XLR cable types

[blanc]

Hi,

I’m reading this article about XLR cable types: XLR cable types. Even though this article is very understandable, I still can’t distinguish cable types in real life. For example, what about this cable: Y8-XLR? Actually I’m looking for a pair of XLR cables which are soft and easy to bend. Which type shall I take?

 

[Speedskater]

Almost all good XLR cables are Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cables.
Microphone cables are a sub-set of the above. Optimized for low handling noise, flexibility and robust construction.
Digital interconnects are another sub-set optimized for Radio Frequency Characteristic Impedance.

There are also Star Quad four conductor shielded XLR cables. Optimized for harsh electrical noise situations. Like on a stage with old theatrical lights and smoke machines.

 

[rcstevensonaz]

For example, what about this cable: Y8-XLR?

Beware of the embedded link for "Y8-XLR", which is:

>>>https://www.temu.com/bgn_no_access.html?_x_vst_scene=adg&_x_ads_sub_channel=shopping&_x_ns_prz_type=-1&_x_ns_sku_id=17596815421145&_x_ns_gid=601100677591651&_x_ads_channel=google&_x_gmc_account=5583898174&_x_login_type=Google&_x_ns_gg_lnk_type=adr&_x_ads_account=1564722882&_x_ads_set=23215376816&_x_ads_id=193662475891&_x_ads_creative_id=782048275637&_x_ns_source=g&_x_ns_gclid=CjwKCAjwyMnNBhBNEiwA-Kcgu-2ao_C8AsN3zQhElngUpDhBzC5yeYzgLTbfFzRm5Fbr2j-REV708RoCDf0QAvD_BwE&_x_ns_placement=&_x_ns_match_type=&_x_ns_ad_position=&_x_ns_product_id=5583898174-17596815421145&_x_ns_target=&_x_ns_devicemodel=&_x_ns_wbraid=Cj4KCAjwpcTNBhApEi4AlG71sedc8J_Wngjml_IUzvvHjjJq6QuF_ngqUcfV3szoJbL8EDdG5QgUIcjVGgL4Wg&_x_ns_gbraid=0AAAAAo4mICFOG-flEsdzRmUzl8GAosQUQ&_x_ns_targetid=pla-2514166361917&_x_sessn_id=j0wgoksv67&refer_page_name=goods&refer_page_id=10032_1773317421995_bmst0h9kpl&refer_page_sn=10032'

It is perhaps entirely coincidence, but I lost WiFi internet access on my laptop after clicking on that link. Not just in that tab, which brought up a no internet access window.

 

[PatentLawyer]

I am very happy with these Mogami cables, and not crazy priced:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E1P30?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

 

[blanc]

Here is the picture of the cables. Clearly they consist of more than two twisted wires, but are they Star Quad type?

 

[Ype]

I've been using all kinds of Thomann's cables for many years and I have zero complains.
They have many options including 4x XLR 3 pin to RJ45.

Thomann - the sssnake ᐅ Buy now from Thomann

Thomann is a significant mail order company of the The Sssnake brand. We have the latest products in our range, and most of them are on stock and directly available.

www.thomannmusic.com

 

[Rick63]

I use and love World's Best Cables XLRs! Can't beat them for the price IMO.

I don't like the ones with the nylon covering, they are stiff and not nearly as manageable as the ones without.

Amazon.com: WORLDS BEST CABLES 2 Units - 2 Foot - Gotham GAC-4/1 (Black) - Star Quad, Dual Shielded Balanced Male to Female Microphone Cables with Amphenol AX3M & AX3F Silver XLR Connectors - Custom Made : Musical Instruments

Buy WORLDS BEST CABLES 2 Units - 2 Foot - Gotham GAC-4/1 (Black) - Star Quad, Dual Shielded Balanced Male to Female Microphone Cables with Amphenol AX3M & AX3F Silver XLR Connectors - Custom Made: Microphone Cables - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[antcollinet]

Hi,

I’m reading this article about XLR cable types: XLR cable types. Even though this article is very understandable, I still can’t distinguish cable types in real life. For example, what about this cable: Y8-XLR? Actually I’m looking for a pair of XLR cables which are soft and easy to bend. Which type shall I take?

In typical home audio installations - if you are using balanced interconnect, then the type of cable is not going to make one iota of audible difference - assuming it is not actually faulty.

Just buy something of adequate build quality for robustness. Amazon basics is (generally) fine.

 

[delta76]

Hi,

I’m reading this article about XLR cable types: XLR cable types. Even though this article is very understandable, I still can’t distinguish cable types in real life. For example, what about this cable: Y8-XLR? Actually I’m looking for a pair of XLR cables which are soft and easy to bend. Which type shall I take?

I'd advise to avoid buying from Temu. Decent XLR cables are cheap enough to buy, from thomann.com or similar reputable sites.

Thomann - Welcome Home!

Search Results - Page 1 - "xlr cable"

www.thomann.co.uk

 

[tineared]

All of the cables listed here are better than you need. Pick the ones you like the looks of and the price of...

 

[SHB]

Balanced cables are the way to go because of their rejection of noise.

The standard used in studios worldwide is Mogami. Nothing magical here. Just great build quality and engineering. Their cables aren’t cheap, but they are worth every penny and have a lifetime warranty.

If cost is no object, their Platinum line is as good as it gets. I have a 12 footer I use for microphone duty in my project studio. It’s about $100 and features 18 gauge conductors.

Their Gold line is more reasonably priced and perfect for line level connections.

If you want custom length runs, Blue Jeans Cables is pretty fantastic.

That’s my 2¢

 

[Rja4000]

I’m looking for a pair of XLR cables which are soft and easy to bend. Which type shall I take?

Buy some meters of good audio microphone cable, some Neutrik XLR connectors and solder them yourself.
Good microphone cable is meant to be flexible.

That's what I use for all my balanced measurements. And for listening of course.

 

[somebodyelse]

View attachment 517375Here is the picture of the cables. Clearly they consist of more than two twisted wires, but are they Star Quad type?

No. In starquad they all twist in the same direction. The one shown is braided. It's also unshielded while starquad would be shielded.

 

[rcstevensonaz]

Buy some meters of good audio microphone cable, some Neutrik XLR connectors and solder them yourself.
Good microphone cable is meant to be flexible.

That's what I use for all my balanced measurements. And for listening of course.

I went that way...

And discovered — after all of the investment in parts for my cable projects — that I would have been far better just doing custom cable orders from Performance Audio (here in USA). Just an extra $10 to have the cable made to my specification for wire, connectors, etc.

 

[blanc]

There are two types of coatings: Nylon and Cotton. Are there essential advantages of one over the other?

 

[Speedskater]

a] There are other plastic coating than Nylon.
b] Cotton coated cables may not retain their symmetrical conductor spacing with time and use. Making them less balanced.