If you’ve ever used professional audio equipment, you’ve almost certainly come across an XLR cable. The now-ubiquitous XLR connection was invented by inventor James H. Cannon in the 1930s as a small adaption of his company’s widely used multi-contact electrical plugs. Since then, XLR connectors have become the industry standard for connecting professional audio equipment of all types, with XLR connectors on the ends of most microphones and on the inputs of mixers, speakers, and audio interfaces.
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GLS Audio MC25 Balanced XLR Cable
- PROFESSIONAL QUALITY: GLS Audio's 25ft Mic Cable Patch Cords are...
- TWICE THE PROTECTION: Made from heavy-duty, yet flexible materials, these...
- TIDY UP: Includes two cable ties for securely collecting and coordinating...
The GLS Audio MC25 offers high-quality mic cabling at a reasonable price. With a length of 25 feet, it’s long enough to be used on most stages while having little effect on the sound. It has dual copper conductors of 21 gauge that transfer sound well enough to receive consistently positive feedback. The conductor core is shielded by a thick and flexible rubber jacket and shield on the outside, with flexible rubber ends providing strain relief. All of these audio connections characteristics add together to make the MC25 an excellent cable choice for live performances at such price points.
These are great for venues and beginner to professional videographers/filmmakers who are willing to pay a little more for longer-lasting cables. These cables are also known for their long-term durability and ease of usage. This is where the extra cash goes, and as most pros will tell you, it is often less of a hassle to spend the extra money on quality brands and avoid potentially costly breaks and errors down the line due to build quality.
GLS Audio MC25s are consistently acknowledged as some of the best XLR cables on the market for noise reduction and silent operation by professionals and venues alike. These are the Best XLR Cables in 2024.
Mogami Gold STUDIO XLR Microphone Cable
- Uses selected Mogami Neglex Studio Quad Oxygen Free Copper cable
- Ultra-low-noise spiral shield is the most densely wound available
- Microphone cable for studio use
The Mogami Gold Studio XLR cable is a costly XLR cable that is noted for its exceptional quality. The cables have a stronger signal, which means the sound that flows through them is significantly clearer.
Due to the conductors’ ability to minimize noise, this is a four-conductor wire that creates significantly cleaner sound. They’re also quite thick and long-lasting, and guess what? A mogami lifetime no excuses is included! The cables are available in lengths of 2 feet, 3 feet, 6 feet, 10 feet, 15 feet, 25 feet, 50 feet, 75 feet, and 100 feet. Despite being high-end, the sound quality makes them ideal for studio use unlike cheap cables.
Mogami began her career at a tiny Tokyo workshop. They got their start in 1977, owing to audiophiles who were blown away by the quality of their cables and helped spread the word for the price range. With the support of Marshall Electronics, Mogami has grown to be a global provider of superior “Hi-Fi” cables, and the Gold Studio XLR is one of their top items. This cable quality is designed to be as transparent as possible for studio recording reasons without noise interference, as the name implies quality components. This is the Best XLR Cable in 2024.
Planet Waves Classic Series XLR Cable
- IN=OUT TECHNOLOGY – Exclusive In=Out Technology combines low capacitance...
- NICKEL PLATED - Nickel-plated brass connectors offer reliable contact and...
- SHIELDING - Two layers of shielding provide noise rejection for quiet...
This Planet Waves cable is an XLR-Male to XLR-Female fitting that performs at a level that defies its low price. As they arent unbalanced cables can be used for a multitude of purposes, although it is primarily intended for use with microphones. And because it’s a 25-foot wire, it’ll suffice for stage or studio work.
People in the music industry are familiar with D’Addario accessories. They are a well-known brand that sells high-quality equipment all around the world. Planet Waves is one of their Australian product lines. They specialize in audio accessories, and this XLR cable is only one of them.
It’s built of high-quality materials, and the flexible molded strain-relief collars ensure it’ll endure a long time. With nickel-plated brass plugs, it has a low-capacitance design that delivers pure signal transparency. There will be virtually no handling noise thanks to the heavy-gauge oxygen-free copper conductors and robust shielding. The signal is further protected by a layer of conductive PC.
It’s also not painted in bright colors or adorned in any way that would make it stand out. It simply does its job and goes about its business. The construction quality and the materials utilized are just two of the reasons. This cable’s price point and length are two further reasons why we believe it is one of the Best XLR Cables For Microphones available.
Rapco Horizon N1M1-15 Stage Series M1 Microphone Cable Neutrik Connectors
- Black cable Neutrik nickel -1 Series XLRF-XLRM
- Matte jacket PVC material is very flexible yet durable with very low memory
- Pure copper conductor and shield
Rapco Horizon is a Missouri-based company that supplies cables to a wide range of sound and audio companies. Recording studios and musicians, touring theater companies, sound contractors, and a variety of other users are among them. They have become well-known as a maker of XLR microphone cables. They are attractive not just because of their high quality, but also because of their low cost.
This cable is more of a mid-range option than a low-cost option. It is, nevertheless, far less expensive than most of its contemporaries. They feature three pins and are an XLR-Female cable to an XLR-Male fitting. Neutrik nickel connectors are used on the N1M1-15. Neutrik is a Liechtenstein-based connection manufacturer with a solid reputation. They are highly acclaimed, having been founded by an ex-AKG employee. As a result, they are a valuable asset to this cable. These connectors have 24 gauge bare copper conductors and a copper shield, as well as high-quality PVC jackets. To ensure that they are noise-free, all design processes have been implemented.
The best xlr cables for the money is only 15 feet long, which some may consider insufficient. It might work in the studio, but it might not work on stage with a performer who likes to move around. One of the other great advantages of XLR cables is that you can make a longer one by joining two of them together. They are a touch short, but the construction quality is excellent, and there isn’t anything to complain about. They will not perform as effectively as their higher-priced rivals. They are, however, good value for money as a little less expensive option. This is the Best budget XLR Cables in 2024.
Pig Hog PHM10 8mm Tour Grade Mic Cable
- High Performance Tour Grade Microphone Cable
- 8mm high quality rubber outer covering
- Heat shrink protected connectors
Pig Hog’s XLR cable is available in lengths ranging from 10 to 50 feet and in bulk quantities of up to ten, making it a convenient and cost-effective option whether you’re outfitting a large enterprise or simply need a couple for casual use. Its 14 AWG gauge is far thicker than the industry standard, making it more resistant to kinking and twisting. As a result, the Pig Hog is a fantastic choice for stage and touring applications.
While the Pig Hog is one of the best audiophile xlr cables in general, its thickness adds extra weight and bulk, making storage more difficult whether it’s hung on the wall or stuffed into a bin. The flexibility of an audio cable to flex under doors, through wall ports, and in tight areas behind equipment is also important, and this cable may be a little too large for certain applications. This is the Best Instrument XLR Cables in 2024.
LyxPro 15 Feet XLR Microphone Cable
- HIGH QUALITY BALANCED XLR CABLE : Great for live gigs, recording...
- TWIN CONDUCTIVE PVC INNER SHIELD : 98% braided shield Cotton Yarn wrap...
- WORKS WELL FOR DMX LIGHTING : Because of its 98% braided shield it will...
This fairly priced cable has everything going for it in terms of specs, with its 98 percent braided shield, twin PVC inner shields, and cotton yarn wrap, and its popularity in the market reflects that wonderfully.
Many people swear by the audio clarity and transparency of this cable, to the point where they utilize it in studio recordings with good results. Some people have even utilized it to record video and use it for more current applications such as podcasting. With its excellent cost to round out its favorable attributes, it’s easy to see why this XLR cable is so popular.
Two copper conductor wires, a PE conductor insulator, PVC for increased conducting power, cotton yarn fillers for noise reduction, and a braided copper shield make up the cable. It also includes gold-plated contacts to aid in corrosion prevention. Another useful characteristic of these cables is that they are available in a variety of colors. This isn’t something you’d expect to see with an XLR. Having multiple colored XLR cables helps you organize your studio and allows you to color code everything if that’s your style.
The cables are long-lasting, with a clean and clear high-frequency response with a 5-year warranty. 1.5 ft, 1.5 ft angled female, 1.5 ft angled male, 3 ft angled male, 6 ft, 10 ft, 10 ft angled female, 15 ft, 20 ft, 25 ft, 25 ft angled female, 30 ft, 50 ft angled female, 30 ft, 50 ft angled female, 30 ft, 50 ft angled female, 30 ft
Cable Matters 2-Pack Gold Plated XLR
- Professional Audio Quality: Our XLR microphone cable is expertly crafted...
- Convenient 2-Pack Bundle: This value pack includes two xlr to xlr cables,...
- Enhanced Sound Clarity: Constructed with oxygen-free copper (OFC)...
Despite being the most economical option, Cable Matters XLR cables have a reputation for being one of the best XLR cables with gold plated connectors. While the low price makes it appealing, the balanced cables also comes with a PVC flexible sleeve that assures correct storage. The cables have a copper conductor with high-quality copper shielding to provide noise-free sound transmission from your microphone to your audio interface. Because to the PVC inside shields, the cable may withstand some hard treatment.
The fact that there are two cables included in the package adds to the value of the purchase. This brand will make you happy if you’re looking for high-quality cables on a budget. The cables are available in lengths of 3 feet, 6 feet, 1 foot, 15 feet, 20 feet, 25 feet, 35 feet, and 50 feet! Because of their mid-range affordability and durability, they can also be used in a home studio.
The company’s name itself offers an important lesson: the wires we use are significant. With this 2-pack Premium XLR to XLR microphone cable, they continue to garner fantastic ratings in the industry. The oxygen-free copper (OFC) in this cable is combined with copper braided shielding. The cable is flexible thanks to its soft PVC jacket, and the molded strain relief and grip treads help maintain the cable connection at the connector.
Buying Guide for XLR Cables
When purchasing XLR cables, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best quality and performance for your needs.
Types of XLR Cables
There are multiple varieties of XLR cables, some being more expensive than others. Generally speaking, the more pins an XLR cable has, the more it will cost. Each of these types are used for different purposes. These types consist of: XLR3, XLR4, XLR5, XLR6, XLR7.
Cable Length
The length of the XLR cable you need depends on your specific setup and requirements. For a home studio, a 25-foot cable should be adequate. However, XLR cables can be run for up to 300 feet without any significant loss of signal quality. Keep in mind that the longer the cable, the more likely you are to experience signal degradation, noise, and interference.
Cable Shielding
Shielding is an important aspect of XLR cables. It helps to block electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can degrade the signal quality. There are different types of shielding, including spiral shields and foil aluminum shields. Spiral shields work well in the audio frequency range and are mostly found in microphone and audio cables. Foil aluminum shields consist of a light sheet of aluminum wrapped around the cable conductors and are ideal to block EMI.
Cable Quality
The quality and price of XLR cables can vary significantly. High-quality cables are typically more expensive, but they offer better performance and durability. The two main factors that make XLR cables expensive are necessity and quality. XLR is considered to be the industry standard for recording and outputting audio. These cables are used in every recording studio, broadcasting environment, or radio station. Their universal popularity is largely down to the fact that they carry balanced audio, which means they produce the cleanest and clearest sound possible.
FAQ
What does XLR stand for?
The moniker XLR was coined by Cannon Electric in the early days of the connector. The letters “X” stood for the company’s specific series of connectors, “L” for the existence of a latch mechanism, and “R” for the usage of a rubber compound. Some sources claim that XLR stands for “external line return,” although this is a misnomer that ignores the connector’s wide range of applications as a means of transporting audio signals of all kinds.
Do XLR cables make a difference in sound quality?
No, the actual cable shouldn’t affect sound quality as long as it’s properly made and the cable is properly shielded. However, build quality can affect durability.
What is the difference between XLR and TRS cables?
The main difference between XLR and TRS cables is their intended use. XLR cables are used for balanced audio signals, while TRS cables are used for both balanced and unbalanced signals.
Are expensive XLR cables worth it?
Expensive XLR cables do not necessarily offer better sound quality. However, they often have better build quality and durability.
What makes a good XLR cable?
A good XLR cable should have high-quality connectors, good shielding, and a robust construction.
Can XLR cables carry phantom power?
Yes, XLR cables are capable of carrying the 48 Volt phantom power that’s needed to power condenser microphones.
What is the lifespan of an XLR cable?
The lifespan of an XLR cable depends on its build quality and how well it is maintained. With proper care, a good quality XLR cable can last for several years.