Home » Recording

8 Best XLR Cable Tester in 2023

Juan Stansbury July 21, 2023

When you are recording or performing music, you want your XLR cables to transmit top-tier sound quality.

Still, you might not be able to assess the quality of your cables on your own. This is where XLR cable testers come in.

These devices are specifically made to assess your cables. And they make sure you are working with the best possible equipment and sound quality.

That’s why in this article, you’ll learn about the best XLR cable tester products.

I will go over many of the common features of these cable tester devices. And, in addition, will tell you which products are worth your money.

There are a ton of cable tester brands out there. You don’t need to go searching for hours to find an XLR cable tester.

Everything you need to know about these audio devices will be in this post!

Mackie Cable Tester MTEST-1

The Mackie Tester is the first XLR cable product I will introduce to you in my post. Mackie is a well-respected audio brand in general.

They make all sorts of equipment for music studios and performers.

So of course, they make great XLR cable testers!

Mackie’s cable testers are of high quality and are sold at a very reasonable price. For under fifty dollars you get an effective and high-functioning tester.

This particular cable tester is good for live music but can be used for other studio music as well.

The  [amazon link=”B079C7K7TD” title=”Mackie MTEST-1″ link_icon=”amazon” /] runs on batteries, but only takes up a little power. So you will get good battery life with this cable testing device.

In addition, this device is very durable. It doesn’t look as stylish as other cable testers, but it will definitely stay intact and damage-free if you drop it.

Mackie cable tester also test other cables besides XLR. So if you use different cables in your studio this can be a plus as well.

Overall, this is one of the best XLR cable tester products you can buy!

Most standard XLR cables can be properly tested with this efficient audio device.

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Video: “Mackie MTEST-1 Cable Tester Review”

Sound Tools XLR Sniffer

The next XLR cable tester I will get into is the Sound Tool. Sound Tool is a sleeker and more simple type of cable tester.

This product won’t be for everyone. Still, it offers plenty of quality for producers who want to quickly assess their equipment.

Sound Tool is lightweight, and small compared to most other cable testers.

But this can be convenient if you want to keep your studio space uncluttered or don’t have much room for more equipment.

In addition, I recommend this to anyone who is traveling a lot. It won’t be hard to move this cable tester or bring it to a gig.

The [amazon link=”B00C0NTSUS” title=”Sound Tool XLR Sniffer” link_icon=”amazon” /]  looks tiny but it can test most XLR cables.

Even fairly long cables that are over a hundred feet long can be accurately assessed. Really, on the whole, this is a great tester product.

You can’t go wrong with the Sound Tool in most circumstances.

Still, if you have other cables that you want to be tested, or want something with a bit more versatility, this might not give you everything you want.

Again, Sound Tool is more catered towards XLR cables. Most people should be fine with this, but just keep this in mind.

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Video: “Review: Rat Sound XLR Audio Sniffer/Sender”

Pyle Pro PCT-10/PCT-40

If you want a cable tester that gives you more testing options, and faster results, this next product is for you.

Pyle Pro PCT is high-performing and works fast to get your cables tested. In addition, you can test multiple cables at once.

This isn’t’ something that all these types of these devices offer, but Pyle Pro does. You can get either one of their two products.

The Pyle Pro PCT-10 or the Pyle Pro PCT-40. There is no difference in technology or testing.

The [amazon link=”B002PASR9E” title=”Pyle Pro PCT-10″ link_icon=”amazon” /] lets you plug in eight cables all at once.

While the [amazon link=”B002PAW5GA” title=”PCT-40″ link_icon=”amazon” /]lets you assess up to twelve cables at once.

You might not need that many plug slots so if you want a cheaper option go with the PCT-10.

Pyle Pro doesn’t just work well, it looks visually appealing too. It comes in a yellow color and is very sturdy. The metal of the device will keep it from getting dented or broken.

Furthermore, there are plenty of LEDs which let you know which specific cables are damaged or in bad shape.

This is another cable tester that you can’t go wrong with. Especially because the price is extremely affordable with this specific cable tester.

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Video: “Pyle Pro Cable Tester PCT10 PCT40 Review”

Behringer Cable Tester CT200

Behringer CT200 is slightly pricer than the Pyle Pro but it offers a different level of quality with it.

Unlike other cable testers, you can test an assortment of cables. You won’t have to worry about buying a different type of tester if your studio has different cables.

In addition, there are different modes for testing your cables which can be important if you want to pinpoint issues with a cable.

[amazon link=”B01ERLMEQU” title=”Behringer CT200″ link_icon=”amazon” /] can be a little pricy, but it is wholly worth the cost.

This cable tester looks good, operates optimally, and is not bulky or ugly looking at all. It is one of the best XLR cable tester products on my list for sure!

It is durable like the other products I have mentioned, and it gives customers a lot of functionality and precision!

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Video: “Behringer CT200 (Full Review)”

Hosa CBT-500 Cable Tester

Hosa is even more advanced than the Behringer and comes in at a much higher price. Still, professionals should go with this higher-quality device.

Especially if they have the money to spend on a great studio cable tester.

[amazon link=”B0085GYT30″ title=”The Hosa CBT-500″ link_icon=”amazon” /]  can find out exactly what is wrong with your studio cables, and it does this fast.

All kinds of cable can be plugged into this device as well.

So you aren’t limited to XLR testing with the Hosa. Not everyone will need a cable tester that is this expensive of course.

But I recommend this cable tester for its high performance and capabilities!

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Video: “This Cable Tester Is Super Useful | Hosa CBT- 500”

Whirlwind QBox Mic/Line Tester

Whirlwind Cable Tester is even pricier and goes over the two-hundred-dollar price tag range. Again, not everyone will need equipment that performs at this level.

But you should consider getting this if you are at all working a professional capacity in the music industry.

You want more expensive and high-quality cable testing gear to get great music and sound. [amazon link=”B0003C016S” title=”Whirlwind Qbox ” link_icon=”amazon” /] definitely delivers on this.

It can be used in all kinds of music settings, studio and otherwise. And the best part is that this product will test your cable on multiple levels.

Less expensive gear can let you know that there is a problem.

But whirlwind hones in on the problem and makes it more clear. You will find exactly which of your cables is not working very rapidly!

You can also listen to the tone and balance of your cables as well.

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Video: “What’s In My Gig Bag 3: Whirlwind Q Box”

Pyle Pro PCT-60 Cable Tester

The PCT-60 comes from the same makers of the Pyle Pro PCT-10/PCT-40. So you know you are going to get a good price with this device.

The PCT-60 is a little more heavy-duty in comparison to the Pyle Pro PCT-10/PCT-40. But it tests more cables at once and will also test any cable you want it to.

[amazon link=”B004HJ545G” title=”Pyle Pro PCT-60 ” link_icon=”amazon” /] is a much bigger product, unlike the other cable tester I have talked about.

So it won’t be as easy to transport like other cable testers on this list.

Still, if you have a lot of equipment you need to test, this is an ideal device. DJ’s and large studios can especially benefit from the Pyle Pro PCT-60.

In addition, it provides you with plenty of options and testing methods. Pyle Pro PCT-60 uses a high-powered battery to operate.

But the battery comes with the device. An LED light indicates which specific cables are not working as they should.

It also tests out your pins and continuity of the cable.

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Video: “Review: Pyle PCT60 Cable Tester”

Behringer Cable Tester CT100

The final cable tester product I will talk about is another device from Behringer.

[amazon link=”B000CCIVCA” title=”Behringer CT100″ link_icon=”amazon” /] is an older Behringer model, and it offers many of the same features of the new CT200.

You get three modes of testing which is a plus.

And you also get to test all sorts of cable types with this Behringer device. The LEDs make it obvious which of your cables is faulty and in what way.

So again, you get the same quality and capabilities.

The big difference though is that the CT100 has fewer cable outlets. It only six compared to the newer models eight.

And the CT200 runs more efficiently and quickly. Still, I wouldn’t say that there is a very noticeable difference in capability.

It just depends on whether you like having then newest studio tech.

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

Video: “Behringer CT-100 Cable Tester Overview and Review”

Why You Need To Get A Cable Tester

Cable testers are a must in any music profession. You might want to skip out on this product to cut costs, but I recommend getting an XLR cable tester.

This device is especially necessary for any studio setting.

You want good cables so that any recordings or music you make sound clear and professional. However, if you don’t test your cables, you won’t know if your equipment is up to the correct standards.

If you do end up having bad cables, or your cables become damaged, your music will suffer. Sound glitches and other recording issues are not something you want to deal with.

So it is much better to invest a little money in a good XLR cable tester.

How To Find A Quality Cable Tester

Cable testers should be bought with quality in mind. If you don’t have a good quality cable tester, you won’t find out what is wrong with your equipment.

So I recommend getting only the best XLR cable tester products.

This shouldn’t be so hard since I talked about some of these products here on the list. But in case you need to look at other devices or brands, the following criteria should be considered.

First, you want your cable tester to be durable. A flimsy model will do you no favors. You don’t want a tester that breaks easily or malfunctions because of shoddy design work.

So check out reviews and make sure that the cable tester will last you for years.

Something with a warranty is preferable as well. This way you can replace your device if you accidentally break it.

In addition, you want a cable tester that isn’t overly heavy or bulky. Something more compact and small is better this way you can move it around your studio or travel with it.

Versatility is important as well.

Many studios use cables other than XLR. If you have a cable tester that can test more types of cables you won’t have to go out and buy another tester.

Also, consider getting a tester that has multiple test settings. There are a few things that could be wrong with cables.

And the more advanced your cable tester is the better it will perform.

Conclusion

Cable testers should be bought for all studio spaces no matter your skill level. You want to know if your cables are working right and whether they are performing like you need them to.

If you do live music this is doubly important, because you don’t need your sound quality to be terrible as you showcase your music.

Really, cables are an integral part of sound quality and music in general. I talked about the importance of getting your equipment tested throughout this article.

So you should know what you need to do to get the best XLR cable tester.

But remember that you want a testing product that is durable and high-performing. Don’t compromise on your studio equipment, and make sure your cables can be tested through multiple modes as well.

This is the best way to ensure that you are making great music!