XLR Cables: You don’t want to derail a big show or an important recording session because of using inferior quality equipment and that includes shorted out XLR cable as well. When using important gear such as XLR cables, things like build quality, physical fitness, conductive and insulating materials are some factors that are really important. You may skip to the best XLR cable on Amazon.
Introduction
An XLR cable is commonly used to connect mics to balanced output gear. While it is easy to make the connection, depending on the quality of the cable used, you could face issues like interference, noise and drop-outs.
With good quality, well-balanced XLR cables, you will not experience any noise or radio interference because these have better shielding and connectors. You don’t want your high-end condenser or dynamic microphone to be paired with some cheap cable.
That is why it is important to invest in good quality XLR cables.
However, please note that over time, cables could wear out or get damaged, and the shielding could get compromised because of which it may pick up some noise, which means its time to get it replaced.
You get XLR cables of different lengths, the longer ones costing more than the shorter ones. Also, the thicker the cable, the better is usually the signal support.
Best XLR Cables (At a Glance)
- Mogami Gold STUDIO-06 XLR Microphone Cable: Very good quality, 3-Pin XLR-Female to XLR-Male, Gold Contacts, Straight Connectors, 6 Foot
- LyxPro Quad Series: 6 ft, pretty think, extreme Low Noise
- Monoprice Premier Series: Budget option, XLR Male to XLR Female, 10Ft, Gold Plated, Copper Wire Conductors [Microphone & Interconnect]
- Planet Waves Classic Series XLR Microphone Cable: Budget option, 25 feet, copper conductors
XLR Connectors / Cables: Guide
XLR cables are used primarily for a couple of reasons:
- Less susceptible to external noise / interference
- Durable construction
Things to consider when buying XLR cables:
- For stage use, you need cables that are rugged as it will undergo a lot of movement. However, for studio use, ruggedness is not quite as important.
- The cable should be long enough so that you can conveniently work with it. However, very long cables are prone to interference. Typically, anything under 30 feet is ideal and these are the most popular as well.
- The thicker the cable, the better is the signal support.
- Good quality cables use solid gold connectors, but it can make the cable a bit expensive.
What is Balanced audio?
If you have spent some time learning about audio and video production, then you would have definitely come across XLR connectors, especially when it comes to Balanced audio.
It is basically a method of interconnecting audio equipment, using balanced lines. The aim is to have a setup that allows for the use of long cables, which is a requirement in most audio and video productions. Most Balanced connections use XLR and TRS phone connector: XLR connectors with mics and TRS jack plugs for mixer inputs and outputs.
Why the name XLR? (History)
It was originally developed by Cannon connectors (different from the Canon brand).
It got the name because the original design was known as the X series, which later incorporated a latch (L) and then rubber insulation (R), leading to the acronym “XLR”. Hence the name.
Various Designs
XLR connectors are not just used for professional audio and video, but is also used for lighting control with various stage lighting equipment.
- The connectors can be male (output) or female (input).
- These are circular in design
- Are available in multi-pin versions, between 3 and 7 pins (most common is the 3-pin XLR)
- Available from various manufacturers
Here’s a video showing the various XLR Connectors.
Another cool video that shows How To Solder XLR Audio Connector.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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