lower voltages are permissible and modern microphones will often operate over a wide range. It is common for modern mixers to have a built-in switch-operated 48-volt power supply which supplies all mic inputs with phantom power, thus eliminating the need for bulky external supplies on individual mics. XLD keyed variant The XLD connector is a proposed keyed variant of the XLR connector. The keys prevent accidental mixing of XLR and XLD connectors. XLD plugs and sockets are used mostly in professional audio and video electronics cabling applications. The XLD connector is proposed by the Audio Engineering Society AES42 digital microphone interface standard. The connectors are similar to XLR but with an extra coding key and groove that allows control over the intermating of XLD plugs and XLR sockets. A connector with the coding key installed will not mate with a connector that does not have the matching groove. By suitably keying connectors, analog microphones can be protected from damage by the high current digital phantom power supply provided for digital microphones. Mini XLR connector The Mini XLR Connector, also known as the "TQG" or "TA3"/"TA4" connector (number depending on number of poles), is used on compact items such as UHF wireless microphone beltpacks, some studio and field recording headphones, as well as Audio Technica condenser microphones, but is not in general use on major items such as mixing desks. The Mini XLR Connector was first devised by Switchcraft and is also available from Rean, and various other sources. As yet, the Mini XLR connectors do not appear to be covered by any ISO or national standard. See also Phone connector (audio) RCA connector RF connector Notes References External links Making XLR cables Audiovisual connectors DC power connectors Electrical signal connectors 1915 introductions American inventions