How To Use 3.5mm Microphones with XLR Inputs

If you want to use 3.5mm microphones that require 3-5v Plug-in Power with XLR inputs you’ll need a very specific adapter – but luckily, they are easy to find, and only cost between $25 and $40.

The adapters I recommend are the RODE VXLR+ or RODE VXLR PRO.

Not only do these adapters convert 3.5mm to XLR, they also convert 48v Phantom Power to 3-5v Plug-in Power.

If you have lavalier mics, camera mics, headset mics, etc… that have 3.5mm plugs – and you want to use them with your Audio Interface, Mic Pre-Amp, Zoom Recorder XLR inputs, or other XLR inputs – then this is how you do it.

*3.5mm is also referred to as 1/8″ or Mini-Jack plugs and ports.

You can also use the RODE adapters with an XLR cable instead of plugging directly into the audio interface. Both the RODE VXLR+ and RODE VXLR Pro will work with XLR cables, but the RODE VXLR Pro includes a transformer to convert Unbalanced signals to Balanced, and will work better with longer cable runs