What is the mic cable called?

Professional microphone cables are commonly called XLR cables or balanced audio cables, named after the XLR connector standard they use. The term "XLR" derives from the original Cannon Electric connector design (X-series, Locking, Rubber insulation). These cables feature three-pin connectors – one for ground/shield and two for balanced signal transmission – and are the universal standard for connecting microphones to mixing consoles, stage boxes, and audio interfaces in professional event technology, broadcast, and studio applications.

What is the highest quality XLR cable?

The highest quality XLR microphone cables combine oxygen-free copper (OFC) conductors with ultra-low capacitance (50–65 pF/m), dual shielding (aluminium foil plus dense copper spiral providing 99–100% coverage), and premium connectors with gold-plated contacts. Brands like SOMMER CABLE SC-Source MKII, Cordial premium series, and Klotz high-end models represent professional-grade construction with 2 × 0.25 mm² or larger conductors, touring-grade jackets, and Neutrik XX-series connectors. These cables deliver measurably lower noise floors, superior interference rejection, and exceptional durability for demanding studio and live applications.

Which cable is best for a microphone?

The best microphone cable depends on your specific application. For live stage use, choose cables with 2 × 0.22 mm² conductors, robust dual shielding, flexible PVC jackets, and Neutrik XLR connectors – models like SOMMER CABLE Stage 22 Highflex offer excellent durability and value. For studio recording, prioritise low-capacitance designs (under 70 pF/m) with OFC conductors and gold-plated connectors to preserve high-frequency detail. For touring productions, invest in reinforced cables with polyurethane jackets and metal-bodied connectors that withstand daily coiling and mechanical stress. Cable length also matters: use the shortest practical length to minimise signal loss and interference pickup.

What is an XLR cable and what does it do?

An XLR cable is a professional balanced audio cable that transmits microphone signals from the microphone to mixing consoles or audio interfaces whilst rejecting electromagnetic interference. It uses three-pin XLR connectors (male and female) and employs balanced signal transmission: two conductors carry identical audio signals with opposite polarity, whilst a third conductor provides grounding. Any interference picked up along the cable affects both signal conductors equally; when combined at the receiving end with one signal inverted, the interference cancels out whilst the audio signal doubles in strength. This technique enables noise-free transmission over distances of 50 metres or more, making XLR cables essential for professional event technology, broadcast, and studio applications.

What's the difference between balanced and unbalanced cables?

Balanced cables (such as XLR microphone cables) use three conductors – two for signal (hot and cold with opposite polarity) and one for ground – enabling interference cancellation through differential signal processing. This allows clean audio transmission over long distances (30–100 metres) even in electrically noisy environments. Unbalanced cables (such as standard guitar leads with 6.3 mm jack plugs) use only two conductors – signal and ground – making them highly susceptible to electromagnetic interference beyond 5–6 metres. Balanced cables are essential for professional microphone applications, whilst unbalanced cables suffice for short instrument connections where high signal levels (line level or instrument level) overcome noise concerns.

How long can a microphone cable be without signal loss?

Professional balanced microphone cables can run 50–100 metres without audible signal loss, thanks to their low-impedance balanced design and effective shielding. However, practical considerations influence maximum length: cable capacitance accumulates with length (a 100-metre cable with 70 pF/m exhibits 7 nF total capacitance), which can subtly roll off high frequencies above 15 kHz when driving typical mixing console inputs. For critical studio applications with high-quality condenser microphones, keeping runs below 50 metres preserves maximum frequency response. Stage applications routinely use 30-metre cables without issues. Beyond 100 metres, consider using a microphone preamplifier or stage box to convert the signal to line level, which tolerates much longer cable runs.

Do I need special cables for phantom power?

Standard professional XLR microphone cables handle phantom power (typically 48 V DC) without requiring special construction, as the voltage is transmitted through the same balanced conductors that carry audio. However, cable quality affects phantom power performance: poor-quality cables with high conductor resistance can cause voltage drops, reducing microphone sensitivity, whilst inadequate shielding allows switching transients to create audible pops. For reliable phantom power delivery over long runs (30+ metres), choose cables with larger conductor cross-sections (2 × 0.25 mm² or 2 × 0.34 mm²) and proven shielding effectiveness. Premium cables from manufacturers like SOMMER CABLE, Cordial, and Neutrik ensure full phantom power voltage reaches the microphone without noise or performance degradation.

Can I use microphone cables for DMX lighting control?

Whilst microphone cables and DMX cables both use XLR connectors, they are not electrically equivalent. DMX512 lighting control requires cables with 120 Ω characteristic impedance and specific twisted-pair geometry to maintain digital signal integrity, whereas microphone cables are optimised for audio frequencies and typically exhibit 60–90 Ω impedance. Short runs (under 10 metres) connecting a single fixture may work with microphone cable, but longer distances or daisy-chained fixtures often experience data errors and intermittent behaviour. For professional lighting installations, always specify dedicated DMX cable to ensure reliable fixture control. Conversely, DMX cable should not be used for microphone signals, as its different impedance characteristics can affect audio frequency response.

Microphone Cables

Adam Hall Cables K4 MFP 0150 Mikrofonkabel REAN XLR female auf 6,3 mm Klin

Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MFP 0150 - Microphone Cable REAN XLR female to 6.3 mm Jack mono 1.5 m

Microphone Cable REAN XLR female to 6.3 mm Jack mono 1.5 m Unbalanced instrument cable for onstage use. Like all cables in the 4-Star series, it is manufactured using high-quality REAN ©...

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Adam Hall Cables K4 MFP 0300 Mikrofonkabel REAN XLR female auf 6,3 mm Klin

Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MFP 0300 - Microphone Cable REAN XLR female to 6.3 mm Jack mono 3 m

Microphone Cable REAN XLR female to 6.3 mm Jack mono 3 m Unbalanced instrument cable for onstage use. Like all cables in the 4-Star series, it is manufactured using high-quality REAN ©...

€10.13 *

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Adam Hall Cables K4 MFP 0500 Mikrofonkabel REAN XLR female auf 6,3 mm Klin

Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MFP 0500 - Microphone Cable REAN XLR female to 6.3 mm Jack mono 5 m

Microphone Cable REAN XLR female to 6.3 mm Jack mono 5 m Unbalanced instrument cable for onstage use. Like all cables in the 4-Star series, it is manufactured using high-quality REAN ©...

€12.67 *

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Adam Hall Cables K4 MFP 0600 Mikrofonkabel REAN XLR female auf 6,3 mm Klin

Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MFP 0600 - Microphone Cable REAN XLR female to 6.3 mm Jack mono 6 m

Microphone Cable REAN XLR female to 6.3 mm Jack mono 6 m Unbalanced instrument cable for onstage use. Like all cables in the 4-Star series, it is manufactured using high-quality REAN ©...

€13.73 *

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Adam Hall Cables K4 MMF 0050 Mikrofonkabel REAN XLR male auf XLR female 0,

Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MMF 0050 - Microphone Cable REAN XLR male to XLR female 0.5 m

Microphone Cable REAN XLR male to XLR female 0.5 m Professional, balanced microphone cable practical for live use. Highly flexible cable material and REAN © XLR plugs make this cable the...

€6.85 *

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Adam Hall Cables K4 MMF 0150 Mikrofonkabel REAN XLR male auf XLR female 1,

Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MMF 0150 - Microphone Cable REAN XLR male to XLR female 1.5 m

Microphone Cable REAN XLR male to XLR female 1.5 m Professional, balanced microphone cable practical for live use. Highly flexible cable material and REAN © XLR plugs make this cable the...

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€8.25 *

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Adam Hall Cables K4 MMF 0250 Mikrofonkabel REAN XLR male auf XLR female 2,

Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MMF 0250 - Microphone Cable REAN XLR male to XLR female 2.5 m

Microphone Cable REAN XLR male to XLR female 2.5 m Professional, balanced microphone cable practical for live use. Highly flexible cable material and REAN © XLR plugs make this cable the...

€8.33 *

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Adam Hall Cables K4 MMF 0500 Mikrofonkabel REAN XLR male auf XLR female 5

Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MMF 0500 - Microphone Cable REAN XLR male to XLR female 5 m

Microphone Cable REAN XLR male to XLR female 5 m Professional, balanced microphone cable practical for live use. Highly flexible cable material and REAN © XLR plugs make this cable the perfect...

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€12.60 *

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Adam Hall Cables K4 MMF 0750 Mikrofonkabel REAN XLR male auf XLR female 7,

Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MMF 0750 - Microphone Cable REAN XLR male to XLR female 7.5 m

Microphone Cable REAN XLR male to XLR female 7.5 m Professional, balanced microphone cable practical for live use. Highly flexible cable material and REAN © XLR plugs make this cable the...

€13.61 *

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Adam Hall Cables K4 MMF 1000 Mikrofonkabel REAN XLR male auf XLR female 10

Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MMF 1000 - Microphone Cable REAN XLR male to XLR female 10 m

Microphone Cable REAN XLR male to XLR female 10 m Professional, balanced microphone cable practical for live use. Highly flexible cable material and REAN © XLR plugs make this cable the...

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€17.70 *

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Adam Hall Cables K5 MFP 0500 Mikrofonkabel Neutrik XLR female auf 6,3 mm K

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR MFP 0500 - Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to 6.3 mm Jack mono 5 m

Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to 6.3 mm Jack mono 5 m Unbalanced instrument cable for uncompromising road use. Like all cables in the 5-Star series, it is manufactured using high-quality...

€22.00 *

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Adam Hall Cables K5 MMF 0100 Mikrofonkabel Neutrik XLR female auf XLR male

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR MMF 0100 - Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 1 m

Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 1 m Professional, balanced microphone cable. Highly flexible and yet extremely rugged; the multilayer shielding ensure optimal insulation against...

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Adam Hall Cables K5 MMF 0300 Mikrofonkabel Neutrik XLR female auf XLR male

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR MMF 0300 - Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 3 m

Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 3 m Professional, balanced microphone cable. Highly flexible and yet extremely rugged; the multilayer shielding ensure optimal insulation against...

€19.59 *

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Adam Hall Cables K5 MMF 0500 Mikrofonkabel Neutrik XLR female auf XLR male

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR MMF 0500 - Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 5 m

Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 5 m Professional, balanced microphone cable. Highly flexible and yet extremely rugged; the multilayer shielding ensure optimal insulation against...

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Adam Hall Cables K5 MMF 0750 Mikrofonkabel Neutrik XLR female auf XLR male

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR MMF 0750 - Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 7.5 m

Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 7.5 m Professional, balanced microphone cable. Highly flexible and yet extremely rugged; the multilayer shielding ensure optimal insulation against...

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Adam Hall Cables K5 MMF 1000 Mikrofonkabel Neutrik XLR female auf XLR male

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR MMF 1000 - Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 10 m

Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 10 m Professional, balanced microphone cable. Highly flexible and yet extremely rugged; the multilayer shielding ensure optimal insulation against...

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Adam Hall Cables Krystal Edition Mikrofonkabel OCC XLR female auf XLR male

Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MMF 0100 KRYSTAL - Microphone Cable OCC XLR female to XLR male 1 m

Microphone Cable OCC XLR female to XLR male 1 m Microcable 1 m • Neutrik Yongsheng XLR connector with gold-plated contacts • Colour: black • This OCC cable made especially for Adam...

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Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MMF 0250 KRYSTAL - Microphone Cable OCC XLR female to XLR male 2.5 m

Microphone Cable OCC XLR female to XLR male 2.5 m Microcable 2.5 m • Neutrik Yongsheng XLR connector with gold-plated contacts • Colour: black • This OCC cable made especially for...

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Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MMF 0500 KRYSTAL - Microphone Cable OCC XLR female to XLR male 5.0 m

Microphone Cable OCC XLR female to XLR male 5.0 m Microcable 5.0 m • Neutrik Yongsheng XLR connector with gold-plated contacts • Colour: black • This OCC cable made especially for...

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€12.63 *

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Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MMF 0750 KRYSTAL - Microphone Cable OCC XLR female to XLR male 7.5 m

Microphone Cable OCC XLR female to XLR male 7.5 m Microcable 7.5 m • Neutrik Yongsheng XLR connector with gold-plated contacts • Colour: black • This OCC cable made especially for...

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€15.71 *

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Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MMF 2000 KRYSTAL - Microphone Cable OCC XLR female to XLR male 20 m

Microphone Cable OCC XLR female to XLR male 20 m Microcable 20 m • Neutrik Yongsheng XLR connector with gold-plated contacts • Colour: black • This OCC cable made especially for Adam...

€33.93 *

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Adam Hall Cables K4 MMF 1500 SNOW Mikrofonkabel XLR male auf XLR female 15

Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MMF 1500 SNOW - Microphone Cable XLR male to XLR female 15 m white

Microphone Cable XLR male to XLR female 15 m white Fine stranded wire for high-quality signal transmission • Custom made AH UV resistant XLR Connectors • Extremely robust and very thick...

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Adam Hall Cables K4 MMF 0100 SNOW Mikrofonkabel XLR male auf XLR female 1

Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MMF 0100 SNOW - Microphone Cable XLR male to XLR female 1 m white

Microphone Cable XLR male to XLR female 1 m white Fine stranded wire for high-quality signal transmission • Custom made AH UV resistant XLR Connectors • Extremely robust and very thick...

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€7.54 *

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Adam Hall Cables K4 MMF 0250 SNOW Mikrofonkabel XLR male auf XLR female 2

Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MMF 0250 SNOW - Microphone Cable XLR male to XLR female 2.5 m white

Microphone Cable XLR male to XLR female 2.5 m white Fine stranded wire for high-quality signal transmission • Custom made AH UV resistant XLR Connectors • Extremely robust and very thick...

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