Term for a XLR connector used with digital audio components to transfer low-level signals in a balanced configuration. The AES/EBU connection is simply another name for a standard XLR connection used with digital components. This type of connection is available mainly on high-end CD transports and digital-to-analog converters.

The cable connects the transport, which plays the CD but does not decode the digital information, to the DAC, which actually converts the digital information into an analog waveform playable through an audio system. The advantage of using a set-up such as this is that higher quality digital-to-analog conversion can be achieved resulting in higher quality sound.

Other common connections to transfer digital data are coaxial digital cable terminated with a RCA connector, AT&T ST cable (a glass fiber optic cable), and TOSLINK cable (a plastic fiber optic style connection). Of these, the AES/EBU and AT&T ST formats are generally regarded as the premier methods of connection (however, they are also the most expensive and are not found on most lower- to mid-range components).