XLR cables? at DVinfo.net

TingSern Wong · December 8th, 2007, 07:18 PM

What is the difference between 2 wire and 3 wire XLR cables? I understand that XLR cables are supposed to have 3 wires (there are 3 pins) in them. If so, why use 2 wires then?

For long distances (like 30 feet - 50 feet run), is a 3 wire XLR better than 2 wires? What about devices at the end of the XLR cable? - if it is a condenser mic, then 3 wire XLR is better, right? But, what if the device is a "press-feed" box?

Martin Pauly · December 8th, 2007, 10:28 PM

When it says "two wires", the cable shield should serve as a third conductor for signal ground. I have not heard of XLR cables with only two conductors.

- Martin

TingSern Wong · December 8th, 2007, 11:42 PM

This particular XLR cable has physically only 2 wires, and ZERO shielding ... just a transparent plastic covering the 2 wires.

Steve House · December 9th, 2007, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TingSern Wong

This particular XLR cable has physically only 2 wires, and ZERO shielding ... just a transparent plastic covering the 2 wires.

HUH??? Is this a commercially marketed cable or is it one that someone made up themselves. Are there XLR connectors on both ends or could it be an adapter cable of some sort with an XLR on one end and an RCA or TS plug on the other?

Hsien Yong · December 9th, 2007, 05:24 AM

Hi Ting Sern,
I would suggest not using that particular 2 wire XLR cable that you have. My guess is someone made that cable because they ran out of proper microphone cable.

>What is the difference between 2 wire and 3 wire XLR cables?
3 wire (2conductors and a braided shield) is proper microphone cable.

>For long distances (like 30 feet - 50 feet run), is a 3 wire XLR better than 2 >wires?
For any distance, you should only use proper microphone cables.

>What about devices at the end of the XLR cable? - if it is a condenser mic, >then 3 wire XLR is better, right?
It is the only correct cable to use.

>But, what if the device is a "press-feed" box?
Same thing, all mic/line cables using XLR connectors must have
(2 conductors and a shield).

Is there a brand or model number printed on your cable?

James Harring · December 9th, 2007, 06:36 AM

Recommend you avoid these, they are junk as they have no immunity to induced noise and hum without a shield and ground.

TingSern Wong · December 9th, 2007, 08:04 AM

Bogus XLR cable - I sure like that. I suspect just as much. Will definitely toss then. Thanks.

Ray Bell · December 9th, 2007, 09:39 AM

No reason to toss the cable if the connectors are of good quality...

If the connectors are metal you should be able to take the connector apart by removing the screws... then just go and get a 2 conductor shielded cable in the length you want and just solder in the correct cable....

The best cable would be 2 conductor shielded with braided ground.

Dan Keaton · December 9th, 2007, 09:43 AM

Those unshielded XLR cables may not be microphone cables, but some other type, such as a special speaker cable.

TingSern Wong · December 9th, 2007, 10:07 AM

I am inclined to think somebody wired up the mics using some sort of speaker cables in lieu of a proper XLR (shielded) cable. Must have been done to save costs ... the metal connectors are indeed XLR. Only the cables are not.

December 8th, 2007, 07:18 PM	#1
TingSern Wong Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Singapore, Rep of SINGAPORE Posts: 749	XLR cables? What is the difference between 2 wire and 3 wire XLR cables? I understand that XLR cables are supposed to have 3 wires (there are 3 pins) in them. If so, why use 2 wires then? For long distances (like 30 feet - 50 feet run), is a 3 wire XLR better than 2 wires? What about devices at the end of the XLR cable? - if it is a condenser mic, then 3 wire XLR is better, right? But, what if the device is a "press-feed" box? Last edited by TingSern Wong; December 8th, 2007 at 08:28 PM.

December 8th, 2007, 10:28 PM	#2
Martin Pauly Major Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA Posts: 563	When it says "two wires", the cable shield should serve as a third conductor for signal ground. I have not heard of XLR cables with only two conductors. - Martin __________________ Martin Pauly

December 9th, 2007, 06:36 AM	#6
James Harring Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 210	Bogus XLR Recommend you avoid these, they are junk as they have no immunity to induced noise and hum without a shield and ground.

December 9th, 2007, 09:43 AM	#9
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Those unshielded XLR cables may not be microphone cables, but some other type, such as a special speaker cable. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

December 8th, 2007, 11:42 PM	#3
TingSern Wong Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Singapore, Rep of SINGAPORE Posts: 749	This particular XLR cable has physically only 2 wires, and ZERO shielding ... just a transparent plastic covering the 2 wires.

December 9th, 2007, 05:24 AM	#5
Hsien Yong Regular Crew Join Date: May 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 111	Hi Ting Sern, I would suggest not using that particular 2 wire XLR cable that you have. My guess is someone made that cable because they ran out of proper microphone cable. >What is the difference between 2 wire and 3 wire XLR cables? 3 wire (2conductors and a braided shield) is proper microphone cable. >For long distances (like 30 feet - 50 feet run), is a 3 wire XLR better than 2 >wires? For any distance, you should only use proper microphone cables. >What about devices at the end of the XLR cable? - if it is a condenser mic, >then 3 wire XLR is better, right? It is the only correct cable to use. >But, what if the device is a "press-feed" box? Same thing, all mic/line cables using XLR connectors must have (2 conductors and a shield). Is there a brand or model number printed on your cable?

December 9th, 2007, 08:04 AM	#7
TingSern Wong Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Singapore, Rep of SINGAPORE Posts: 749	Bogus XLR cable - I sure like that. I suspect just as much. Will definitely toss then. Thanks.

December 9th, 2007, 09:39 AM	#8
Ray Bell Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,414	No reason to toss the cable if the connectors are of good quality... If the connectors are metal you should be able to take the connector apart by removing the screws... then just go and get a 2 conductor shielded cable in the length you want and just solder in the correct cable.... The best cable would be 2 conductor shielded with braided ground.

December 9th, 2007, 10:07 AM	#10
TingSern Wong Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Singapore, Rep of SINGAPORE Posts: 749	I am inclined to think somebody wired up the mics using some sort of speaker cables in lieu of a proper XLR (shielded) cable. Must have been done to save costs ... the metal connectors are indeed XLR. Only the cables are not.