Connect Guitar Amp to Mixer with 6.35mm to XLR Cable

By Innov8 Wholesale Ltd | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to use a 6.35mm TS mono male to XLR female audio cable to connect your guitar amp to a mixer for live sound or recording.

Quick answer

Use a 6.35mm TS mono male to XLR female cable to send a mono signal from your guitar amp's line out to a mixer's XLR input. This is a simple and reliable way to integrate an amp into your PA or recording setup.

Why use a 6.35mm TS to XLR cable?

Guitar amplifiers typically output an unbalanced mono signal via a 6.35mm TS (tip-sleeve) jack. Mixers, especially in live sound and studio environments, use balanced XLR inputs for cleaner audio over longer cable runs. A dedicated TS to XLR cable converts the connection type without adding adapters or signal loss.

This method is best when you want to capture the character of your amp's preamp or distortion, rather than relying on amp modeling pedals or direct injection boxes.

Important limitations to know

A 6.35mm TS to XLR cable sends an unbalanced signal into a balanced input. Over long cable runs (more than 15–20 feet), you may pick up noise or interference. For longer distances, use a direct box (DI) to convert the signal to balanced before it reaches the mixer.

Only use this cable for mono signals. If your amp has a stereo line out, a single TS to XLR cable will only carry one channel. For stereo sources, you need two cables or a TRS adapter setup (which is a different topic).

Step-by-step: connecting your guitar amp to a mixer

1. Identify the correct output on your amp: Look for a jack labeled 'Line Out,' 'DI Out,' 'Record Out,' or 'Send.' Avoid the speaker output, which is powered and can damage the mixer. Using the wrong output (like a speaker out) can damage your equipment.
2. Set the amp volume and tone as desired: Adjust the amp to your preferred clean or overdriven sound. The mixer will capture whatever the amp produces, so fine-tune it now to avoid adjusting tone later. Your amp's volume control will affect the level sent to the mixer, so start low and increase gradually.
3. Connect the 6.35mm TS plug to the amp output: Push the TS plug firmly into the output jack until it clicks. Avoid excessive force, as tight jacks can damage the connector. A loose connection causes hum or intermittent signal—always verify it's seated properly.
4. Connect the XLR female end to a mixer input: Plug the XLR connector into an available channel input on your mixer. If the mixer has a combo jack (XLR + 1/4 inch), use the XLR center. Do not plug the XLR into a powered speaker output; only into a mixer input channel.
5. Set the mixer channel properly: Keep the channel fader all the way down. Make sure phantom power (+48V) is off on that channel to avoid sending voltage back into the amp. Set gain (trim) to minimum. Phantom power can damage some guitar amp outputs. Double-check it's off before unmuting the channel.
6. Bring up the level slowly: With your amp on and playing, gradually raise the mixer channel gain until you see a healthy signal on the level meter (around -12 to -6 dB). Then raise the fader to a comfortable listening level. If you hear distortion, lower the gain rather than the fader. Distorted gain sounds harsh, while lowered fader is cleaner.

Cable you might need

6.35mm TS Mono Male to XLR Female Audio Cable: This cable has a 6.35mm TS mono male plug on one end and a 3-pin XLR female connector on the other. It is designed for mono audio equipment like guitars, basses, and mixers. The TS mono plug matches most guitar amp line outputs, and the XLR female fits directly into any standard mixer XLR input without extra adapters.
6.35mm TS Mono Male to XLR Female Audio Cable