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Step 1
Get familiar with an XLR connector. There are three pins or holes arranged like a triangle. The male XLR connector is the end with the pins and the female connector has the holes. This can be slightly confusing because the female connector actually fits into the male end, so remember to look at the pins.
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Step 2
Make sure you know if you need a male or female adapter. Unlike many audio cables that are the same on each end and plug into a jack, XLR cables are male on one end and female on the other, so be sure you know which side you want the adapter for. Also make sure you know if you need a male or female end for the connector type you're adapting to.
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Step 3
Try out an XLR to 1/4 inch adapter. If you do much audio work, you will almost certainly need a handful of XLR to 1/4 inch adapters, as these are about the two most common connection types. Make sure you have a variety of male and female combinations for your adapters. Also make sure you get a mono or stereo adapter, depending on what you are using the adapter for.
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Step 4
Look for male to male, male to female or female to female XLR audio adapters. These adapters will have XLR connectors on both sides and can be used as extenders or turn-arounds. You can find these types of adapters with a phase reversal or ground lift built in.
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Step 5
Find XLR adapters for other types of connections. You can find XLR adapters for RCA, BNC, TT and 3.5mm connections with many more options. Just be sure you know exactly what you need before you buy.
