Connecting XLR cables together... at DVinfo.net

Scott Silverman · March 11th, 2003, 01:32 AM

I am looking into buying some XLR cable for me and my camera even though I still don't own any XLR mic. So here is my question: As XLR cables are connected together, is more quality lost than if I had just one long XLR cable? When I say quality lost, I really mean does more interference take place, because I understand you're not really losing quality. My way of thinking was that if I bought ten 10 foot XLR cables, I could connect them together and have a 100 foot cable, two 50 foot cables, ten 10 foot cables, an 80 foot with a 20 foot, and so on and so forth. The combinations and possibilities are endless, but if, with every XLR connection between cables I gain more interference then it would not be worth buying ten 10 footers. So, does anyone know about this, or, is my question unclear? (I know it might sound complicated.) Thanks in advance for your useful and helpful information!

Don Palomaki · March 11th, 2003, 05:34 AM

The major issue is that a single cable is going to be more reliable than using several shorter cables connected together. Connectors are the most likely points of failure with a cable. Also one longer cable will cost less tahn two shorter cables adding to the same net length. But when allis said and done, buy lengths that are convenient for you to use.

Brian Huey · March 12th, 2003, 03:21 AM

Another problem with connecting multiple cables together is you will lose some dBs from the connectors. So the less you have in the path the better.

I know this can be an issue with 802.11b (high frequency wireless computer stuff) but it probably isn't as noticable with the lower frequencies of audio.

Don Palomaki · March 12th, 2003, 05:22 AM

Signal loss at audio connectors is normally not significant, if there is noticeable loss, something is probably wrong with the connection.

Scott Silverman · March 12th, 2003, 06:50 PM

OK thanks guys! I think I will buy a 50 ft, 10 ft, and 5 ft to start. I'll see what happens. Thanks!

March 11th, 2003, 01:32 AM	#1
Scott Silverman Major Player Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Cupertino, California, USA Posts: 301	Connecting XLR cables together... I am looking into buying some XLR cable for me and my camera even though I still don't own any XLR mic. So here is my question: As XLR cables are connected together, is more quality lost than if I had just one long XLR cable? When I say quality lost, I really mean does more interference take place, because I understand you're not really losing quality. My way of thinking was that if I bought ten 10 foot XLR cables, I could connect them together and have a 100 foot cable, two 50 foot cables, ten 10 foot cables, an 80 foot with a 20 foot, and so on and so forth. The combinations and possibilities are endless, but if, with every XLR connection between cables I gain more interference then it would not be worth buying ten 10 footers. So, does anyone know about this, or, is my question unclear? (I know it might sound complicated.) Thanks in advance for your useful and helpful information! __________________ Scott Silverman Shining Star Digital Video Productions Bay Area, CA

March 12th, 2003, 06:50 PM	#5
Scott Silverman Major Player Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Cupertino, California, USA Posts: 301	OK thanks guys! I think I will buy a 50 ft, 10 ft, and 5 ft to start. I'll see what happens. Thanks! __________________ Scott Silverman Shining Star Digital Video Productions Bay Area, CA

March 11th, 2003, 05:34 AM	#2
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	The major issue is that a single cable is going to be more reliable than using several shorter cables connected together. Connectors are the most likely points of failure with a cable. Also one longer cable will cost less tahn two shorter cables adding to the same net length. But when allis said and done, buy lengths that are convenient for you to use.

March 12th, 2003, 03:21 AM	#3
Brian Huey Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle , WA Posts: 184	Another problem with connecting multiple cables together is you will lose some dBs from the connectors. So the less you have in the path the better. I know this can be an issue with 802.11b (high frequency wireless computer stuff) but it probably isn't as noticable with the lower frequencies of audio.

March 12th, 2003, 05:22 AM	#4
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	Signal loss at audio connectors is normally not significant, if there is noticeable loss, something is probably wrong with the connection.