7 Best XLR Cables For Microphones In 2023
Juan Stansbury
If you love the quality of your sound, you need to know about the best XLR cables available on the market. XLR cables are used to transfer audio signals from microphones or instruments to different gadgets.
The gadgets include mixing tables, PA, and AMP, among other devices. For this reason, it is essential to have a quality cable that will enhance the sound quality.
No matter how high-tech your instruments are, the sound quality will be inadequate without the right cable. XLR cables are basically microphone cables. They are used as a link where the input and output are balanced.
Typically, when you hear about quality gear, your mind goes to musical instruments. However, sound experts know that each aspect of the musical apparatus is essential.
In a hurry? Here are our top 3:
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7 Best XLR Cables For Microphone
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AmazonBasics XLR Cable
[amazon box=”B01JNLUMMW”]When it comes to modest cables, the Amazon-Basics cable is on the list. The cable is affordable and is of medium quality.
Amazon-Basics made it possible for you to get the most value for your money. The cable is quality and available to you at an affordable price compared with other brands.
It has a metal housing for the connectors giving an assurance of the security. The cable is stable due to the copper spiral shielding.
The cable can be bought in different lengths, and the bonus comes in a one-year limited guarantee from Amazon.
The cable is a female to male microphone cable for use during studio recordings or in live performances. The copper conductors guarantee the best sound quality with little effort. It is sturdy and can handle any roughing up that comes with the use.
However, some consumers complain that the assembly was not well done. The solder joints are sloppy once you look at them.
- Affordable
- Trusted Brand
- High-quality cable
- Sloppy solder joints
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Cable Matters XLR Cable
[amazon box=”B00KO8W1QE”]This cable is a middle ground XLR cable. It is not highly-priced or lowly priced, and the quality matches the price.
If you want to get an XLR cable that is in the middle, you can get this one. It is an excellent microphone cable with a PVC soft jacket for easy and secure storage.
The copper conductors are oxygen-free and have a high copper shielding to ensure there is no interference with the sound.
The connectors are also gold-coated, which is a bonus since they have anti-oxidation qualities.
The cables are sturdy and good for use in the studio and on stage. They come in a 2-pack, which adds to the affordability and has various lengths depending on your needs. If you are on a low budget and need an XLR cable, this is the one to get.
- Average quality
- Average cost
- Comes in a 2-pack
- Minimal noise interference
- None
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Monoprice Premier Series XLR
[amazon box=”B002HQQ02W”]These are one of the high-end XLR cables, and the quality matches the price. They come with gold plated connectors in durable housings.
They also have bulky gauge wires. The lines are balanced, and radio noise and electromagnetic noise is minimal. To prevent loop issues, the cables have a separate shield.
The cables are sturdy yet flexible. They are easy to store and are durable. They work well even when surrounded by equipment that could generally cause electromagnetic interference.
Monoprice XLR cables come with a lifetime warranty that extends to the lower price cables. They come in different lengths.
- Minimal noise interference
- Sturdy and durable cables
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- No loop issues
- None
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Mogami Gold Studio XLR
[amazon box=”B0002E1P26″]These cables are highly-priced but are worth the extra cash. Audio signals are clearer and have the least interference.
The cable has four conductors and not the usual 2. When it comes to XLR cables, these ones get you the highest amount of RF and noise interference cancellation.
If you have a problem with your microphone signal, then the Mogami cables are what you need.
They are considered the best microphone cables if you want to use them in a recording studio.
The cables are thick and sturdy, making them durable. To back this up, they come with a lifetime warranty. They come in different lengths. However, due to their thickness, they can be difficult to store.
- They are durable
- They have four conductors for maximum noise cancellation
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Too thich to store easily
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Hosa HMIC Pro
[amazon box=”B004TP4J7M”]The cable comes with silver-plated REAN connectors. The copper conductors are oxygen-free, and the cables come with copper braided shielding that is oxygen-free. The Hosa cable is also pocket-friendly.
If you are a touring musician who rarely breaks, the XLR cable is for you.
The brand has a reputation for being high-quality yet affordable. They are known for being durable and performing exceptionally well.
Hosa is determined to stick to the basics, and you can experience that with their cable.
If you want to experience music on a different level, you can try the Hosa HMIX Pro XLR cable.
- The cables have silver-plated REAN connectors
- They are affordable
- They have oxygen-free conductors
- The shielding is made of oxygen-free copper
- None
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GLS Audio XLR Cable
[amazon box=”B000RKL8R2″]The GLS cable is a cable that can be used for all applications. You get quality sound at a pocket-friendly price. If you are looking for a name brand that will not empty your pockets, this is the brand to get.
You can use the cable for live performances without getting any disruptions. The cable is covered by a thick and elastic coat.
The connectors are covered by elastic that makes them flexible and less likely to become susceptible to strain.
There is no static when it comes to using the cables.
The brand is known for producing quality products at an affordable price. The cables also come in different colors for ease of organization.
- The brand is trusted
- The cables are good quality
- Comes in different colors
- Minimal interferences
- None
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LyxPro Quad Series 6
[amazon box=”B06XTSPCQ8″]LyxPro XLR cables are mid-road cables that are cost-effective yet quality. They have a unique factor, which is you can get angled conductors.
If you are in the market for cables you can use at 90 degrees; then this is the brand for you. You will get good quality XLRs that are not too costly.
The cables have two copper wires, PVC, cotton fillers for noise reduction, and a PE conductor insulator.
The copper field is also braided, and there are gold-coated contacts to prevent corrosion. The XLRs also come in different colors, which makes it easy to organize in your studio.
The LyxPro cables are durable and come with a five-year warranty. The cables come in different lengths. The cables can be used for various performances.
- Come in different colors
- They can be straight or at a 90-degree angle
- They have additional insulation to enhance noise reduction
- Strong shield
- None
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The Value Of XLR Cables
While other people can ignore cables, musical specialists understand the value of having a good quality one. It makes the difference between good and bad sound quality.
When it comes to the studio and live performances, XLR cables are the most widely used. While there are electric instruments that rely on in and out cables, XLR cables are considered a better alternative.
They are useful when there is a significant distance between the device and other gadgets. This is especially since they come in different lengths and have different shields.
XLR cables also protect the signal from any obstruction while helping to push the signal further. For you to benefit from XLR cables, you need to choose the best brands.
Not all cables are made the same way. You need to invest in a quality XLR cable that will transmit the sound neatly and perfectly.
There are different types of XLR cables in the market. However, they are not of the same quality. Sound gurus should put as much energy in buying the right cables.
This is especially important for performers and musicians who want their sound to be perfect. While you are buying your amplifier, remember to spend as much time getting the right XLR cable to use.
Here are some tips to help you when getting your cable
- XLR cables are recognizable by their pins. The common ones are 3-pin jacks. Although there are other variations with more pins, the most common are the 3-pin cables.
- There are different types of XLR cables, depending on your budget. The cables vary in terms of quality and use. Some are average quality, while others are made for use by professionals.
When going to purchase one, you need to look at the cable core, connector quality, and shielding so you can pick a nice one.
- Go for XLR cables that have gold plated connectors. Gold plated connectors prevent oxidation from occurring. They come in handy if you are using them in a humid area or if it rains.
- If you want to enhance your sound quality, look for the cables that contain four wire conductors as opposed to two.
When looking at the connector quality, you can look at online reviews to guide you. If there are issues, the consumers will state that there is an annoying buzz or something similar.
When it comes to the cable core, thicker is always better. If you need a high-quality cable, consider getting one with a tin-plated copper core.
It is free from oxygen, which enhances sound quality. Also, avoid getting exceptionally long cables unless you need one since it can negatively affect the sound quality.
When looking for XLR cables, you need to know which ones are of good quality that you can buy.
With the right cables, you do not need to worry about losing functionality or dealing with sound pollution ever again. Here is the guide to the best XLR cables to get.
Balanced VS Unbalanced XLR Cables
Video: “Balanced vs Unbalanced Cables | What is the difference? Which is better?”
When it comes to purchasing the best XLR cables, there are a few things you need to now.
You need to decide if you want to get balanced or unbalanced cables. Balanced cables are best if you want long cables. If you are getting shorter cables, it will be best to get unbalanced ones.
Also, try to avoid long cables as much as possible as they have a higher chance of having noise disruptions. Ideally, your cables are not supposed to be more than 30 feet since the sound will be difficult to control.
The quality of the sound produced will be determined by the quality of the cables. If you purchase a poor quality cable, you are likely to experience noise disruptions and poor sound quality.
How To Pick The Best XLR Cables
There are several things you can consider when looking for the best XLR cables. These are:
- You need to consider how rugged the cable will be. If you are doing live performances or tours, you will be better off with rugged cables that have extra shielding. The extra protection will come in handy with the extra movement.
- You also need to think of the length of the cable. The longer the cable, the higher the chances of experiencing sound interference. You can avoid trouble by getting a cable that is under 30 feet.
- The core needs to be thick and strong to support the signal better. It is best to get an oxygen-free copper core since it will not affect the sound quality.
- The shielding is also important for XLR cables. There are three types of shielding used; copper, aluminum laminate and tin-plated copper. Copper shielding is preferred since it is flexible especially if it is spiraled. However, after prolonged use, gaps can be created in the shield which causes interference.
- You can look for gold-plated connectors. If you can get gold connectors you will be better off. However gold connectors drive the price of the cable up.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best cable for you, there are many options available. However, you need to look at the quality, length, and price of the cable before you make your decision.
The list above can guide you on the best XLR cables you can get. Do not let your sound get ruined by getting a cheap and low-quality XLR cable.
There are cables out there that are attainable no matter your budget. You take your time and choose the best when it comes to your studio equipment.
You can spend as much time and think about the type of XLR cables that will carry your sound.
