The GX-16 connector was developed as a Japanese alternative to the German DIN connector, and is (much like DIN) available with many different pin numbers (2 to 8 pins). The number 16 stands for the diameter, 16mm; or 12mm on the slightly smaller GX12 connectors which have come later. One somewhat unusual feature is that the male connector (plug - with mating pins) is normally chassis mounted, while the female (jack, with sockets) are on the cables.
One common usage is for microphones for amateur radio transmitters, and the connectors are often just called microphone connectors. The XLR connector is more frequently used for microphones, but in the audio industry, and both types are referred to as microphone connectors. Note that the types are not at all compatible.
The connectors all come with threaded locking fasteners and are robust; they can usually also handle relatively high voltages and current. Therefore, they are also used in avionics, marine electronics and for DC power supplies, not least ones with two or more supply voltages, where common two-pole DC barrel connectors won't work.
The connector itself is standardized, and – unlike DIN connectors – doesn't have different physical configurations for the same pin number. However, pinouts are completely unstandardised, and different manufacturers often have wildly incompatible configurations, even for the same connector and use case.
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