That
connector is specifically designed for use with digital microphones that use the AES42 standard. Part of the reason for the special
connector is to prevent things getting plugged together that shouldn't be. A digital mic input could be supplying
power and control data to the mic, so connecting it to any other digital source could create
smoke.
For more common
AES3 digital interfaces, (like from an A to D converter to a recorder) any old
XLR will do. What is different is the cable, which needs to be designed specifically for digital audio. It has an
impedance 110 ohms across a wide bandwidth. Normal audio cables will often work for digital audio for short distances, but it isn't recommended.
At this
point in time, digital mics and devices to
plug them into are very rare. Given that a "digital" mic still needs a preamp and a D to A converter inside the case, most users prefer those devices to be separate from the mic. My guess is this idea will
fade into audio history pretty quickly.
