View Full Version : xlr cable


Pete Cofrancesco
May 16th, 2017, 05:13 AM
I have a bad xlr cable. Is it something I could fix or is it not worth it. It's a 10', looks cosmetically fine but if the one of the ends is bent it cuts out.

Dave Fisk
May 16th, 2017, 07:07 AM
If the connectors are field serviceable then you can fix it as long as you know how.

Don Palomaki
May 16th, 2017, 08:28 AM
If you know how strip/tin/dress wire and how to solder you should be able to fix it. You might need a new connector depending on what is inside the bad end.

Rick Reineke
May 16th, 2017, 09:20 AM
I've seen a lot of those POS molded-on connectors break, which can't be fixed (from a band I work for). If the cable itself is of decent quality, I just solder on a new Neutrik XLR connector ($3 and 15 minutes if you know how). I make my own cables from Canare StarQuad cable stock (about $0.50 / foot) using Neutrik XLRs. Some are 20+ years old and have survived all kinds of abuse on stage, film sets and international documentary sound work.

Pete Cofrancesco
May 16th, 2017, 12:30 PM
Thx everyone I was able to fix it after watching a YouTube video.

It was an Audio Technica cable with a Neutrik end. When I opened it up I could see the problem. One of the wires was too long with the insulation stripped back too far, bending or touching the end, caused it to make contact with another wire. I shortened it, added insulation, and soldiered it back on.

Rick Reineke
May 16th, 2017, 04:54 PM
Congrats Pete. You'll be making you own cables in no time at all. It's actually very simple.. saves lots of $ and aggravation.