[sdiy] Installing good looking XLR panel connector on rack equipment?

[Tom Bugs]

I've used a few Q Max punches of various diameters - they're very good.


On 15/06/2026 23:16, cheater cheater via Synth-diy wrote:
> I won't be replacing the TRS socket, I'll be putting the XLR in an empty space.
>
> Thanks for the product suggestions so far, I'll check them out.
>
> On Mon, Jun 15, 2026 at 9:26 PM BrightBoy via Synth-diy
> <synth-diy at synth-diy.org> wrote:
>> In the USA, Greenlee has been the defacto chassis punch manufacturer since the industrial age started.
>>
>>
>>
>> I also recommend getting the stout automatic center punch to make sure your drill doesn't walk
>> on the mounting holes.
>>
>>
>>
>> My favorite? The heavy duty Starrett #18C
>>
>>
>>
>> Good luck!
>>
>>
>>
>> BB
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Mike Bryant <mbryant at futurehorizons.com>
>> Sent: Jun 15, 2026 3:12 PM
>> To: synth-diy <synth-diy at synth-diy.org>, cheater cheater <cheater00social at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [sdiy] Installing good looking XLR panel connector on rack equipment?
>>
>>
>>
>> Lots of punches available, but the problem for you will be making something of the exact diameter of the TRS socket to centralise the punch.  Then make up a template to punch the mounting holes.
>> ________________________________
>> From: Synth-diy <synth-diy-bounces at synth-diy.org> on behalf of cheater cheater via Synth-diy <synth-diy at synth-diy.org>
>> Sent: 15 June 2026 19:45
>> To: synth-diy <synth-diy at synth-diy.org>
>> Subject: [sdiy] Installing good looking XLR panel connector on rack equipment?
>>
>> I have a couple dbx 286s units, and in their infinite wisdom dbx did
>> not include XLR output, only input, so I'm looking for a good clean
>> way to install a high quality xlr output plug. It already has balanced
>> TRS, so electrically it isn't anything spectacular, but I'm looking to
>> punch the enclosure in a nice way and then install the plug. I was
>> wondering if anyone had experience with this, and can recommend a good
>> combination of panel mount XLR jack and a punch that makes holes that
>> fit it well. I know Neutrik do panel mount XLR, so that would be my
>> go-to, but I don't know how best to go about doing the hole punching,
>> so I would appreciate any suggestions or experiences. Thanks.
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