Audiophile XLR Cables

An XLR cable is a common sight in professional audio equipment, so you’ve probably used one before. James H. Cannon designed the XLR connection in the 1930s as a tiny version of his company’s multi-contact connectors.

Since then, XLR connections have become universal in the professional audio business, and you’ll find them on the ends of virtually every microphone as well as the inputs of mixers, speakers, and audio interfaces.

Although there are many other pin configurations for XLR cables, the three-pin form is by far the most prevalent in professional audio applications. So that’s what we’ll focus on here.

In this context, we will discuss the best audiophile XLR cables.

What are Audiophile XLR Cables

The XLR cables used by audiophiles are specifically made to prevent signal distortion. Conversely, audiophile XLR cables are developed to deliver excellent sound quality. 

These high-quality XLR audio cables are intended for usage in professional settings such as recording studios and concert halls. In addition, RCA cables use gold plating to protect the copper wiring within.

What Are The Best XLR Cables

Although an XLR cable may not appear crucial, it is frequently the “weak link” in a system’s audio transmission chain. Here are the top 3 best audiophile XLR cables.

Pig Hog PHM10 8mm XLR Cable

Here comes our best overall pick from Pig Hog!

Pig Hog’s XLR cables are versatile and convenient since they come in lengths ranging from 10 feet to 50 feet and can be purchased in bundles of up to 10.

Because its 14 AWG gauge is thicker than the norm, this cable is better equipped to withstand being twisted and bent repeatedly. Moreover, this makes the Pig Hog a great choice for performers and bands on the road.

Pig Hog is one of the greatest XLR cables, but it’s big and heavy, making it difficult to store on a wall or in a container.

Audio cables must bend to fit under doors, through wall ports, and behind equipment.

Pros

Thick gauge.

Durable connectors.

Insulated.

8mm rubber exterior.

Cons

Bulky.

Amazon Basics XLR Microphone Cable

AmazonBasics XLR cables live up to the company’s reputation for providing a wide selection of high-quality, low-priced necessities. 

These XLR cables have connections modeled after Neutrik’s standard design and are constructed using fewer components and no screws.

The cable’s inner conductors are covered by a 6mm PVC jacket and a thin layer of spiral copper shielding. It may cause RF interference.

This cable uses parts comparable to those in higher-end items and will last a long time if you take care of it. 

Pros

Excellent cost-effectiveness.

Excellent value for the money.

Fabricated with inexpensive materials.

Connector pins are made of zinc alloy.

10 feet in length.

Cons

Connectors with thin shielding and no moving components.

Behringer MIC 2 XLR Cable

This revolutionary computer recording solution from Behringer combines a basic audio interface with an XLR cable. It saves the time, space, and money of acquiring separate recording equipment.

It supports Mac and Windows without drivers, and all you have to do to start recording is plug in a microphone.

If you have a microphone but aren’t ready to invest in a USB mic, this might be a good solution for your content creation needs.

The MIC2USB promises flexibility and provides it to some extent. But it is more of a stopgap measure than a permanent alternative to a high-quality audio interface.

Neither a headphone output nor user-controllable analog-to-digital conversion features are provided. 

Furthermore, it is not compatible with condenser microphones since it does not transmit phantom power.

Pros

Plug and play.

Mic-to-computer link.

Vocal recording-friendly.

Cons

Only works with dynamic mics.

The sample rate limited to 44.1 kHz.

Thin gauge.

Do XLR Cables Affect Sound Quality?

Our research has shown that XLR cables don’t affect the sound quality. The actual cable shouldn’t have any effect on sound quality as long as it is well built and insulated. However, durability can be compromised by poor construction.

Do high quality XLR cables make a difference?

No! Even if some of your equipment is incredibly high-end, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to hear any difference at all if you are purchasing cables for a typical home studio setup. This is the case even if some of your gear is expensive.

You are able to verify this information by listening to it on your own.

Does XLR improve sound quality?

XLR cables, in our experience, do improve audio quality. The reason we have come to this conclusion is due to the fact that the production budgets of the various cable companies will likely result in differences in the following areas:

The extent of the shielding and the form it took.

The variety of connections that were put into use.

The cable’s overall toughness as compared to other cables.

It is conditional on the specifics of your environment and circumstances as to whether or not you actually detect a change. 

You can’t get around the reality that external frequencies are attenuated in a cable’s performance if it has greater shielding.

Are XLR cables better than TRS?

In any musical venture, sound quality is of the utmost importance. The quality of your audio project is significantly affected by the audio cable you choose. However, many other elements might affect sound quality.

Audio inputs and outputs need to function in perfect harmony for studio-quality results. Are XLR cables superior to TRS cables?

At some point, yes. XLR cables are symmetrical, well-grounded, and may be used over long distances without picking up outside frequencies.

When feasible, especially when recording with a condenser mic, you should use an XLR cable for your microphone.

If your equipment is compatible with balanced connections, TRS is ideal for connecting lines from your gear into your recording devices or patch bays.

Bottom Line

When connecting and conveying balanced audio signals, XLR cables are a popular and flexible instrument utilized everywhere.

Cheap XLR cables are convenient for replacements or temporary installations, while higher-quality cables are more robust and provide greater electrical interference shielding.

Pick the best audiophile XLR cable to link your gear securely!

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