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XLR Interconnect

The XLR interconnect cable is the most widely used balanced connector for professional audio applications, and is also the standard connector used in spectacular lighting equipment to transmit the digital "DMX" control signal. Although "XLR connector" is the name by which it is more technically known, it is also called "cannon connector" after the company that first marketed it in Spain in the late 1950s.

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  • Brand: Kondo Audio Note
  • Brand: Van Den Hul

What is an XLR cable and what is it used for?

The XLR patch cable is a type of locking three-pin circular connector that is mainly used for connecting microphones, video, amplifiers and lighting. It consists of between 3 and 7 pins and is closely related to the AES3 (Audio Engineering Society) balanced audio connection.

Although "XLR connector" is the name by which it is more technically known, it is also called "cannon connector" after the company that first marketed it in Spain in the late 1950s.

In a hi-fi system, the XLR cable can be used for the connection between a preamplifier and a power amplifier, or between a high-end audio player and a preamplifier, for example. When using an XLR cable in a hi-fi system, similar benefits can be obtained as in professional applications. Balanced transmission helps reduce electromagnetic interference and noise, which can result in better sound quality and less signal degradation along the cable. However, the difference in sound quality between an XLR cable and an RCA cable in a hi-fi system can be minimal or even imperceptible, especially in normal home audio setups.

Key features of XLR cables

XLR interconnect cables have three pins and, in Europe, their common connection for audio signals is as follows:

For the ground or shield.

For the forward or phase signal, known as "live" or "hot".

For the return or counter-phase signal, known as "return" or "cold".

They are balanced connectors, which means they use two wires to transmit the signal and a third wire for ground. This helps to reduce noise and signal interference.

They are male and female connectors, which allows them to be plugged and unplugged repeatedly without damaging the contacts.

They have a metal housing that protects the contacts and improves grounding.

They are resistant to electromagnetic interference and used in professional environments, such as recording studios and theatres.

They can transmit audio signals at high voltage levels, which makes them suitable for the transmission of microphone signals and audio lines.

Factors to Consider When Buying an XLR Cable

When purchasing an XLR cable, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get a quality cable that meets your needs:

Opt for high-quality XLR cables made of durable, heavy-duty materials. Look for well-constructed, robust connectors that offer a secure and stable connection.

Choose the right XLR cable length for your setup. Make sure the cable length is long enough to reach the required devices without excessive strain on the cable. Avoid excessively long cables that may introduce interference or signal loss.

Proper shielding is essential to minimise interference and unwanted noise in the cable. Look for XLR cables with good shielding, which protects the audio signal from electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.

Conductors and cable gauge: XLR cables typically have copper conductors. Consider the gauge of the cable, i.e. the thickness of the conductors. A lower gauge (e.g., 22 AWG) generally indicates a thicker cable and can help reduce signal loss over longer distances.

Determine the intended use of the XLR cable. If it is for professional and high-end applications, be sure to obtain balanced XLR cables. If it is for home audio applications, balanced XLR cables are not necessary and you may opt for unbalanced cables.

Finally, set a budget consistent with the rest of your audio equipment.

For personalised advice and even to test the most suitable cables with your hi-fi equipment, please contact us without obligation.

Types of XLR Cables

Balanced XLR cable

This is the most common type of XLR cable used in professional applications. It is used to transmit balanced audio signals, consisting of two conductors (known as "hot pins" and "cold pins") along with a ground conductor. Balanced XLR cables are ideal for transmitting audio signals over long distances and help reduce interference and unwanted noise.

Microphonic XLR cable

This type of XLR cable is specifically used to connect microphones to audio equipment or mixers. Microphonic XLR cables are usually balanced to ensure clean signal transmission and reduce unwanted noise. These cables are usually shorter in length and are designed specifically for microphone applications.

XLR Speaker Cable

This type of XLR cable is used to connect amplifiers or power equipment to loudspeakers. Unlike balanced XLR cables, XLR speaker cables are unbalanced cables that carry line-level audio signals. These cables are designed to carry higher current and are constructed with thicker wire to handle the power required for the speakers.

Frequently asked questions:

What is the difference between a balanced and an unbalanced XLR cable?

The main difference between a balanced and an unbalanced XLR cable lies in the way audio signals are transmitted and how interference and noise is handled.

A balanced XLR cable uses two conductors ("hot pins" and "cold pins") along with a ground conductor. The audio signal is sent as a voltage difference between the two "hot" and "cold" conductors. This allows the cable to capture any interference or noise affecting both conductors equally and cancel them at the destination using a technique called common mode cancellation. As a result, balanced XLR cables are more immune to interference and offer better sound quality, especially over longer distances.

In contrast, an unbalanced XLR cable has only two conductors, one for the audio signal and one for ground. The audio signal is transmitted through the centre conductor, while the ground conductor provides a reference for the signal. Unbalanced XLR cables are more susceptible to interference and can pick up external noise during transmission, which can degrade sound quality, especially over long distances.

How do I choose the right length of XLR cable?

To choose the right length of XLR cable, you can consider the following:

Measure the distance: Measure the physical distance between the devices you want to connect. This will give you a clear idea of the required length.

Avoid excessive tension: Make sure that the cable length is long enough to reach the devices without the cable being stretched or overstretched. An overstretched cable can be damaged or affect the signal quality.

Consider the location: Consider the location of the devices and any obstacles between them. If there are obstacles or electrical interference nearby, you may need to choose a slightly longer cable to avoid problems.

Flexibility and manageability: Consider the ease of handling and organising the cabling. An excessively long cable can make management difficult and cause tangles. Choose a length that is practical and fits your installation needs.

Remember that it is better to have a slightly longer cable than one that is too short, as you can adjust or route excess cable if necessary. If you are unsure, it is advisable to opt for a slightly longer length to give you some leeway.

The shielding in an XLR cable is of vital importance, as it plays a major role in signal quality and protection against external interference. The shielding consists of a conductive layer that wraps around the cable's inner conductors to protect the audio signal from electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.

What is the importance of shielding in an XLR cable and how does it affect signal quality?

Shielding acts as a barrier that prevents unwanted signals from entering the cable and affecting the audio signal. This includes electromagnetic interference generated by nearby power cables, electrical equipment, fluorescent lighting and other electronic devices.

The presence of adequate shielding in an XLR cable greatly reduces the possibility of external interference affecting signal quality. This results in cleaner, noise-free transmission, allowing for more accurate, high-fidelity audio reproduction.

When an XLR cable lacks efficient shielding or has poor shielding, external interference can enter the cable and degrade the audio signal. This can manifest itself as unwanted noise, hum, static or other auditory anomalies. In addition, interference can affect the integrity of the original signal, resulting in a loss of fidelity and accuracy in sound reproduction.

What are the best practices for the care and storage of XLR cables?

To care for and maintain your XLR interconnect cables in the best condition, we advise you to follow the recommendations below:

Avoid excessive twisting and bending of the cables: Sharp bends can damage the internal conductors and shielding. Gently coil them into a large, loose loop to avoid unnecessary strain.

Protect connectors: XLR connectors are sensitive to shock and excessive pressure. Use connector protectors or caps to keep them protected when not in use.

Avoid stepping on cables: Make sure that cables are not in walkway areas where they can be stepped on or pinched. Stepping on cables can damage internal conductors and insulation.

Keep cables away from extreme heat and cold: Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can damage cable materials. Store and use cables in locations with suitable temperatures.

Keep cables clean and free of dirt: Regularly wipe cables with a soft, dry cloth to remove accumulated dust and dirt. Avoid using harsh chemicals.

Store cables neatly: Avoid tangles and tangle by storing cables in loose loops or by using cable management systems such as cable reels or storage cases.

By following these best practices, you can extend the life of your XLR cables and maintain their optimal performance over time.

Are adapters or converters available for using XLR cables with other types of connections?

Yes, adapters and converters are available for using XLR cables with other types of connections. These adapters allow conversion between the different types of connectors used in the audio and music world. Some common examples include:

XLR to Jack (TRS) Adapter: This type of adapter converts an XLR connector to a 1/4" jack (TRS) connector, which is commonly used in musical instruments, amplifiers and audio equipment.

XLR to RCA Adapter: This adapter converts an XLR connector to an RCA connector, which is widely used in home audio equipment such as CD players, audio receivers and home theatre systems.

XLR to Mini Jack (TRS) Adapter: This adapter allows an XLR cable to be connected to devices with a 3.5 mm mini jack connector, such as cameras, portable audio recorders and mobile devices.

These are just a few examples of common adapters, but there are many more adapters available to adapt XLR cables to a wide range of connections, depending on your specific needs.

For personalised advice and even to test the most suitable cables with your hi-fi equipment, please contact us without obligation.

How to troubleshoot common problems with XLR cables, such as noise or signal dropouts?

If you experience common problems such as noise or signal dropouts when using XLR cables, here are some solutions to fix them:

Check the connections: Make sure that the cables are properly connected at both ends and that the connectors are firmly inserted. A loose connector can cause signal problems.

Visually inspect the cable: Check the cable for damage, such as cuts, tears or exposed wires. If any abnormalities are found, it is advisable to replace the cable, as physical damage can affect signal quality.

Check the shielding: The shielding on an XLR cable is essential to protect the signal from external interference. Make sure the shielding is in good condition and properly connected at both ends of the cable.

Avoid excessively long cables: If you are using excessively long XLR cables, consider shortening them if possible. Long cables can introduce interference and degrade signal quality. Use the appropriate length to avoid signal loss and noise problems.

Test with another cable or equipment: If you suspect that the XLR cable may be the problem, try another good quality cable to rule out any defects in the cable. It may also be useful to test the cable with different equipment to determine if the problem is in the cable or another component.

Check configuration and gain settings: Make sure that the configuration and gain settings on the connected devices are appropriate. Adjusting gain levels properly can help reduce unwanted noise and distortion.

The difference between an XLR cable and other audio cables lies in their design, applications and features. XLR cables are mainly used in professional environments and offer balanced transmission and resistance to interference, while TRS and RCA cables are used in home audio applications and offer different features and connection configurations.

What is the difference between an XLR cable and other types of audio cables, such as TRS or RCA cables?

The difference between an XLR cable and other audio cables lies in their design, applications and features. XLR cables are mainly used in professional environments and offer balanced transmission and resistance to interference, while TRS and RCA cables are used in home audio applications and offer different features and connection configurations.

For personalised advice and even to test the most suitable cables with your hi-fi equipment please contact us without obligation.