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

[Chromatest J. Pantsmaker]

I've done pretty well using a step drill and a small file.  You definitely want to punch the exact center of the XLR though.



On Monday, June 15th, 2026 at 4:04 PM, Tom Bugs via Synth-diy <synth-diy at synth-diy.org> wrote:

> 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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