, it's might worth converting. Not really much in the way of expense and an easy swap(if you can solder). Then again- How often will you be changing ICs? Now that you know the trick(re: disconnection); Do you really need latching connectors? Enjoy your music!

Actually I am a little disappointed in this machine with such connectors as it has a 5-digit price tag on it. I checked the prices of latching and non-latching connectors, the difference is just within $2. It has only 3 such connectors so the total cost difference is under $6.

For a machine targeting 5-digit market and having such inconvenient design is not well designed.

Thank you so much for your inputs and suggestions, Rodman99999.

Happy Listening!

Otto

I can't think of a benefit, unless the equipment/cabling was in a location that allowed for tampering. The solution would be to replace the chassis receptacles with the latching types. Personally; I would choose from those with either silver or gold plated contact points. ie: (http://www.neutrik.com/en/xlr/xlr-chassis-connectors/a-series/) (http://www.neutrik.com/en/xlr/xlr-chassis-connectors/d-series/) (http://www.switchcraft.com/productsummary.aspx?Parent=476)

Thank you Rodman99999. Yes, I can see the spring retainer but can't press the spring from outside the box. I opened the cover of the gear and was able to press the spring retainer from inside.

My fundamental question is what is the benefit to install such inconvenient connector. Also what would be the long term solution to this kind of connection.

Thank you Guidocorona as well. But I don't have guts to try that way as I have very clumsy hands. I twisted the same IC cable (Stealth) three times already.

My Mackie Onyx 32.4 has no-latch XLR chassis receptacles too(28 females). Some Neutrik chassis receptacles have a spring retainer, instead of a latch. ie: (http://www.neutrik.com/en/xlr/a-series/nc3fah-0) If you can see the locking window(slot) in the male IC plug, you should be able to depress the spring with a small(jeweler's type) screwdriver, IF required. It's supposed to take 14.75lbs/ft(20N), to pull the plug from a(Neutrik) receptacle(without a screwdriver). IF NOT; Mr G offered good advice, regarding the manual/contacting the manufacturer. I've never seen a twist release, 3 pin XLR, but- I supposed anything's possible.

What is the brand/model of your gear/amp?

My Rowland M925 amps use non-latching XLR IC input connectors. Tugging/pulling on the connector barrel of the IC is sufficient to release the connection. However, your connector may be of a different type... it might require you to push in gently and twist the IC barrel equally gently anti-clockwise to induce a release.

Do not force it.

You might need to consult the user manual of your device(s), or contact the manufacturer directly.

Thanks Rodman99999.

I tried that way but the cable won't come out. Maybe it has latch but no release "PUSH" button.

You simply pull the cable end out of the connector. If the chassis XLR has no latch, the friction of the plug holds it in place(just like an RCA).