Best microphone cables for 2020

For recording studios, musicians, singers, and orators, an important criterion is the transmission of clear sound, whether it be music or the 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 investigate the microphone wire in detail, to determine the popular models for 2020.

Understanding Microphone Cable - Selection Criteria

Before you go for the goods, you need to master the information what microphone cords are. Then, familiarize yourself with their features, compare and decide which one is better to buy.

Table - "Types of microphone cables"

Name:	Second name:	Description / Purpose:
Typical installation:	asymmetrical	for household 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 long chain, in all weather conditions

Symmetrical cords have a high level of immunity to electromagnetic interference - one of the positive features. It consists of 2 central conductors, insulation, shield, outer sheath.

The microphone wire is equipped with two XLR connectors located at different ends, which are commonly called "male" / "female".

TRS or USB connectors are used for direct connection to a sound card (digital recorder). They connect the microphone to a mixing console, which is used for DI communication between amplifier and 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 shields for line conductors can be braided, spiral or aluminum foil.

Tips for choosing

If the user wants to get a clear transmission of sound waves, then he must have a good wire, high-quality connectors, a professional microphone.

It is interesting! The length of the microphone cable can be up to 100 meters, but this is extremely rare. Mostly 5.8 or 10 meter chains are used.

Buying advice:

• a two-core cord with twisted shielding from 70% and with tin or silver-plated contacts is suitable for novice musicians;
• For advanced musicians, it is better to use the same connection, but with silver-plated or gold-plated connectors, twisted shielding above 90%;
• 4-core flexible PVC cord with braided copper shield (from 95%) and gold-plated connectors - an option for professionals.

Note! The microphone cable can be finished or disassembled. Collecting yourself, upon purchase, all the elements will be cheaper. Ready binders for those who don't want to mess around (value their time).

Screen and its features

Shielding is one of the things to look out for when purchasing a microphone cable. There are several types of braiding, each of which has its own positive and negative sides.

Table - "Shielding methods and their comparison"

Braid name:	Positive side:	Negative side:
Foiling:	100% coverage of signal wires	mechanical unreliability
Mesh:	the most common form;	coverage by 60-85% mainly
	flexible;
	mechanically reliable
Spiral wire:	increased flexibility compared to the previous two options;	quickly comes out of use with physical impact;
	coverage up to 80%	less immune to RFI screen

Note! For the first braid, aluminum or copper material is most often used. Such products are used in cheap versions. The sound at the high frequencies during its operation begins to "phonate".

How to choose the right cord - what to focus on

Based on the above information, we can conclude what to look for when buying a conductor:

1. Cable type.
2. Resistance.
3. Shielding.

The best shielded conductor is mesh or coiled.

It is important to keep low impedance values ​​when transmitting audio. The best in this regard is the copper cable.

On a note! If you use an unbalanced version, then for long circuits, a reinforced ground is required.

Other selection criteria include thickness (the larger the diameter, the lower the resistance). For instrument devices, a very thick and short cord is needed. It is important where to buy. The best option in this matter is specialized stores or online ordering.

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 fits, the connector of the technique.

Note! The device is connected according to the instructions.

Before purchasing, it is good to analyze customer reviews, watch a video review for 2-3 models, decide which company is better. The final stage is the cost of the goods. Although if the budget is distributed initially, what should be relied on from it.

Rating of high-quality microphone cords up to 500 rubles for 2020

Budget options for novice musicians or those who will use the product at home. Top manufacturers:

• "Vention";
• "Klotz";
• "Rockdale".

Model "XLR M - XLR F (BBFB)" from the manufacturer "Vention"

Product PVC shielded, in black, for XLR M / F connectors located at different ends. Contacts are nickel plated, corrosion resistant, round. It transfers analog mono audio signal between audio, video and computer devices (their components). This model can be used to connect professional Hi-Fi / High-End equipment.

Note! There is one copy in the package. A pair is required to connect a stereo amplifier.

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:	from polyvinyl chloride
Manufacturer country:	China
By price:	500 rubles

• perfectly transmit sound;
• inexpensive;
• parameters.

• not identified.

Model "MC 5000" from the manufacturer "Klotz"

Appointment: sliced.

Product for the interconnect in the studio. Supplied in a reel. Consists of two strands, 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 on the cable.

Specifications:

Section:	0.5 mm sq.
Diameter:	7 mm
Length:	100 m
Colour:	the black
Manufacturer country:	Germany
Average price:	260 rubles

• excellent signal transmission;
• lasting;
• flexible.

• not identified.

Model "MC001.10" from the manufacturer "Rockdale"

Purpose: for balanced connections.

Balanced cable in black with XLR connectors, PVC jacket. Perfect for beginner musicians. Consists of 3-pin connector to socket, rigid, shielded, has 2 cores.

Note! The wire is available for sale in 1 meter; 1.8; 3; five; ten.

Specifications:

Conductor structure:	84 by 0.1 / 28 by 0.1 (drainage, 2 pcs.)
External diameter:	5 mm
Length:	3 m 30 cm
A type:	microphone
Conductor material:	OFC
Plug:	nickel
How much is:	500 rubles

• many positive reviews;
• inexpensive;
• high-quality sound output.

• not identified.

Rating of the best microphone cables under 1000 rubles for 2020

The popularity of models in this category lies in the quality and transmission of sound waves. The assortment is available to any consumer. In the opinion of buyers, commodity items from manufacturers deserve attention:

• "Vention";
• "Proel";
• QUIK LOK.

Model "Jack 6.3 mm M" from the manufacturer "Vention"

Purpose: to transmit analog mono audio signals.

Shielded (foil) cable with pointed gold-plated lugs. The accessory is packed in a plastic bag. Suitable for connecting a microphone, speakers, DVD player, multimedia in sync with a computer. There is support for signal amplification.

Specifications:

A type:	AUX
Vendor code:	BAAB-0415
Connectors:	jack 6.3 mm (M) - 2 pcs.
Conductor:	copper
Dielectric:	polyvinyl chloride
Yardage:	3m
External diameter:	6.5 mm
Warranty service life:	1 year
Production:	from China
Average cost:	550 rubles

• functional;
• affordability of prices;
• does an excellent job with its duties.

• not identified.

Model "BULK250LU5" from the manufacturer "Proel"

Purpose: for use on stage.

Professional communication in black with silver nickel-plated 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:

A type:	HPC225
Length:	5 m
Weight of packing:	300 g
Dimensions (m):	0,3/0,1/0,025
Connectors:	XLR3FVPRO - XLR3MVPRO
Material:	PVC, metal
Manufacturer country:	China
Average cost:	810 rubles

• quality of materials;
• lasting;
• provides a reliable connection;
• safe;
• increased service life.

• for professional use only.

Model "CM175-1" from the manufacturer "QUIK LOK"

By appointment: microphone.

Ready-made lacing with low noise, identical connectors (XLR Male / Female) in black. The shape is round. No shielding. With proper storage and use, it can last up to 5 years.

Note! The manufacturer has a range of microphone cables in this series in various sizes.

Specifications:

A type:	stereo
By lenght:	meter
Vendor code:	57722
Cells for nests:	Quik Lok
Cost:	840 rubles

• minimal functionality;
• high-quality raw materials for creation;
• no interference.

• not identified.

The best microphone cables over 1000 rubles for 2020

Trust of users, deserved by the company:

• "Monacor";
• "Stagg";
• "Klotz".

Model "MEC-1000 / SW" from the manufacturer "Monacor"

Purpose: to connect audio, microphone.

A ready-made skein with a 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 intended for professional use on stage.

Specifications:

Connectors:	XLR mom / dad
Number of conductors:	2 pcs.
Yardage:	10 m
Section:	6.5 mm
Net weight:	558 g
Material:	OFC
Estimated service life:	2 years
By price:	1380 rubles

• parameters;
• reliable;
• lightweight;
• high degree of protection.

• relatively short service life, although with proper storage and handling of the product, it can be increased many times.

Model "NMC10R" from the manufacturer "Stagg"

Purpose: microphone.

Professional microphone cable. It is sold in a twisted roll with clamps on 4 sides and a cardboard insert with instructions on how to connect the cable (basic information about the product). XLR female / male tips round, silver color. Neutrik connectors.

Specifications:

Connectors:	REAN
Weight:	540 g
By lenght:	10 m
Packing dimensions (meters):	0,27/0,19/0,04
Vendor code:	888880014750
Colour:	the black
Manufacturer country:	China
Average cost:	1250 rubles

• does not contain harmful substances: ROHS compliant;
• the highest quality;
• extremely low level of interference.

• not identified.

Model "M1MS1B0200" from the manufacturer "Klotz"

Name: symmetrical interblock.

The most expensive model of all the options presented above. The connectors are different: round at one end, pointed at the other. Cable color is black. The length can vary from 1 to 3 meters. The spiral copper shield 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
A type:	ready
Conductor cross-section:	0.22 sq. mm
Connectors used:	cable - MY206, connectors - Neutrik
Shielding:	spiral, copper
Material:	oxygen-free copper, polyvinyl chloride
Specific capacity:	60 pF / m
Cost:	2300 rubles

• design;
• high quality;
• affordable price.

• not identified.

Output

The microphone cable consists of 2 conductors (positive and negative), insulation, seal, shielding, outer sheath. When buying a product, it is important to pay attention to the material from which each layer is made.

For electronics to interact better with each other, you need to increase the electrical conductivity. For this, various manufacturers use sputtering on connectors made of silver or gold. 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, which is better to choose, PVC or polyurethane cable.

After comparing all the elements of the structure, the buyer draws up an ideal cable model for himself and selects it from a large list of products.

Table - "Popular microphone cables for 2020"

Name:	Manufacturer:	Length (meters):	Connector type (male / female):	Average cost (rubles):
"BBFB"	"Vention"	5	XLR	500
"MC500"	"Klotz"	100	absent	260
"MC001.10"	"Rockdale"	3.3	XLR	500
"Jack 6.3 mm 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 products.

Each company represents the length of the cable in a full range, but to assess the rating, the most popular models were taken.

Most often, they take ready-made wires with XLR connections.