Microphone cables come in several varieties and are used in many different settings. They are used in music, broadcasting, lecture halls, and simple PA setups. Choosing the right microphone cable is just as important to sound quality as selecting the right microphone for the job. You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari and put cheap quality tires on it, would you? Let’s take a look at the different types of microphone cables, understand what shielding is, and find out why cable length is important.
Types Of Cables
The most common type of microphone cable has a three pin XLR male connector on one end and an XLR female connection on the other end. This is used in most music studio and live performance settings. Some microphones also have a TRS mini plug on the delivery end. And others have a USB plug on one end for hooking directly up to a computer for recording.
Shielding
Almost all audio cables contain shielding that protects the current-conducting wire inside from interference that causes noise. Without it, you may hear buzzing, crackling and even radio signals coming through your amplifier or speakers. Shielding is most commonly found in the form of braided wires that surround the insulator which contains the current-conducting wire inside a microphone cable. Braided shielding helps protect the wire while keeping the cable flexible for use on stage or in a studio. Other shielding types include the spiral wrapped shield and the foil shield.
Cable Length
Choosing cables with appropriate length is important. It’s always better to have more microphone cable available than not enough. If you use microphones in a place that has high traffic like a performing stage with other musicians, or in a news studio with lots of audio and video technicians constantly moving around, it’s very important to secure cables so that they don’t get tripped on or even stepped on much. Using duct tape or any other cable management system should do the trick to keep cable from becoming a hazard and from becoming damaged themselves.
Conclusion
Good quality sound doesn’t end with buying the best microphone. Selecting the appropriate microphone cable is just as important as the microphone it’s attached to. The next time you purchase a microphone cable, pay close attention to the type of cable connection you need, available shielding types, and the most appropriate cable length for your sound environment.
As a 34-year-old father of three, I’m out to prove it’s never too late to go for your dreams. I never learned to play piano, and I’ve been an average guitar player since I took lessons as a teenager. Now, my goal is to master both instruments, and just to make things interesting, publish a handful of songs before I turn 40.