MMCX vs Mini XLR vs Dual Mono 3.5 mm: Which Meze Cable Fits Your Headphones?

Quick answer

Match the connector to your headphone's socket first. Mini XLR suits Meze Elite and Empyrean II; Dual Mono 3.5 mm suits 109 Pro, Liric, and similar models; MMCX suits IEMs and some third-party headphones. If you are unsure, check the socket, not the cable description.

Buying a Meze upgrade cable starts with one question: what connector does your headphone actually use? The plug that goes into your amp is only half the story. The headphone-side termination decides whether the cable fits at all, and the answer is rarely printed on the box.

This guide walks through the three connector families you are most likely to meet, explains which Meze models use each one, and gives you decision rules so you can order once and get back to listening.

MMCX vs Mini XLR vs Dual Mono 3.5 mm: the core differences

MMCX is a small push-fit coaxial connector often found on in-ear monitors. It rotates freely, which is comfortable for IEMs, but the tiny contact area means it can wear over time. Mini XLR is a larger, locking connector with a more robust mechanical grip, used on full-size headphones like the Meze Elite and Empyrean II. Dual Mono 3.5 mm uses two separate 3.5 mm plugs, one per earcup, and is common on Meze's dynamic models such as the 109 Pro and Liric.

The practical difference is not just fit. Mini XLR and Dual Mono 3.5 mm are balanced-ready when your amp and cable are wired for it, while MMCX cables are usually single-ended unless specified. Balanced wiring can improve channel separation on compatible gear, but only if every link in the chain supports it.

• Check your headphone socket before reading cable marketing text.
• A cable that fits one Meze model will not necessarily fit another.

Which Meze cable fits my headphones?

Meze keeps its connector choices consistent within model families, which makes matching easier. The MINI XLR TO 3.5 MM OFC STANDARD CABLE is built for the Meze Elite and Empyrean II, with a 4-pin mini-XLR headphone termination and a 3.5 mm plug at the source end. If you own either of those headphones, this is the direct replacement or upgrade path.

For Meze 109 Pro, Liric, 99 Classics 2nd Gen, 105 AER, 105 Silva, Strada, and Poet, the headphone-side connection is Dual Mono 3.5 mm. Meze offers two standard cables in this family: the DUAL MONO 3.5 MM 109 PRO STANDARD CABLE and the DUAL MONO 3.5 MM LIRIC STANDARD CABLE. Both use mono 3.5 mm headphone terminations and a 3.5 mm gold-plated jack, so the main differences are the casing material and the model they are tuned for.

MMCX does not appear in the current Meze headphone lineup described here. If you are shopping for an MMCX cable, it is likely for an IEM or a non-Meze headphone. That is fine, but do not assume an MMCX cable from another brand will match Meze's Dual Mono 3.5 mm or Mini XLR sockets.

• Elite and Empyrean II: Mini XLR 4-pin headphone termination.
• 109 Pro, Liric, 99 Classics 2nd Gen, 105 AER, 105 Silva, Strada, Poet: Dual Mono 3.5 mm.
• MMCX: not used on these Meze full-size models.

Cable length, materials, and what actually matters

The MINI XLR TO 3.5 MM OFC STANDARD CABLE is 1.2 m (3.9 ft) long and uses OFC 99.95% copper. That length suits desktop listening where your amp sits within arm's reach. OFC copper is a sensible default because it is conductive and corrosion-resistant, though it is not the only reasonable choice.

The DUAL MONO 3.5 MM 109 PRO STANDARD CABLE and DUAL MONO 3.5 MM LIRIC STANDARD CABLE use highly flexible TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) insulation. TPE resists kinks and stays pliable in cold rooms, which matters if you move around while listening. The 109 Pro cable has a black aluminum casing, while the Liric cable has a copper aluminum casing. Those are cosmetic and model-alignment differences, not a performance ranking.

If you want a shorter, lighter cable for portable use, check the length before buying. If you need a longer run to a sofa or rack, plan for an extension rather than assuming the standard cable will reach.

• 1.2 m is desktop length, not across-the-room length.
• TPE jackets are more flexible than stiff PVC or fabric sleeves.
• Casing color is aesthetic; match it to your headphone finish if you care.

Decision rules: pick your Meze cable in three checks

• Check the headphone socket: Look at the earcup connection. A single 4-pin Mini XLR points to the MINI XLR TO 3.5 MM OFC STANDARD CABLE. Two separate 3.5 mm sockets point to a Dual Mono 3.5 mm cable. A small push-fit circular connector points to MMCX, which is not used on the Meze full-size models listed here. If the socket does not match, the cable will not fit regardless of price or materials.
• Match the model family: Elite and Empyrean II use Mini XLR. 109 Pro, Liric, 99 Classics 2nd Gen, 105 AER, 105 Silva, Strada, and Poet use Dual Mono 3.5 mm. Choose the 109 Pro or Liric standard cable based on casing preference and model alignment, not on a claimed sound difference. Buy the cable built for your model family to avoid adapter chains.
• Decide single-ended or balanced: The standard cables listed here terminate in 3.5 mm. If your amp has a balanced output, you will need a cable or adapter wired for that connection. Do not assume a 3.5 mm plug is balanced just because the headphone side is dual mono. Balanced audio requires balanced wiring end to end, including the amp.

Meze cables and accessories that match these connectors

• MINI XLR TO 3.5 MM OFC STANDARD CABLE: 4-pin mini-XLR headphone termination, 3.5 mm source plug, 1.2 m (3.9 ft), OFC 99.95% copper; compatible with EMPYREAN II, ELITE, and ARTA 3.5 mm. This is the correct headphone-side connector for Meze Elite and Empyrean II owners who want a standard-length replacement or spare.
• DUAL MONO 3.5 MM 109 PRO STANDARD CABLE: Mono 3.5 mm headphone termination and 3.5 mm gold-plated jack with black aluminum casing; made of highly flexible TPE; compatible with 99 CLASSICS 2ND GEN, 105 AER, 105 SILVA, 109 PRO, STRADA, LIRIC, and POET. A flexible everyday cable for Meze's dynamic models, with a black casing that pairs well with darker headphone finishes.
• DUAL MONO 3.5 MM LIRIC STANDARD CABLE: Mono 3.5 mm headphone termination and 3.5 mm gold-plated jack with copper aluminum casing; made of highly flexible TPE; compatible with 99 CLASSICS 2ND GEN, 105 AER, 105 SILVA, 109 PRO, STRADA, LIRIC, and POET. Same fit as the 109 Pro cable but with a copper-toned casing, useful if you want the cable to visually match a warmer headphone finish.
• CABLE CARRYING POUCH: Soft synthetic fabric zipper pouch for carrying and storing Meze 99 Classics and Meze 99 Neo accessories such as cables, adapters, and jacks. A low-cost way to keep your spare cable and adapters from tangling in a drawer or bag.

Who should buy which cable

Best for

• Meze Elite or Empyrean II owners who need a standard-length Mini XLR cable with a 3.5 mm plug.
• Meze 109 Pro, Liric, 99 Classics 2nd Gen, 105 AER, 105 Silva, Strada, or Poet owners who want a flexible TPE Dual Mono 3.5 mm cable.
• Listeners who want a spare cable and a simple pouch to keep it organized.

Not for

• Owners of MMCX-based IEMs or non-Meze headphones with different sockets.
• Listeners who need a balanced 4.4 mm or 2.5 mm plug without an adapter.
• Anyone expecting a cable to fix a headphone's fundamental tuning.

Pick the connector that matches your headphone socket, then choose length, casing, and termination for your setup. The MINI XLR TO 3.5 MM OFC STANDARD CABLE covers Elite and Empyrean II, while the Dual Mono 3.5 mm cables cover Meze's dynamic models. Get the fit right and the rest is easy.