Best Microphone Xlr Cables

of Feb 2025

Microphone XLR cables are essential products when it comes to live sound and stage performance. They deliver high-quality sound output, making them a must-have in any sound engineering setup. Therefore, choosing the right microphone XLR cable that will suit your specific needs can be overwhelming. This article covers valuable tips that you should consider before purchasing a microphone XLR cable in the live sound and stage category.

Cable length

The cable length is an essential factor that you should consider when it comes to purchasing a microphone XLR cable. It is vital to determine the distance between the microphone and the mixer before selecting a cable length. It is recommendable to use the shortest possible length while ensuring that the cable is long enough to reach the required distance. Too long of a cable will result in signal loss and degrade the sound quality.

Cable gauge

The cable gauge is the thickness of the wire used to make the microphone XLR cable. Thicker wires are better compared to thin wires since they have a greater ability to carry the signal without dropouts caused by resistance. The thickness of a cable is measured in terms of AWG (American Wire Gauge), with 22 AWG being the most common. It is recommendable to select a thicker cable gauge for longer cable lengths to counteract any signal loss.

Cable shielding

The cable shielding protects the microphone XLR cable from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). Interference can cause unwanted signals, resulting in poor sound quality. Therefore, it is crucial to select cables with sturdy shielding that can withstand the rigors of live performances. Quality cables have multiple layers of shielding, including braided copper and aluminum that provide maximum noise cancellation.

Cable connectors

The connectors on your microphone XLR cable are important because they determine the compatibility with the microphone, mixer, and other audio equipment. The most common connector is the male and female XLR jack, which is the industry-standard connector. It is vital to ensure that the connectors are made of high-quality metal, preferably gold-plated, since they provide a better electrical contact and are less prone to oxidation.

Brand reputation

Always consider brand reputation when purchasing a microphone XLR cable. Established brands are more likely to produce quality products, and their reputation relies on customer feedback. Research the available brands before purchasing and read reviews written by other users on the performance and durability of their products. A reputable brand guarantees quality and durability on their products.

Price

The price of a microphone XLR cable varies depending on the cable length, connector quality, brand reputation, and shielding. It is recommendable to avoid selecting the cheapest options since they might not provide the best sound quality, and the probability of their durability is relatively low. Investing in quality cables with better shielding, connector quality, and a reputable brand, might cost more upfront, but provide superior sound quality and last longer.

Conclusion

Choosing the right microphone XLR cable for live sound and stage performance is crucial to delivering quality sound output. The tips mentioned above, including cable length, cable gauge, cable shielding, cable connectors, brand reputation, and price, should guide your cable selection process. Always ensure that you invest in quality cables with a reputable brand, which offers maximum noise cancellation and durability, and select the right cable length that matches your specific requirements.