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.
While XLR cables come in a variety of connector configurations, these suggestions are for the three-pin kind, which is the most prevalent in pro audio. We’ll help you choose the best XLR cable for your audio applications needs and pass along a few things to consider before making your purchase, whether you’re wanting to build a cable collection for a complete recording studio, home studios or only need to plug in a single microphone.
GLS Audio MC25 Balanced XLR Cable
- Heavy Duty Flexible Rubber Jacket
- True Balanced Lo-Z Shielded Cable
- High Grade 21g Dual Copper Conductors & Shield
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.
The GLS Audio MC25 is hard to beat when it comes to value for money, but it’s not just about the money; many people like its quiet operation and audio signal quality. The GLS Audio MC25 continues to receive positive feedback from musicians, event planners, presenters, and even video producers.
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 2023.
Mogami Gold STUDIO XLR Microphone Cable
- From large recording facilities to small project studios, engineers and artists trust Mogami GOLD STUDIO XLR Microphone Cables for professional...
- Mogami GOLD STUDIO XLR Mic Cables are wired with Mogami Neglex Quad High Definition Microphone Cable, a balanced 4-conductor cable with amazingly...
- Use Mogami GOLD STUDIO XLR Cables for pro audio sound with nearly any device equipped with an industry-standard XLR 3-pin input or output. Common uses...
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.
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, as the name implies.
The majority of reviewers praised this cable’s reliable and quiet functioning, with some even claiming that it “enhanced” their sound quality. The cable’s endurance and thick insulation have also received favorable feedback. With its low noise operation and great signal transmission fidelity, it is widely regarded as the gold standard for microphone cables. This is the Best XLR Cable in 2023.
Planet Waves Classic Series XLR Cable
- IN=OUT TECHNOLOGY – Exclusive In=Out Technology combines low capacitance and top-quality construction for a cable with the purest signal...
- NICKEL PLATED - Nickel-plated brass connectors offer reliable contact and corrosion resistance
- SHIELDING - Two layers of shielding provide noise rejection for quiet operation
This Planet Waves cable is an XLR-Male to XLR-Female fitting that performs at a level that defies its low price. It 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 doesn’t take much to see that Planet Waves put a lot of care into this Cable’s design. When you combine that with high-quality materials, you have a product that is excellent in every way. Although it is an entry-level cable, it is a little better than you may think.
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 XLR Cables in 2023.
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 2023.
LyxPro 15 Feet XLR Microphone Cable
- HIGH QUALITY BALANCED XLR CABLE : Great for live gigs, recording applications, connecting professional microphone hook up to an audio interface or...
- TWIN CONDUCTIVE PVC INNER SHIELD : 98% braided shield Cotton Yarn wrap reduces noise and all noise and static interruptions , professionally cancels...
- WORKS WELL FOR DMX LIGHTING : Because of its 98% braided shield it will also work great for DMX lighting applications on Live stage performance,...
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.
Despite lacking the big-name branding that other cables have, the LyxPro LCS Premium cables continue to receive excellent ratings and positive reviews, demonstrating their quality and value.
Many users have demonstrated that the LyxPro LCS Premium is stage-worthy, from small bars to churches and large auditoriums. They are especially pleased with its dependability, as evidenced by many long-term users who are still satisfied with the cable’s performance.
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
- Pro-grade microphone cord is designed for microphones or other professional recording, mixing, and lighting equipment with the 3 pin XLR connectors
- Convenient and cost-effective 2-pack microphone wire provides spare or replacement XLR cable (XLR male to female cable) to use on a set of microphones...
- Balanced Mic cable XLR with soft PVC jacket is constructed with oxygen-free copper (OFC) conductors for delivering pristine sound
Despite being the most economical option, Cable Matters XLR cables have a reputation for being one of the best XLR cables. While the low price makes it appealing, the cable 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.
The majority of cable subscribers believe they received more value than they paid for. When they hold the cable in their hands, they say it feels strong and sturdy. Many people claim that it holds up well even after many performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
