Posts Tagged ‘xlr’
Xlr Mic Cables
December 8th, 2010AUDIO – CONTENT VS. QUALITY
In 1997, musician James Taylor, and his recording engineer Frank Filipetti, won a Grammy Award for best engineered album “Hourglass”. The big surprise was that this album was recorded in James Taylor’s living room. The explosion through the recording industry could be heard around the world. Now anyone could produce a ‘world class’ recording virtually anywhere.
Of course, the CD produced in the band’s garage is nothing new. It only proves that “content is king”. But perhaps we should add a corollary to that: “Content is king, and quality makes it sell.” In these days of MP3 players and low-bit rate downloads, it is amazing what low quality levels are acceptable to many listeners. But, even if we assume that 20% of the audience will listen regardless of the quality, that leaves a lot of audience who might also listen if the quality of the material, and the quality of its delivery, improved.
So quality still matters. It’s just that getting to that top level is now a lot easier (and a lot cheaper) than it used to be. Just note that condenser microphones, that a decade ago were rarely available below US$1,000 are now routinely available for US$199 or even less.
Are they the same? No, of course not. The question really is, can that $199 model be good enough for your project? Will it last on the road with abuse it might get? How well does it work outdoors as well as indoors? And a thousand similar questions. You might well end up back at the $1000 model just because you can’t afford to have a mic fail during your next recording or stage performance.
And this also applies to the cable between that microphone and the preamp or mixer. And don’t be confused: microphone cables, or any other cable, is just as technologically advanced as the device it is plugged into. And, like links in a chain, your signal quality is limited only by that weak link. And if that weak link is cable then, shame on you, because that’s the cheapest link to fix. You just have to know what to choose.
For analog microphones, there are really three basic choices: ruggedness, low noise, and performance. We’ll look at the first two of these factors and determine just what that cable would look like. The third, performance, will be the subject of a following column.
RUGGEDNESS
The most rugged microphone cables currently are made with rubber. These are very rare cables. You might think the cables you are currently using are made with rubber. It is very likely you would be wrong. There are formulations of PVC that look and feel like rubber, but are nowhere near as rugged. If you want to know for sure, just check with the manufacturer. You can also do a simple test. Get three feet of rubber-jacketed cable (such as Belden 8412) and tape three feet on a floor. Next to it tape three feet of any other cable you wish. Now find an office chair with metal wheels and go over these cables, back and forth, for a few minutes. If you know someone considerably heavier than you, have them go back and forth as well.
After this “torture test” un-tape the cables and look at them. Will you be surprised! The rubber cable is almost indestructible, while the PVC or other plastics, can get shredded quite easily.
LOW-NOISE
This can mean different things to different people. There is ‘shot noise’ also called ‘impact noise’ that is a common problem with guitar cables. However, that kind of noise is much rarer with professional balanced-line twisted-pair microphone cables. And the reason it is rare, is that the impedance of most professional microphones is very low, around 150 ohms, compared to guitars which are very high, up to 50,000 ohms.
More often, with mic cables, “noise” refers to EMI (electromagnetic interference) or RFI (radio frequency interference) which can easily work its way into the cable and interfere with the audio, or worse, work its way into the preamp, mixer, or console using the mic cable as a really nice “antenna”.
The way to reduce this effect is first, to run the twisted pair as a balanced line. This is what all professional audio devices already do. An explanation of balanced lines, with common-mode noise rejection, would take an entire column, and more. Goggle those terms out if you want to learn more. And one of the things you will find is that the ideal twisted pair has two wire very close to each other. (Wires close together make the noise on each wire as close to identical as possible.) This is one reason why we twist the two wires in a twisted pair, to keep them close together.
However, when you bend and flex this mic cable, the two wires in the twisted pair tend to untwist slightly. This makes them vulnerable to EMI and RFI, or to leak out the audio signals running on them to cables around them. There are two solutions to this problem.
The first solution is a very new solution and it is to stick the two wires together when they are being twisted. There is only one cable made like this, and that is Belden 1353A. It is, in fact, a single pair “data cable”, a single pair Category 5e computer cable. Now a computer cable installer would say this is crazy to have a “one-pair Category 5e data cable”, but now you understand it perfectly. If you can stick the two wires together, then no matter how you bend and flex the cable, they will stay right next to each other, and give you maximum noise rejection. In fact, the noise rejection is so good that this pair isn’t even shielded. Just stick the two wires into pins 2 and 3 inside the XLR microphone connector, and it will work just fine…with one exception. And that exception is microphones that are powered through the mic cable, “phantom powered” microphones. They need that shield to help deliver the power to run the microphone. Obviously, this unshielded cable won’t work there. But for all the self-powered microphones, dynamic, ribbon, and other designs, this cables would be an excellent choice.
The second way to reduce EMI and RFI is to have a special construction with not a single twisted pair, but four wires, something commonly called “starquad”. If you open up this cable, you will find that the four wires are in one spiral (not two twisted pairs). To use this cable, you must combine the two wires opposite each other. This then turns four wires into the two wires for your connector (pins 2 and 3 again). These starquad cables also have a shield that connects to pin 1.
How starquad gives you ultra-low-noise performance would take another entire column, but suffice it to say that the performance of this design, especially at EMI – low frequencies – is dramatic. It is especially good at 50 Hz power noise. So if you must hang microphones from a lighting grid, for instance, starquad would assure minimum 50 Hz pickup in each mic line. Just be sure that the mics themselves are resistant to 50 Hz interference.
About the Author
Steve Lampen has been with Belden for 19 years and currently is Multimedia Technology Manager and Product Line Manager for Entertainment Products. He has an FCC Lifetime General License (formerly an FCC First Phone License) and is a BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer. His latest book “The Audio-Video Cable Installer’s Pocket Guide” is published by McGraw-Hill.
Visit our web site www.beldenapac.com or email us info@beldenapac.com
How-to Podcast – Part 1: Equipment & Setup
16 Channel Mixer Cabling Bundle Studio Live 16-Channel XLR to XLR Microphone Cable Pack $99.95
This specially priced cable bundle contains numerous types of cables. (16) XLR male to XLR female. Great for microphones. (4) TRS to TRS for any outboard equipment. (2) XLR male to TRS for monitors. (2) Female XLR to TRS for converting between XLR and 1/4 inch for outboard effect, and professional cd players….
Click here to learn more about 16 Channel Mixer Cabling Bundle Studio Live 16-Channel XLR to XLR Microphone Cable Pack
Datavideo ITC-100 8-User Base Station Intercom $1,056.00
One of the innovative features of the rack-mountable ITC-100 intercom from DataVideo is that it can use headsets ranging from low-cost cell phone headsets to high-quality professional units. Up to 8 users are connected to the ITC-100 via PTT wired beltpacks. Cables for connecting the beltpacks may be up to 300 meters long, and use 5-Pin XLR connectors. The base station features all call and mute b…
Click here to learn more about Datavideo ITC-100 8-User Base Station Intercom
Rane TTM-56S Mixer 2-Channel Performance Scratch DJ Mixing Bundle with AKG P3S and Mic Cable, (6) RCA 6 Ft. Cables, and (2) Hosa 1/4 TRS to XLR M Cables
This specially priced package contains what you need to go in and out to and from your mixer with(1) AKG P3s an additional mic for announcements. (1) Female XLR to TRS To connect the mic. (6) RCA Cables. (2) XLR male to TRS….
Click here to learn more about Rane TTM-56S Mixer 2-Channel Performance Scratch DJ Mixing Bundle with AKG P3S and Mic Cable, (6) RCA 6 Ft. Cables, and (2) Hosa 1/4 TRS to XLR M Cables
Blue Microphones Icicle XLR to USB Mic Converter/Mic Preamp $48.75
Why should you bother with a bulky interface, when all you want to do is plug a single microphone into your computer? With a Blue Icicle in your arsenal, you can turn any microphone into a totally streamlined, USB-ready recording device. Instead of lugging around some fancy rack and a bunch of outboard gear, just toss an Icicle and a mic in your laptop bag, and take your studio straight to the sou…
Click here to learn more about Blue Microphones Icicle XLR to USB Mic Converter/Mic Preamp
Sony XAMC10 External Mic for BT (Black) $29.95
The Sony XAMC10 is an external microphone that can be connected to a Sony headunit with built-in Bluetooth that features a rear microphone input. The XAMC10 external microphone provides better quality in noisy environments than the built in microphone found on the front-panel of your compatible Sony Bluetooth headunit….
Click here to learn more about Sony XAMC10 External Mic for BT (Black)
CBI XLR Male To XLR Male Coupler $8.95
This coupler can be used to link 2 mic cables together. It features 3-pin male to male connectors.
Click here to learn more about CBI XLR Male To XLR Male Coupler
Musician’s Gear Xlr Microphone Cable 10 Pack $49.99
Durable, flexible 20′ Lo-Z mic cables feature a male XLR plug on one end and a female on the other.
Click here to learn more about Musician’s Gear Xlr Microphone Cable 10 Pack
CBI XLR Female Plug $2.95
This high-quality, affordable XLR jack is ideal for replacing old, worn out connectors, or if you’re building new cables.
Click here to learn more about CBI XLR Female Plug
CBI XLR Male Plug $2.95
This high-quality, affordable XLR jack is ideal for replacing old, worn out connectors or if you’re building new cables.
Click here to learn more about CBI XLR Male Plug
Gear One Xlr Microphone Cable 20 Feet $19.99
For serious-minded musicians, Gear One’s XLR cables have the strength and durability to withstand more than everyday use. Since your cable is your sound, this XLR mic cable’s superior wiring allows your signal to be quiet, eliminating frustrating hums, buzzing, and crackles.Sturdy construction for enhanced signal and performanceFlexible mic cable design eliminates kinks and twists for a tangle-free performance in-studio and onstage
Click here to learn more about Gear One Xlr Microphone Cable 20 Feet
CBI XLR Splitter with Ground Lift $39.95
The CBI XLR Splitter with Ground Lift a great accessory to have for live and recording situations. A female XLR input and two male XLR outputs give the CBI Splitter the ability to split a mic signal to go to two separate devices such as a live mixer plus a recording interface or monitor board.
Click here to learn more about CBI XLR Splitter with Ground Lift
Musician’s Gear Tripod Mic Stand With 20 Foot Mic Cable 2-Pack $39.99
This package includes 2 Musicians Gear Tripod Mic Stands with fixed booms, 2 XLR microphone cables that are each 20-feet in length. The Musicians Gear Microphone Stands are all very stable and durable. Each stand has a thread adapter, tubular legs design, metal tuning clamp, aluminum alloy base, and black finish. Its adjustable height from floor to top thread is 35″ to 61-7/8″. The 30-1/4″ fixed boom is not adjustable.2 x Musicians Gear Tripod Mic Stands with fixed boom2 x 20 FT Microphone Cables
Click here to learn more about Musician’s Gear Tripod Mic Stand With 20 Foot Mic Cable 2-Pack
Musician’s Gear Tripod Mic Stand With 20 Foot Mic Cable 5-Pack $79.99
This package includes 5 Musicians Gear Tripod Mic Stands with telescoping boom, and 5 XLR microphone cables that are each 20-feet in length. The Musicians Gear Microphone Stands are all very stable and durable. Each stand has a thread adapter, tubular legs design, metal tuning clamp, aluminum alloy base, and black finish. The telescoping boom provides precision placement that is perfect for miking up drums and amps, or for any other studio microphone application.5 x Musicians Gear Tripod Mic Stands with telescoping boom5 x 20 FT Microphone Cables
Click here to learn more about Musician’s Gear Tripod Mic Stand With 20 Foot Mic Cable 5-Pack
Musician’s Gear Tripod Mic Stand With 20 Foot Mic Cable 10-Pack $129.99
This package includes 10 Musicians Gear Tripod Mic Stands with fixed booms, and 10 XLR microphone cables that are each 20-feet in length. The Musicians Gear Microphone Stands are all very stable and durable. Each stand has a thread adapter, tubular legs design, metal tuning clamp, aluminum alloy base, and black finish. Their adjustable height from floor to top thread is 35″ to 61-7/8″. The 30-1/4″ fixed boom is not adjustable.10 x Musicians Gear Tripod Mic Stands with fixed booms10 x 20 FT Microphone Cables
Click here to learn more about Musician’s Gear Tripod Mic Stand With 20 Foot Mic Cable 10-Pack
Musician’s Gear Tripod Mic Stand With 20 Foot Mic Cable 3-Pack $49.99
This package includes 3 Musicians Gear Tripod Mic Stands with telescoping boom, and 3 XLR microphone cables that are each 20-feet in length. The Musicians Gear Microphone Stands are all very stable and durable. Each stand has a thread adapter, tubular legs design, metal tuning clamp, aluminum alloy base, and black finish. The boom provides precision placement that is perfect for miking up drums and amps, or for any other studio microphone application.3 x Musicians Gear Tripod Mic Stands with fixed boom3 x 20 FT Microphone Cables
Click here to learn more about Musician’s Gear Tripod Mic Stand With 20 Foot Mic Cable 3-Pack
Stage Ninja Stage Ninja Retractable Xlr Cable (Mic Set-Up) Female Retractable End For Mic Set-Ups Black $119.99
The Stage Ninja XLR-60S Retractable XLR Cable System stows, hides and protects cable when not in use, and keeps your stage/studio clutter free. Instant cable retraction greatly reduces setup/tear down time and is ideal for the ultimate mobile trussing & rigging systems. This advanced retraction system maintains healthy cables by eliminating kinks & damage. This 60 cable features a female retractable end for microphone applications.60-foot retractable XLR cable always returnsNeutrik NC3-XX Series connectors (nickel)Female retractable end for microphone applicationsWall/ceiling mounting bracket includedMade in the USA
Click here to learn more about Stage Ninja Stage Ninja Retractable Xlr Cable (Mic Set-Up) Female Retractable End For Mic Set-Ups Black
Electro-Voice Cobalt 7 Six Pack With Cables $269.99
This Electro-Voice Cobalt 7 mic package offers an affordable miking solution for live or studio use. It comes complete with six dynamic handheld mics, and six XLR mic cables. 6 Cobalt 7 Microphones6 20-ft. Male XLR to Female XLR Microphone CablesEV Cobalt 7 MicsThe EV Cobalt 7 Microphones perform in high-volume situations without feeding back. They have low handling noise, which keeps them under control when things get rowdy. Excellent for stage or studio use, these versatile Electro-Voice microphones are excellent in situation.Mic CablesThese 20-ft. mic cables have male XLR to female XLR connectors. They are flexible, durable, and have a black finish.(6) Cobalt 7 Microphones(6) 20-ft. Male XLR to Female XLR Microphone Cables
Click here to learn more about Electro-Voice Cobalt 7 Six Pack With Cables
Electro-Voice Cobalt 4 Three Pack With Cables $119.99
This Electro-Voice Cobalt 4 mic pack offers a professional and versatile, yet, affordable miking setup for live or studio use. It comes complete with three dynamic mics, and three XLR mic cables. 3 Cobalt 4 Microphones3 20-ft. Male XLR to Female XLR Microphone CablesEV Cobalt 4 MicsThe three EV Cobalt 4 Microphones are rugged and versatile; yielding outstanding performance in all applications requiring miking of electric and acoustic instruments. Serves well for vocal performance, too. Excellent for stage or studio use, these versatile Electro-Voice microphone are excellent in any situation.Mic CablesThe three 20-ft. mic cables have male XLR to female XLR connectors. They are flexible, durable, and have a black finish.(3) EV Cobalt 4 Microphones(3) 20-ft. Male XLR to Female XLR Microphone Cables
Click here to learn more about Electro-Voice Cobalt 4 Three Pack With Cables
CBI XLR Female To 1/4 TRS Male Connector $9.95
This adapter can be used for such purposes as connecting a mic cable to an effects rack or 4-track where a balanced connection is preferred. It features XLR female to 1/4 in. TRS male.
Click here to learn more about CBI XLR Female To 1/4 TRS Male Connector
Electro-Voice Cobalt 7 Three Pack With Cables $129.99
This Electro-Voice Cobalt 7 microphone 3 pack offers an affordable miking solution for live or studio use. It comes complete with 3 dynamic handheld EV mics and 3 XLR mic cables. 3 Cobalt 7 Dynamic Microphones3 – 20′ Male XLR to Female XLR Microphone CablesEV Cobalt 7 MicsEV Cobalt 7 Microphones perform in high-volume situations without feeding back. They have low handling noise, which keeps them under control when things get rowdy. Excellent for stage or studio use, the versatility of these Electro-Voice mics make them valuable in any application.Mic CablesThese 20′ mic cables have male XLR to female XLR connectors. They are flexible, durable, and have a black finish.(3) Cobalt 7 Microphones(3) 20-ft. Male XLR to Female XLR Microphone Cables
Click here to learn more about Electro-Voice Cobalt 7 Three Pack With Cables
Musician’s Gear Tripod Mic Stand with 20 Foot Mic Cable 2-Pack $39.99
This package includes 2 Musicians Gear Tripod Mic Stands with telescoping boom, 2 XLR microphone cables that are each 20-feet in length. The Musicians Gear Microphone Stands are all very stable and durable. Each stand has a thread adapter, tubular legs design, metal tuning clamp, aluminum alloy base, and black finish. The telescoping boom provides precision placement that is perfect for miking up drums and amps, or for any other studio microphone application.
Click here to learn more about Musician’s Gear Tripod Mic Stand with 20 Foot Mic Cable 2-Pack
Musician’s Gear Tripod Mic Stand with 20 Foot Mic Cable 10-Pack $129.99
This package includes 10 Musicians Gear Tripod Mic Stands with telescoping boom, and 10 XLR microphone cables that are each 20-feet in length. The Musicians Gear Microphone Stands are all very stable and durable. Each stand has a thread adapter, tubular legs design, metal tuning clamp, aluminum alloy base, and black finish. The telescoping boom provides precision placement that is perfect for miking up drums and amps, or for any other studio microphone application.
Click here to learn more about Musician’s Gear Tripod Mic Stand with 20 Foot Mic Cable 10-Pack
Musician’s Gear Tripod Mic Stand with 20 Foot Mic Cable 5-Pack $79.99
This package includes 5 Musicians Gear Tripod Mic Stands with telescoping boom, and 5 XLR microphone cables that are each 20-feet in length. The Musicians Gear Microphone Stands are all very stable and durable. Each stand has a thread adapter, tubular legs design, metal tuning clamp, aluminum alloy base, and black finish. The telescoping boom provides precision placement that is perfect for miking up drums and amps, or for any other studio microphone application.
Click here to learn more about Musician’s Gear Tripod Mic Stand with 20 Foot Mic Cable 5-Pack
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