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Audio Systems/Audio Adapter 3.5mm to 4 pin XLR

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Expert: - 8/1/2010


Question
Hello

I do a lot of bus driving, and we have a PA system that uses a 4 pin XLR jack for our headsets and microphones to give tour information.

For when we are driving without passengers, we like to use our mp3 players to play music through the PA system via an FM transmitter. However, this usually requires an external power supply (which not all coaches have) or a functioning radio (ditto).

What I would like to do is to make or find a patch cable that I can go from my headphone out into the 4 pin XLR male jack on the coach to make it so that I always have a compatible system. Thanks for your help!

Answer
Yes, you can do it easily.

Radio Shack can supply you with the cable adapter to go from the mp3 to mike input. Or, you can google for them and find them from online parts suppliers.

PS: Are you sure it is a 4 pin xlr?  They are seldom used and if so it is a custom order.  Are there other inputs to the bus pa unit?  But, the solution is really just a jack/plug converter.  

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Cleggsan

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Audio Design Engineer; systems, loudspeakers, cd/dvd players, etc. I am knowledgeable in all high end audio equipment and installations. MAKE SURE YOU GIVE A MAKE AND MODEL NUMBER AND CAR IF IT IS AN AUTO QUESTION. Note: I am getting some who ask good questions that take a lot of time to research but then the questioner fails to read the answer. Please don't ask questions unless you are seriously looking for an answer. If you find an answer to your question otherwise then let me know with your reply. Thank you.

Experience

Have been associated with audio design, standards, testing and component systems for over 40 years.

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Life Fellow Member of Audio Engineering Society Life Senior Member of Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers

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Review technical manuscripts for IEEE Spectrum Write occasionally for high-end audio publications

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BSEE/MSCS/MBA

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Past Employee/advisor to several well known audio products manufacturers

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