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 MMF 500 SNOW Mikrofonkabel XLR male auf XLR female 5 m

Adam Hall Cables 4 STAR MMF 500 SNOW - Microphone Cable XLR male to XLR female 5 m white

Microphone Cable XLR male to XLR female 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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Adam Hall Cables K4 MMF 1000 SNOW Mikrofonkabel XLR male auf XLR female 10

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

Microphone Cable XLR male to XLR female 10 m white Fine stranded wire for high-quality signal transmission • Custom made AH UV resistant XLR Connectors • Extremely robust and very thick...

€17.69 *

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Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0050 BL - Mikrofonkabel XLR female auf XLR male 0,5 m blau

Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0050 BL - Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 0.5 m blue

Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 0.5 m blue Coloured microphone cable from our 3 Star Series • With balanced XLR connectors from Adam Hall • Contacts with nickel-silver coating...

€4.64 *

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Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0050 GRN - Mikrofonkabel XLR female auf XLR male 0,5m grün

Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0050 GRN - Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 0.5m green

Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 0.5m green Colored microphone cable from our 3 Star Series • With balanced XLR connectors from Adam Hall • Contacts with nickel-silver coating...

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Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0050 PUR - Mikrofonkabel XLR female auf XLR male 0,5m lila

Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0050 PUR - Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 0.5m purple

Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 0.5m purple Coloured microphone cable from our 3 Star Series • With balanced XLR connectors from Adam Hall • Contacts with nickel-silver coating...

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Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0050 RED - Mikrofonkabel XLR 0,5 m rot

Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0050 RED - Microphone Cable XLR 0.5 m red

Microphone Cable XLR 0.5 m red Coloured microphone cable from our 3 Star Series • With balanced XLR connectors from Adam Hall • Contacts with nickel-silver coating • Very flexible...

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Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0050 YEL - Mikrofonkabel XLR female auf XLR male 0,5m gelb

Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0050 YEL - Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 0.5m yellow

Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 0.5m yellow Coloured microphone cable from our 3 Star Series • With balanced XLR connectors from Adam Hall • Contacts with nickel-silver coating...

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Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0100 BL - Mikrofonkabel XLR female auf XLR male 1 m blau

Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0100 BL - Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 1 m blue

Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 1 m blue Coloured microphone cable from our 3 Star Series • With balanced XLR connectors from Adam Hall • Contacts with nickel-silver coating...

€5.16 *

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Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0100 GRN - Mikrofonkabel XLR female auf XLR male1 m grün

Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0100 GRN - Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male1 m green

Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male1 m green Coloured microphone cable from our 3 Star Series • With balanced XLR connectors from Adam Hall • Nickel-silver plated contacts • Very...

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€5.16 *

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Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0100 PUR - Mikrofonkabel XLR female auf XLR male 1m lila

Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0100 PUR - Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 1m purple

Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 1m purple Coloured microphone cable from our 3 Star Series • With balanced XLR connectors from Adam Hall • Contacts with nickel-silver coating...

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Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0100 RED - Mikrofonkabel XLR female auf XLR male 1m rot

Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0100 RED - Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 1m red

Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 1m red Coloured microphone cable from our 3 Star Series • With balanced XLR connectors from Adam Hall • Contacts with nickel-silver coating...

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Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0100 YEL - Mikrofonkabel XLR female auf XLR male 1m gelb

Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0100 YEL - Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 1m yellow

Microphone cable XLR female to XLR male 1m yellow Coloured microphone cable from our 3 Star Series • With balanced XLR connectors from Adam Hall • Contacts with nickel-silver coating...

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Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0050 SET - 6er Set Mikrofonkabel XLR female auf XLR male 0,5 m

Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0050 SET - Set of 6 microphone cables XLR female to XLR male 0.5 m

Set of 6 microphone cables XLR female to XLR male 0.5 m Set of 6 colourful microphone cables from our 3 Star Series • With balanced XLR connectors from Adam Hall • Nickel-silver plated...

€20.28 *

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Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0100 SET - 6er Set Mikrofonkabel XLR female auf XLR male 1 m

Adam Hall Cables 3 STAR MMF 0100 SET - Set of 6 microphone cables XLR female to XLR male 1 m

Set of 6 microphone cables XLR female to XLR male 1 m Set of 6 colourful microphone cables from our 3 Star Series • With balanced XLR connectors from Adam Hall • Nickel-silver plated...

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€22.00 *

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Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR MMF 0300 X - Mikrofonkabel Neutrik® XLR ohne Einzelverpackung | 3 m

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR MMF 0300 X - Microphone Cable Neutrik® XLR without single packaging | 3 m

Microphone Cable Neutrik® XLR without single packaging | 3 m 5 Star Series "Made in EU • Without sales packaging as VPE • Optimum quality due to the use of NEUTRIK XLR connectors...

€23.56 *

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Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR MMF 0500 X - Mikrofonkabel Neutrik® XLR ohne Einzelverpackung | 5 m

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR MMF 0500 X - Microphone Cable Neutrik® XLR without single packaging | 5 m

Microphone Cable Neutrik® XLR without single packaging | 5 m 5 Star Series "Made in EU • Without sales packaging as VPE • Optimum quality due to the use of NEUTRIK XLR connectors...

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€22.70 * €17.15 *

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Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR DFF 0020 - Adapterkabel | XLR 3-Pol Female x XLR 3-Pol Female | 0,2 m

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR DFF 0020 - Adapter cable | XLR 3-Pin Female x XLR 3-Pin Female | 0.2 m

Adapter cable | XLR 3-Pin Female x XLR 3-Pin Female | 0.2 m Adam Hall 5 STAR SERIES gender changer adapter cable: XLR 3-Pin Female to XLR 3-Pin Female • DMX and AES/EBU compliant...

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Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR DMM 0020 - Adapterkabel | XLR 3-Pol Male x XLR 3-Pol Male | 0,2 m

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR DMM 0020 - Adapter cable | XLR 3-Pin Male x XLR 3-Pin Male | 0.2 m

Adapter cable | XLR 3-Pin Male x XLR 3-Pin Male | 0.2 m Adam Hall 5 STAR SERIES gender changer adapter cable: XLR 3-Pin Male to XLR 3-Pin Male • DMX and AES/EBU compliant • Original...

€17.68 *

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Adam Hall Cables K4 MFP 1000 Mikrofonkabel REAN XLR female auf 6,3 mm Klin

Adam Hall Cables K4 MFP 1000 Microphone Cable REAN XLR female to 6.3 mm

Unbalanced instrument cable for onstage use. Like all cables in the 4-Star series, it is manufactured using high-quality REAN © components and highly flexible cable material. The tightly...

€16.99 *

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Adam Hall Cables K5 MMF 0150 Mikrofonkabel Neutrik XLR female auf XLR male

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR MMF 0150 - Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 1.5 m

Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 1.5 m Professional, balanced microphone cable. Highly flexible and yet extremely rugged; the multilayer shielding ensure optimal insulation against...

€17.71 *

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Adam Hall Cables K5 MMF 1500 Mikrofonkabel Neutrik XLR female auf XLR male

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR MMF 1500 - Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 15 m

Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 15 m Professional, balanced microphone cable. Highly flexible and yet extremely rugged; the multilayer shielding ensure optimal insulation against...

€33.92 *

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Adam Hall Cables K5 MMF 2000 Mikrofonkabel Neutrik XLR female auf XLR male

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR MMF 2000 - Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 20 m

Microphone Cable Neutrik XLR female to XLR male 20 m Professional, balanced microphone cable. Highly flexible and yet extremely rugged; the multilayer shielding ensure optimal insulation against...

€37.34 *

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Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR MMF 1000 X - Mikrofonkabel Neutrik® XLR ohne Einzelverpackung | 10 m

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR MMF 1000 X - Microphone Cable Neutrik® XLR without single packaging|10 m

Microphone Cable Neutrik® XLR without single packaging|10 m 5 Star Series "Made in EU • Without sales packaging as VPE • Optimum quality due to the use of NEUTRIK XLR connectors...

€31.74 *

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