8 Best XLR Cables For Microphones

Best XLR Cables For Microphones

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In many ways, XLR cables are the unsung heroes of music gear. Whether you’re recording drums into an audio interface, placing mics around your drum set when performing, or connecting a vocal mix to the mixer, XLR cables are essential. 

It’s easy for any drummer, and other musicians for that matter, to assume that there’s minimal difference between the various models of XLR cables available, but in reality, some are much better suited to specific purposes than others. 

In this article, I’ve singled out the best XLR cables that you can use in the studio, practice room, or on the stage. There are options to suit all budgets, and I’ve ensured their sound quality and durability are up to scratch.

What are the Best XLR Cables?

Image Recommended ProductsProduct Features Price
Best All-Rounder
Monoprice Premier Series XLR Cable 25ft
  • 16AWG copper wire conductors
  • Gold plated XLR pins
  • Lifetime guarantee
Best for Live Sound
Cable Matters 2-Pack XLR Cable 20ft
  • Set of 2 pro grade XLR cables
  • Gold plated XLR pins
  • Oxygen-free copper conductors
Best Sound Quality
Mogami Gold Studio XLR Cable 15ft
  • Premium quality XLR cable
  • Gold plated XLR pins
  • Lifetime guarantee
Most Discreet Design
LyxPro XLR Cable 20ft
  • 24AWG copper wire conductors
  • Gold plated XLR pins
  • 5-Year guarantee
Best Long Connections
GLS Audio XLR Cable 25ft
  • Budget XLR cable
  • Roadworthy and rugged
  • Great value for money
Best Multi-Pack
MCSproaudio 5-Pack XLR Cable 25ft 2
  • Set of 3 rugged XLR cables
  • Excellent value bundle
  • Quality shielded cables
Best Budget Option
Amazon Basics XLR Cable 25ft
  • Budget XLR cable
  • Inner copper spiral shielding
  • Durable and rugged
Best for Recording Drums
Speakerfriends XLR Cable 20ft
  • Oxygen-free copper conductors
  • Braided tweed cloth jacket
  • Clear signal transmission

How I Tested and Selected the Best XLR Cables

Over all my years of gigging and recording, I’ve come to learn that having bad XLR cables can make things incredibly inconvenient in the worst of times. 

So, I made sure to only select the best possible options to recommend. To find those, I looked at build quality, connector quality, reliability, and overall value. 

Reliability was the main thing I looked for. I distinguished how reliable a cable was by assessing what components it was made from and also asking around to see what people’s personal experience with it was like. 

I then looked at how much each cable cost, allowing me to determine how much value it offered compared to its price. 

Finally, I made sure to find cables of different lengths, as it’s a good idea to own a bunch of them for various settings, including studio recording and stage performances.

In-Depth XLR Cable Reviews

Best All-Rounder

Monoprice Premier Series XLR Cable 25ft

A solidly built and reliable XLR cable that is ideal for long connections onstage or in the recording studio.
Build Quality
4.5
Sound Quality
4.5
Connector Quality
4.5
Versatility
4.5
Value
4.5

    Monoprice Premier Series XLR Cable 25ft Review

    The winner of the best XLR Cable goes to this professional quality, high performance cable produced by Monoprice. This cable features thick, heavy gauge wires and gold plated connectors as well as sturdy connector housings.

    This high quality cable utilizes impedance-balanced lines that reduce EM and RF noise to bring you a super clear signal. 

    The cables themselves are thick and rugged, which to me is what makes them perfect for shows and tours where durability is key. 

    The gold-plated connectors will ensure that there will never be any signal degradation from corrosion. This, in turn, provides you with a maintenance-free and high quality signal that you can depend upon for every show and performance.

    The best thing about the Monoprice Premier Series XLR Cable is the lifetime warranty included. You can be rest assured that each cable will deliver a professional performance, and at an exceptional price.

    The level of performance these cables offer is fantastic, and they provide a lifetime of dependable service at a highly affordable price. All things considered, this is the clear winner for the best XLR cable on the market!

    Pros

    • Lifetime guarantee
    • Gold plated XLR pins
    • Excellent performance
    Best for Live Sound

    Cable Matters 2-Pack XLR Cable 20ft

    These XLR cables are workhorses that are perfect for being used frequently for connecting mics from your drum set to a mixer or audio interface.
    Build Quality
    4
    Sound Quality
    4
    Connector Quality
    4
    Versatility
    4.5
    Value
    4.5

      Cable Matters 2-Pack XLR Cable 20ft Review

      Up next in second place we have these pro-grade Cable Matters XLR cables designed for all professional sound applications for both live and in the studio. This convenient and cost-effective pack includes 2 balanced XLR cables.

      Each cable features high quality copper braided shielding which provides maximum hum and noise cancellation to offer you a bright and clear quality signal, and the cable jacket is constructed with oxygen-free copper conductors for a pristine sound.

      I’ve used these often, and they’re a great value and dependable workhorse that you can rely upon for each and every show.

      They are perfect for microphones, mixing boards, studio speakers, and many more applications.

      These cables also feature gold-plated XLR pins to eliminate the possibility of signal loss over time due to corrosion or oxidation. The heavy-duty metal connectors feature molded strain relief for increased durability for long life.

      This Cable Matters 2-Pack is a fantastic option if you’re looking for the best XLR cable at an affordable price.

      Pros

      • Good value bundle
      • Gold plated XLR pins
      • Roadworthy and durable

      Cons

      • No specified warranty included
      Best Sound Quality

      Mogami Gold Studio XLR Cable 15ft

      A high-quality XLR cable that makes up for its shorter length with pristine quality signal transmission and excellent rejection of interference.
      Build Quality
      5
      Sound Quality
      5
      Connector Quality
      4.5
      Versatility
      4
      Value
      4

        Mogami Gold Studio XLR Cable 15ft Review

        The Mogami Gold Studio is a remarkably high quality XLR cable that meets the needs of all the most demanding sound professionals. It is a highly innovative cable that offers an exceptional level of performance compared to other standard XLR cables.

        These cables are wired with Mogami’s Neglex Quad high definition 4-conductor cables that have superior clarity and the highest cancellation of noise and RF interference. This renowned cable design is up to 95% quieter than standard XLR cables!

        While you don’t hear much sound difference between cables, I’ve always found these studio-level ones to have a slight edge, making them a great choice. 

        Each XLR cable is precision engineered to provide an enhanced dynamic range with the clearest signal possible. These cables are perfect for all manners of studio work including drum recording, studio monitors, mixers, and preamps.

        These are some of the finest XLR cables available, and as a testament to their quality, they are offered with a lifetime ‘no excuses’ warranty. These are premium-priced cables, but they are a must-have for any professional level studio seeking only the highest quality equipment and sounds.

        Pros

        • Superior signal clarity
        • Lifetime guarantee
        • Exceptional performance

        Cons

        • Expensive price tag
        • Too valuable for live use
        Most Discreet Design

        LyxPro XLR Cable 20ft

        This all-black XLR cable is perfect for going unnoticed onstage or when recording footage. It’s also highly durable and likely to last for many years.
        Build Quality
        4.5
        Sound Quality
        3.5
        Connector Quality
        3.5
        Versatility
        4.5
        Value
        4

          LyxPro XLR Cable 20ft Review

          This XLR cable produced by LyxPro is a high quality, balanced cable that is ideal for live drum recording and studio recording applications. These cables come in a variety of colors, which is useful to help identify your cables from those of a venue.

          I’m a big fan of using multi-colored cables in my home setup for easy identification, so this cable is excellent for that purpose. 

          These LyxPro XLR Cables deliver a supreme signal transfer and crystal-clear frequency transmission with maximum noise rejection. The cables are constructed of oxygen-free copper for the highest conductivity, whilst the gold-plated XLR pins offer maximum corrosion resistance.

          The cables themselves feel rugged and durable, and they are built to withstand the rigors of extensive touring and repeat use over time. These are the perfect cables to take on tour or to equip a venue with.

          LyxPro also offers a generous 5-year warranty on these cables.

          Pros

          • Excellent signal quality
          • Great value cable
          • 5-Year guarantee
          Best Long Connections

          GLS Audio XLR Cable 25ft

          An extensive XLR cable that is both affordable and reliable - making it perfect for vocals, drum mics, or outboard gear.
          Build Quality
          4.5
          Sound Quality
          3.5
          Connector Quality
          3.5
          Versatility
          4.5
          Value
          4

            GLS Audio XLR Cable 25ft Review

            Here we have another heavy-duty and quality XLR cable, this time produced by GLS audio. This cable is 20 foot, which is ideal for stages and large studios.

            With the extra length, this is a cable that I’ve often taken with me to gigs where I need a bit of reach to get from my drums to the sound desk.

            This cable is made up of a true balanced Lo-Z shielded cable that delivers a noise-free signal, and the cables use dual insulated copper conductors that are shielded.

            The GLS Audio XLR Cables are hefty and roadworthy; thanks to the Tri-Grip coating and double strain relief on the cable ends, offering maximum durability.

            These are no-frills, reliable, and strong cables that will get the job done with minimal fuss.

            If you are looking for a quality 20-foot XLR cable on a budget then this is the best XLR cable for you!

            Pros

            • Excellent budget XLR cable
            • Reliable and strong
            • Noise-free signal

            Cons

            • No gold plated connectors
            • No specified warranty included
            Best Multi-Pack

            MCSproaudio 5-Pack XLR Cable 25ft

            A set of 5 XLR cables that are long enough for almost any purpose, and are great for someone who is setting up a recording studio, rehearsal space, or live music venue.
            Build Quality
            3.5
            Sound Quality
            3.5
            Connector Quality
            4
            Versatility
            4.5
            Value
            4.5

              MCSproaudio 5-Pack XLR Cable 25ft Review

              This is an excellent value package offered by MCSproaudio – offering 5 XLR cables each with a length of 25 feet. This makes a highly affordable and practical investment when looking to begin recording drums, as you will need ideally 7 or 8 microphones to record a full drum set.

              I love how you can buy five cables at once here. It just makes things so much easier when you’re needing them for recording or live gigging. 

              The MCSproaudio XLR cables themselves perform well, and they are designed to be both flexible and durable for regular use. They are perfect for live drum recording and are long enough to make them versatile for all different recording applications.

              This is a great value bundle that will get the job done with very little fuss, and the cables are reliable for frequent shows and touring.

              Pros

              • Excellent value for money
              • Reliable and strong cables
              • Perfect set for drum recording

              Cons

              • No gold plated connectors
              Best Budget Option

              Amazon Basics XLR Cable 25ft

              The affordable LR cable will perform to a good standard, whether you intend to use it for recording, or connecting instruments and microphones for performances.
              Build Quality
              3
              Sound Quality
              3.5
              Connector Quality
              4
              Versatility
              4
              Value
              4

                Amazon Basics XLR Cable 25ft Review

                Up next on our list we have a budget XLR cable that certainly doesn’t compromise on quality. This Amazon Basics XLR Cable features all-copper conductors and an inner copper spiral shielding that minimizes interference and excess noise.

                These XLR cables are ideal for both studio recording and live sound, and they offer a reliable and high quality connection for a clear, true-to-life sound for instruments and vocals.

                While these are inexpensive, I was impressed with the output they offered. They work just as well as other cables, they just may not last as long. 

                The microphone cable’s durable design offers long-lasting strength for every gig. The zinc-alloy connector body is strong and the silver connector pins provide high conductivity and moderate corrosion resistance.

                These cables may not seem too fancy, but they are still some of the best XLR cables available on the market if you are on a budget!

                Pros

                • Good value for money
                • Reliable for touring
                • 1-Year guarantee

                Cons

                • No gold plated connectors
                Best for Recording Drums

                Speakerfriends XLR Cable 20ft

                An excellent choice for those who want to mic up their drum set and need a reliable, durable cable that doesn’t compromise on sound quality.
                Build Quality
                4
                Sound Quality
                4
                Connector Quality
                4
                Versatility
                4
                Value
                4

                  Speakerfriends XLR Cable 20ft Review

                  Here we have a well-designed XLR cable produced by Speakerfriends. It features a unique braided tweed cloth jacket that offers a prolonged life as well as minimizing twisting and tangling.

                  I loved this design when I got a few of these cables, and they’ve been reliably functioning in my drum space ever since. They just seem to work incredibly well.

                  This XLR cable features two oxygen-free copper conductors that ensure optimal audio transmission. It is ideal for all manners of sound work, including live drum sets and studio recording applications.

                  These Speakerfriends XLR cables deliver a clear sound and their high quality construction permits maximum unwanted noise rejection. These cables will also help save you from the stress of having to untangle messy cables.

                  Pros

                  • Unique braided tweed jacket
                  • Easily identifiable colors
                  • Clear signal

                  Cons

                  • Not great value for money
                  • No gold plated connectors
                  • No specified warranty included

                  XLR Cable Buying Guide

                  XLR cables are the music industry standard for live sound and recording. XLR Cables are used for nearly all microphones and to connect pieces of musical hardware such as preamps, studio monitors and mixing consoles all together.

                  Because of their versatility and high performance, XLR cables are everywhere – you can find them in every studio and live venue around the world. They are essential!

                  The best XLR cables are designed to be dependable and reliable. You can’t have an XLR cable break on you in the middle of a live set. Musicians have enough to think about as it is so it’s important to choose the right cables for your live and studio recording!

                  Does Quality Matter With Cables?

                  XLR cables are manufactured to be roadworthy and durable. They are designed to offer years of service, show after show, all the while transmitting a clear and high-quality signal with minimal audible noise or interference.

                  The difference in sound quality between premium and budget XLR cables used for live sound is going to be hardly distinguishable. But the difference between budget XLR cables and premium XLR cables is reliability. 

                  Premium cables are manufactured with better-quality components and connectors, which means they are less fragile and less likely to break.

                  The best XLR cable will be one that is offered with a long warranty so that you can trust the product you have purchased will perform as well as expected and offer you many years of service.

                  Why Are Gold-Plated Connectors Better?

                  Gold-plated connectors are an important feature found in premium quality XLR cables. The connector pins are plated in gold because gold is practically immune to corrosion and oxidization. 

                  This means that they will not degrade, and the signal will always remain clear, which is very important for live performances.

                  Gold-plated connectors also offer superior sound quality with a lower signal-to-noise ratio and minimal interference, which makes them the ideal choice for connecting high-end audio equipment.

                  They also have better conductivity than non-gold-plated connectors, so they can handle higher frequencies and more power without compromising on quality. 

                  On standard XLR cables, whether it might be silver or another type of alloy, the metal will likely oxidize or tarnish over time, which will distort the signal and will cause a severe loss in audio quality. 

                  Gold-plated connectors provide a maintenance-free and high-quality signal for XLR cables that is far superior to any other type of metal. The best XLR cables will feature gold-plated connector pins.

                  What Length of XLR Cable Do I Need?

                  XLR cables come in different lengths to suit different applications. The shortest length available is around 3 feet, and this is for patch cables- between audio equipment and hardware within close proximity of each other.

                  The longest XLR cables are either 50 or 100 feet long, and this is for venue routing or stage monitoring. Simply put, you won’t need anything close to this for instrument micing live or in the studio. 

                  As a rule of thumb, you should use the shortest possible XLR cable possible as this will reduce signal loss and interference, but ensure that they’re not under any tension as this will shorten their lifespan and increase the chance of someone tripping over them!

                  I would recommend 15-25 feet as being the ideal length for XLR cables which are suitable for versatile recording applications. This gives you enough length to move around and work without feeling restricted.

                  Are All XLR Cables Balanced?

                  The vast majority of XLR cables are balanced, and this is important for reducing noise and interference in the signal path, particularly with long cable runs. Balanced cables have three conductors, two of which carry the signal, and the third acts as the ground or shield. 

                  This design allows for less noise, and interference to be transmitted as the signal is sent through two different wires that are out of phase with each other, and the shield acts as a protective barrier, preventing unwanted interference from entering the signal path, thus improving clarity. 

                  Unbalanced cables, on the other hand, only have two conductors which transmit the signal and ground. They are much more prone to interference, and the signal quality is less reliable than that of balanced cables. 

                  If you need a cable for longer runs, a balanced XLR is by far the best choice, as it will preserve the signal strength more effectively than an unbalanced cable can. 

                  Frequently Asked Questions

                  Is It a Bad Idea to Connect Two XLR Cables Together?

                  Connecting two or more XLR cables together, which is sometimes called “daisy chaining,” is generally fine, providing the cables are in good condition. The more cables you link together, the higher the risk is of interference and signal strength issues. 

                  It’s a better idea to invest in XLR cables that are long enough for the purpose you need them to carry out without having to connect two or more together, but it can provide a temporary solution to having cables that are too short. 

                  Is XLR Better Quality Than USB?

                  Although it’s a hotly debated topic amongst recording engineers and musicians, there’s really no clear winner when comparing USB and XLR cables in terms of sound quality. XLR is generally considered better for live music and recording, but USB is also a good alternative for connecting mics. 

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