XLR connectors (Mid-50's to today) Most commonly used on professional microphones, the common 3-pin XLR connector is a standard for transferring balanced audio among professional audio equipment.
What is a mic IN jack?
A jack is a receptacle into which a plug is inserted. A mic jack is a female-type connector in a mic or mic cable. A mic plug is a male connector that is inserted into the jack. The XLR output of a professional mic is a mic plug. A mic preamplifier input is considered a mic jack.
What is mic cable called?
The XLR connector is used for microphones and also some line connections between professional gear. This cable has a female and a male end. The XLR cable is wired much like a TRS connector and is balanced to minimize noise.
Where do I plug in my microphone?
The Easy Way: Using the Headphone/Mic Port
On a desktop computer, the port will be found around the back of the machine. Fortunately, many modern systems also have a port at the front, usually found alongside a USB port and perhaps an SD card reader. All you need to do is plug in your headset and check the results.