For recording studios, musicians, singers and public speakers, an important criterion is the transmission of a clear sound, whether it be music or a speaker's speech. In this matter, everything depends on the quality of the equipment, but the main function is assigned to the cable. It can be of various lengths, structures, purposes. We propose to examine the microphone wire in detail, to identify popular models for 2022.
Content
Before you go for the goods, you need to master the information about what microphone cords are. Then, get acquainted with their features, compare and decide which one is better to buy.
Table - "Types of microphone cables"
Name: | Second name: | Description / purpose: |
---|---|---|
Normal installation: | asymmetrical | for domestic needs, where the purity of sound is not in the first place. For example, connecting dynamic microphones to a music center. |
Balanced: | symmetric | to create a chain of great length, in all weather conditions |
Symmetrical cords have a high level of resistance to electromagnetic interference - one of the positive features. It consists of 2 central conductors, insulation, screen, outer sheath.
The microphone wire is equipped with two XLR connectors located at different ends, which are commonly called "father" / "mother".
The TRS or USB connectors are used for direct connection to a sound card (digital recorder). They connect the microphone to the mixing console, which is used for DI communication between the amplifier and the mixer.
To protect the connecting element from the effects of electromagnetic interference, they resort to the use of special screens. In simple words, this is a common wire and ground. The role of shielding is to protect the signal from various sources of noise: radio signals, network wires, fluorescent lamps, dimmer rheostats, and some devices.
Note! The type of screens for line conductors can be braided, spiral or aluminum foil.
If the user wants to get a clear transmission of sound waves, then he must have a good wire, high-quality connectors, and a professional microphone.
It is interesting! The length of the microphone cable can reach 100 meters, but this is an extremely rare case. Mostly 5.8 or 10 meter chains are used.
Buying advice:
Note! The wire for the microphone can be ready-made or disassembled. Assembling it yourself, when buying, all the elements will cost less. Ready binders for those who do not want to mess around (value their time).
Shielding is one of the things to look for when buying a microphone cord. There are several types of braid, each of which has its positive and negative sides.
Table - "Shielding methods and their comparison"
Braid name: | Positive side: | Negative side: |
---|---|---|
Foiling: | 100% signal wire coverage | mechanical unreliability |
Mesh: | the most common form; | 60-85% coverage in general |
flexible; | ||
mechanically reliable | ||
Spiral wire: | increased flexibility compared to the two previous options; | quickly becomes out of date with physical impact; |
coverage up to 80% | less resistant to screen RF interference |
Note! For the first braid, aluminum or copper material is most often used. Such products are used in cheap versions. The sound at high frequencies during its operation begins to "fond".
Based on the above information, we can conclude what to look for when buying a conductor:
The best shielded conductor is mesh or spiral.
When transmitting audio, it is important to ensure low resistance values. The best in this regard is considered a cable made of copper.
On a note! If you use an unbalanced version, then for long circuits, reinforced grounding is required.
Other selection criteria include thickness (the larger the diameter, the lower the resistance). For instrumental devices, a very thick and short cord is needed. It matters where to buy. The best option in this matter is specialized stores or ordering via the Internet.
In order not to make mistakes when choosing, you need to know the parameters of the place of application so that the length of the cord is suitable, the connector of the equipment.
Note! The device is connected according to the instructions.
Before purchasing, it is good to analyze customer reviews, watch a video review of 2-3 models, and decide which company is better.The final stage is the cost of the goods. Although if the budget is distributed initially, what needs to be based on it.
Budget options for beginner musicians or those who will operate the product at home. Top Producers:
Product PVC shielded, in black, for XLR M/F connectors located at different ends. Nickel-plated, corrosion-resistant, round contacts. It transmits an analog mono audio signal between audio, video and computer devices (their components). With this model, you can switch professional Hi-Fi / High-End equipment.
Note! There is one copy in the package. To connect a stereo amplifier, you need a pair.
Specifications:
Vendor code: | VAB-K02-S |
Parameters (mm): | 29/21/3,5 |
Length: | 5 m |
Conductor material: | copper |
Core cross section: | 26 AWG |
Net weight: | 427 g |
Dielectric: | PVC |
Producing country: | China |
By price: | 500 rubles |
Purpose: for cutting.
Goods for the interconnector in the studio. Supplied in a reel. Consists of two veins, protected from electromagnetic interference. Polyvinyl chloride is used as an insulating material. Due to its flexibility, it is often used in live performances. The connectors are not short, the rubber tip fits snugly to the cable.
Specifications:
Section: | 0.5 mm sq. |
Diameter: | 7 mm |
Length: | 100 m |
Color: | the black |
Producing country: | Germany |
Average price: | 260 rubles |
Purpose: for balanced connections.
Black balanced cable with XLR connectors, sheath made of PVC. Perfect for beginner musicians. Consists of a 3-pin connector to the socket, rigid, shielded, has 2 cores.
Note! The wire is available for sale with a footage of 1; 1.8; 3; 5; ten.
Specifications:
Conductor structure: | 84 by 0.1/ 28 by 0.1 (drainage, 2 pcs.) |
External diameter: | 5 mm |
Length: | 3 m 30 cm |
Type of: | microphone |
Conductor material: | OFC |
Plug: | nickel |
What is the price: | 500 rubles |
The popularity of models in this category lies in the quality and transmission of sound waves. The range is available to any consumer. According to buyers, commodity units from manufacturers deserve attention:
Purpose: to transmit analog mono audio signals.
Shielded (foil) cable with gold-plated tips with a pointed shape. The accessory is packed in a plastic bag. Suitable for connecting a microphone, speakers, DVD player, multimedia in synchronization with a computer. There is support for signal amplification.
Specifications:
Type of: | AUX |
Vendor code: | BAAB-0415 |
Connectors: | jack 6.3 mm (M) – 2 pcs. |
Conductor: | copper |
Dielectric: | PVC |
Footage: | 3m |
External diameter: | 6.5mm |
Warranty period: | 1 year |
Production: | from China |
Average cost: | 550 rubles |
Purpose: for use on stage.
Professional communication in black with nickel-plated silver male/female tips. It is made of modern durable materials, which provides the product with high technical performance and increases the degree of resistance to wear.
Specifications:
Type of: | HPC225 |
Length: | 5 m |
Weight of packing: | 300 g |
Dimensions (m): | 0,3/0,1/0,025 |
Connectors: | XLR3FVPRO - XLR3MVPRO |
Material: | PVC, metal |
Producing country: | China |
Average cost: | 810 rubles |
Purpose: microphone.
Low noise ready lacing, same connectors (XLR Male/Female) in black. The shape is round. Screening is missing. With proper storage and operation, it can last up to 5 years.
Note! The manufacturer has a range of microphone cables of this series in various sizes.
Specifications:
Type of: | stereo |
By lenght: | meter |
Vendor code: | 57722 |
Cells for nests: | Quik Lok |
Price: | 840 rubles |
The trust of users, deserved by the company:
Purpose: to connect audio, microphone.
Ready-made skein with balanced function, a pair of silver conductors. The shape of the tips is round. Low noise shielding available. Product color is black. The model is designed for professional use on stage.
Specifications:
Connectors: | XLR mom / dad |
Number of conductors: | 2 pcs. |
Footage: | 10 m |
Section: | 6.5mm |
Net weight: | 558 g |
Material: | OFC |
Estimated service life: | 2 years |
By price: | 1380 rubles |
Purpose: microphone.
Professional microphone cable. Sold in a twisted skein with clamps on 4 sides and a cardboard insert with instructions on how to connect the cable (basic information about the product). The shape of XLR tips female / male is round, silver color. Neutrik connectors.
Specifications:
Connectors: | REAN |
The weight: | 540 g |
By lenght: | 10 m |
Packing dimensions (meters): | 0,27/0,19/0,04 |
Vendor code: | 888880014750 |
Color: | the black |
Producing country: | China |
Average cost: | 1250 rubles |
Name: symmetrical interblock.
The most expensive model of all the above options. The connectors are different: at one end they are round, at the other they are pointed. Cable color - black. The length can vary from 1 to 3 meters. A spiral-shaped copper screen reliably isolates the signal from the negative effects of electromagnetic fields. The insulating layer is made of polyethylene, protects the conductors from chemical and mechanical damage.
Specifications:
Vendor code: | A038173 |
Compound: | XLR Jack |
Length: | 3m |
Type of: | ready |
Cross section of conductors: | 0.22 sq. mm |
Used connectors: | cable - MY206, connectors - Neutrik |
Shielding: | spiral, copper |
Material: | oxygen-free copper, PVC |
Specific capacity: | 60 pF/m |
Price: | 2300 rubles |
The microphone cable consists of 2 conductors (positive and negative), insulation, sealant, shielding, outer sheath. When buying a product, it is important to pay attention to the material from which each layer is made.
In order for electronics to interact better with each other, it is necessary to increase the electrical conductivity. To do this, various manufacturers use sputtering on silver or gold connectors. The second option is more expensive, but most often purchased, although, according to some, silver has better conductivity, but it tends to oxidize.
Such questions also arise when evaluating materials for other parts.For example, what is better to choose, PVC or polyurethane cable.
After comparing all the elements of the structure, the buyer makes up an ideal cable model for himself and selects it from a large list of products.
Table - "Popular microphone cables for 2022"
Name: | Manufacturer: | Length (meters): | Connector type (male/female): | Average cost (rubles): |
---|---|---|---|---|
"BBFB" | Vention | 5 | XLR | 500 |
"MC500" | Klotz | 100 | missing | 260 |
"MC001.10" | rockdale | 3.3 | XLR | 500 |
«Jack 6.3mm M» | Vention | 3 | Jack | 550 |
« BULK250LU5 » | "Proel" | 5 | XLR | 810 |
"SM175-1" | "QUIK LOK" | 1 | XLR | 840 |
"MEC-1000/SW" | Monacor | 10 | XLR | 1380 |
NMC10R | Stagg | 10 | XLR | 1250 |
"M1MS1B0200" | Klotz | 3 | XLR Jack | 2300 |
The most common Chinese-made products.
Cable footage, each company, is in full assortment, but to assess the rating, the most popular models are taken.
Most often, they take ready-made wires with XLR connections.