SSQ Cable Jack Stereo 3.5 mm to 2x XLR Male MIXLR3 — 3 m audio cable

SSQ MIXLR3 is a 3-metre audio cable with a 3.5 mm stereo TRS jack to two male XLR connectors, intended for routing a stereo headphone or line-level output into two balanced XLR inputs. The cable splits left and right channels from a portable device, recorder or laptop and presents them as separate balanced signals for mixers, PA systems and mic preamps. Its construction is aimed at live sound, recording and DJ setups where a compact source needs to feed professional equipment.

Advantages

The cable converts an unbalanced stereo TRS signal into two balanced XLR lines, reducing susceptibility to interference when connected to long runs or stage equipment. With a 3 m length it offers flexibility for positioning source devices relative to mixers and sound desks. The use of male XLR connectors provides secure locking into most professional inputs, while the single compact 3.5 mm jack fits common headphone and line outputs on phones, recorders and laptops.

Suitable for

• Connecting smartphones, tablets or laptops to mixing consoles for stereo playback or backing tracks
• Feeding stereo outputs of portable recorders into two mic/line inputs on a mixer
• DJ setups where a portable audio source must be sent to PA system channels
• Small live-sound applications requiring conversion from consumer headphone jack to balanced inputs

When it may not be suitable

This cable carries unbalanced stereo to two balanced XLR lines but does not provide impedance matching, level attenuation, or true stereo-to-mono summing. It is not a substitute for a dedicated DI box, transformer or active converter when ground-lift, level matching or full balancing circuitry is required. For sources that expect a mono summed output or require microphone-level signalling, an appropriate mixer or DI should be used instead.

Key specifications

• Cable length: 3 metres
• Input connector: 3.5 mm stereo TRS jack (male)
• Output connectors: 2 × XLR male (balanced)
• Signal type: stereo split to two channels (left/right)
• Intended use: line and headphone outputs to balanced inputs

How to use

Insert the 3.5 mm TRS plug into the headphone or line output of your portable device, ensuring the plug is fully seated. Connect each XLR male connector to the appropriate left and right inputs on your mixer, audio interface or PA system. Set input gain on the receiving device to a conservative level and adjust while playing audio to avoid clipping. If hum or noise occurs, check grounding and use the device’s output level control or the mixer’s pad/attenuator as needed. Avoid twisting the cable sharply near connectors to maintain mechanical integrity.

What to consider before purchase

• Check that your source provides a stereo TRS output and that your destination accepts separate XLR inputs for left and right channels.
• Determine whether you need an active DI, level matching or ground-lift to resolve hum or level mismatch issues.
• Confirm that a 3 m cable length suits your setup; longer runs may require additional cable management or different cabling.

Usage recommendations

Use the SSQ MIXLR3 for short to medium runs where a portable stereo source must feed two balanced inputs. Start with lower output levels on the source and raise mixer gain carefully to maintain headroom. For critical recording or long-distance runs, consider using a DI box or dedicated converter for optimal noise rejection and level control.