A favorite among podcasters, musicians, and sound engineers, the XLR cable it’s the go-to choice for creating a strong, consistent connection between your recording device and microphone.
There are so many different brands stating that their XLR cable is the best, and with so many different materials and features to choose from, finding the perfect XLR cable for your needs can become a confusing task.
Below, I will show you some of my favorites to make the process easier.
I’ve also put together a super helpful buying guide that’s packed with hints and tips on what to keep an eye out for before you settle on your final decision.
In a hurry? Let’s get started by taking a look at our top pick.
Table of Contents
1. AmazonBasics XLR Microphone Cable
Features
Available in a range of lengths from 3 feet up to 50 feet, the AmazonBasics XLR Microphone Cable is ideal for various recording situations.
It is also available to purchase in packs of one or two, making it perfect for solo podcasters and interview shows.
There is a flexible PVC jacket covering the entire cable. This covering allows you more versatility over your microphone’s setup but ensures a strong connection between the cable and the mic.
This XLR cable also features copper conductors and inner-copper spiral shielding.
These combine to significantly reduce electromagnetic interference and prevent unwanted noise from appearing on your finished recording.
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Pros:
- Features 3-pin male and female XLR connectors that are protected by a metal casing
- The cable is covered with a flexible PVC jacket that gives you more versatility over the mic setup.
- It also features copper conductors and an inner-copper spiral shielding that reduces electromagnetic interference when recording.
- Available in a range of lengths and packs of one or two cables
- Includes a one-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Some people noted that the connectors felt a little stiff and were difficult to disconnect from the microphone. However, this is a testament to the secure connection they form.
2. LyxPro 6ft XLR Microphone Cable
Whether you’re recording a podcast or performing live at a gig, the LyxPro XLR Microphone Cable will help you maintain a solid connection to your mic.
It comes in a variety of lengths, too, all the way up to 200ft, making it perfect for a variety of recording needs.
The cables are incredibly durable, constructed from 24 AWG oxygen-free copper, and have a 98% braided shield for ultimate corrosion resistance.
They also feature a cotton-yarn wrap, which is specially designed to reduce any electromagnetic interference being picked up on your recording.
This XLR microphone cable is available in a range of colors, too, so you’ll be able to inject a little personality into your recording setup.
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Pros:
- Available in a variety of lengths from 1.5-feet up to 200 feet
- Features male and female connectors that are gold-plated to ensure a strong connection is maintained at all times
- The cables are constructed from 24 AWG oxygen-free copper for ultimate durability and corrosion resistance.
- A cotton-yarn wrap has also been applied to the wires to reduce electromagnetic interference when recording.
- It comes in various colors and is backed by a five-year warranty.
Cons:
- The cables have a little memory and can take a little time to straighten out after being wrapped around something.
3. Cable Matters 2-Pack XLR Microphone Cable
Giving you that extra bit of value for money, the Cable Matters XLR Microphone Cable comes in a pack of two and is offered at a very affordable price.
Don’t be fooled into thinking this means it doesn’t perform well, though. What it lacks in price, it more than makes up for in power.
Each cable features a soft PVC jacket and is constructed from oxygen-free copper for fantastic durability and flexibility.
They also feature copper braided shielding.
The shielding helps prevent electromagnetic interference, such as humming or buzzing, from being picked up and leaving your final recording sound clear.
The 3-pin male connectors are compatible with a broader range of microphones, while the female connector can be plugged into various recording equipment, including mixers and audio interfaces.
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Pros:
- A budget-friendly pack of two XLR microphone cables that are available in a variety of lengths
- Each cable is constructed from oxygen-free copper for enhanced durability.
- They also feature a PVC jacket that offers more versatility over your mic setup.
- The copper braided shielding helps prevent any electromagnetic interference from being picked up during recording.
- Compatible with a wide range of microphones and recording equipment and comes complete with a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- The available length stops at 35 feet, so it may not be suitable for larger studios or live recordings.
4. Monoprice Premier Series XLR Microphone Cable
The Premier Series XLR Microphone Cable from Monoprice features male-to-female connectors that can be paired with various microphones and recording equipment.
These balanced cables have a separate braided shield, which helps to provide resistance against electromagnetic interference.
The thick, heavy-gauge wires are incredibly durable and can handle anything life on the road has to throw at them without showing any signs of damage.
In fact, these cables are so hard-wearing that they even come with a lifetime warranty!
Available in lengths starting at 1.5 feet and going up to 150 feet, they are perfect for any size studio as well as live recordings.
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Pros:
- Features male and female connectors that can be paired with a range of microphones and recording equipment
- The male connectors are gold-plated, which ensures durability and helps maintain a strong connection.
- A separate braided shield provides resistance against electromagnetic interference and prevents ground-loop issues.
- The thick, heavy-gauge construction ensures ultimate durability.
- Available in a variety of lengths and includes a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- While the cable’s thickness makes it extremely durable, it is also slightly less flexible than other XLR cables.
5. FURUI XLR Microphone Cable
Constructed using 100% 4N pure oxygen-free copper, the FURUI XLR Microphone Cable is the most durable available.
It’s not just durability that this construction offers, though. It also helps prevent any electromagnetic interference from being picked up by the microphone and appearing on your recording.
This keeps everything sounding crystal clear and ear-pleasingly perfect.
Thanks to the male and female connectors, you’ll also be able to establish a solid connection between your recording device and microphone.
Available in a range of lengths from 3 feet to 100 feet, this XLR cable is perfect for any studio setup.
You’ve also got the option to purchase it as a pack of two, giving you that extra bit of value for money.
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Pros:
- Constructed from 100% 4N pure oxygen-free copper that is highly durable
- Features a high-strength nylon brain and tensile resistance cotton yarn wrap that further enhances durability while maintaining flexibility
- It can be paired with a variety of microphones and recording equipment through male and female connectors.
- It helps reduce electromagnetic interference from appearing on your recording.
- It can be purchased in various lengths, as a twin pack, and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- Some people found that this XLR microphone cable can tangle quite easily if not stored correctly.
XLR Cables for Microphones – Buyer’s Guide
Although purchasing an XLR microphone cable might seem like a simple enough task, there are some things you need to consider before you settle on your final decision.
Below, we’ve highlighted some key areas to pay attention to when you begin your search.
Compatibility
Many microphones, especially modern ones, are only compatible with USB cables. Meaning an XLR cable wouldn’t be suitable.
This is easy to determine, though; if it is, there will be an XLR connection port on the bottom of the mic.
You also need to ensure that your preferred recording equipment, such as a mixer or an audio interface, has an XLR port. XLR cables feature one male connector and one female connector.
So, double-check what you need and find a cable with the correct partner connections for your equipment.
Length
There are a massive number of lengths available, with some XLR cables covering up to 250 feet!
Considering your recording setup is the best place to start when it comes to determining your required length.
If you’ve got a simple home studio, you’ll likely only need about 6 feet of cable length to create a strong connection while allowing flexibility over your setup.
If you’re hosting a live panel show with guests spanning a stage’s length, a longer XLR cable would be needed.
Durability.
Any XLR cable that has been constructed using oxygen-free copper is an excellent choice to go for.
This will be highly corrosion-resistant and won’t suffer from any oxidation that can eventually degrade your cable’s inner workings.
Certain coverings can also add to an XLR cable’s durability for years to come. These include PVC jackets, nylon braids, and yarn wraps.
But what about the connectors themselves? Arguably the most crucial part of your XLR cables, these will also need to be highly durable if they are going to last for a long time.
Gold-plated connectors are among the most durable available. These are strong and can handle being plugged and unplugged from a microphone hundreds of times without getting damaged.
Connectors that are protected by metal housing are a good choice too.
Flexibility
Whether you prefer a desk stand or a boom arm, a flexible cable will give you the ability to use either.
Finding the balance between flexibility and durability is essential, though. Anything too flimsy might be easier to set up, but won’t have enough strength to last a long time.
Again, this comes down to the materials used in constructing the XLR cable.
High-strength nylon braids, PVC jackets, and tensile-resistant yarn wraps will give you the perfect durability-to-flexibility ratio.
Electromagnetic Interference
It isn’t just durability and flexibility that the above materials can provide you with, though. They can also help keep your finished audio sounding perfect by preventing any electromagnetic interference from being picked up by the mic.
This means there’s no risk of annoying buzzing or humming sounds filling any silent spaces or affecting audio quality.
Price & Warranty
Finally, setting a budget before shopping for an XLR microphone cable is essential. As with all recording equipment, prices can vary dramatically between brands.
Pay attention to the features and materials, and choose one that fits within your price range. Some XLR cables are even available in packs of two.
Remember to look at the warranty being offered with your XLR cable too.
Many brands offer you a lifetime warranty, which doesn’t only give you extra value for money but acts as a testament to the quality of the cable itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are XLR cables?
An XLR cable is most commonly used to create a secure connection between a microphone and a recording device. They are renowned for their strength and for maintaining a solid connection once it has been established.
They feature a 3-pin male connector and a female connector that work together to establish a connection.
Why do mics use XLR?
For one thing, the cables are constructed from metal and offer much lower interference levels than other types of connections. Another key benefit of using an XLR cable to carry audio is that it employs a ground-pin first connection.
Specifically, signals carried via standard unbalanced connections like RCA or 3.5mm jack cables can be damaged by electrical noise generated by the environment. By connecting a ground pin first when using an XLR cable, this risk is minimized or eliminated.
Does an XLR cable affect sound quality?
Yes, it does. Longer XLR cables pick up more noise and disturb frequency signals more easily than shorter cables.
How long should a podcasting XLR cable be?
Most professionals recommend aiming for a cable length between 20 feet (6 meters) and 30 feet (9 meters). This provides sufficient length for connecting your various equipment pieces while ensuring optimal sound quality.
How long can you extend XLR cables?
But while XLR cables can be quite long, there is a limit to how far they can be extended before signal quality starts to degrade. Generally, an XLR cable can be extended up to about 200 feet without causing significant noise or static.
