What is the total length of this cable reel?

The reel contains 100 metres of continuous cable, allowing for multiple custom lengths to be cut.

Does this cable come with XLR connectors attached?

No, this is a raw cable reel. You must purchase connectors like XLR or TRS jacks separately and solder them yourself.

What is the thickness of the cable?

The cable has an outer diameter of 6mm, which includes the protective PVC jacket.

Can I use this for electric guitars?

While it can be used, this is a balanced microphone cable. Standard guitar leads are typically unbalanced mono cables; using this for a guitar may require specific wiring configurations.

Is this cable suitable for permanent installations?

Yes, the 100m length and bulk format make it ideal for wiring up studios, venues, or houses of worship where cables need to be run through walls or ceilings.

What type of outer jacket does the cable use?

The cable is encased in a PVC jacket which provides insulation and protection for the internal wiring.

Can this cable be used for active speakers?

Yes, it is suitable for connecting any equipment that requires a balanced XLR connection, including active PA speakers and studio monitors.

Do I need special tools to use this product?

Yes, you will need a cable cutter or wire stripper, a soldering iron, and solder to attach your chosen connectors to the cable.

Is this cable balanced or unbalanced?

This is a balanced cable, designed for use with XLR or TRS (balanced jack) connectors to help reduce noise and interference.

How does the price compare to pre-made cables?

At approximately £50 for 100m, the cost-per-metre is much lower than buying individual pre-terminated cables, though it requires manual labour to assemble.

What connectors are recommended for use with this cable?

High-quality connectors such as the Neutrik NC3FRX or standard XLR and balanced jack plugs are recommended for the best performance.

Can this be used for DMX lighting?

While it shares similar characteristics to 3-pin DMX cable, it is specifically designed for audio. For professional lighting setups, a dedicated DMX cable like the Adam Hall 5 STAR is usually preferred.

Gear article

Gear4music 100m Microphone Cable Reel

The Gear4music 100m Microphone Cable is a bulk reel of professional-grade 6mm balanced cabling designed for custom studio and stage installations. It allows users to cut bespoke lengths for microphones and active speakers, requiring the addition of soldered connectors such as XLR or balanced jack plugs.

Gear4Music Microphone Cable by Gear4music 100m

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Background and Construction

The Gear4music 100m Microphone Cable is positioned as a cost-effective solution for permanent installations and professional cable fabrication. Unlike pre-terminated leads, this product is supplied as a raw reel, catering to technicians and studio owners who require custom lengths that standard 5m or 10m leads cannot provide.

The cable features a 6mm outer diameter, which is standard for balanced audio applications. It is protected by a PVC jacket and internal insulation, designed to balance flexibility with the durability required for routing through walls, conduits, or across stage floors.

Functional Features

The primary utility of this 100m reel is its versatility. It can be used for:

Connecting dynamic and condenser microphones.
Linking active speakers and monitors.
Creating custom-length balanced patch cables for outboard gear.

The user must simply cut the required length from the reel and solder their chosen connectors. This makes it a primary choice for complex setups where cable management is a priority, ensuring there is no excess coiled cable creating clutter or signal interference.

Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) Cable 60cm

Sound Character and Performance

As a balanced cable, the Gear4music 100m reel is designed to facilitate the rejection of electromagnetic interference when paired with balanced connectors. The 6mm construction provides a stable signal path for both low-level microphone signals and line-level signals used by active loudspeakers. While it does not feature the boutique materials of high-end specialized cabling, it provides a reliable, neutral signal transfer suitable for standard live sound and home studio environments.

Comparison and Compatibility

When compared to pre-terminated options like the Studiospares Standard XLR Cable or the Ernie Ball P06049 Instrument Cable, this reel offers a significantly lower cost-per-metre. However, it requires the user to possess soldering skills and additional hardware, such as Neutrik NC3FRX right-angled connectors or NA2MP male XLR to 1/4 inch jack adaptors.

While instrument cables like the Ernie Ball 10ft lead are unbalanced and intended for high-impedance guitar signals, this Gear4music cable is specifically for balanced connections, making it more akin to the Adam Hall 5 STAR DMX cables in terms of shielding requirements, though optimized for audio rather than lighting data.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the total length of this cable reel?: The reel contains 100 metres of continuous cable, allowing for multiple custom lengths to be cut.
Does this cable come with XLR connectors attached?: No, this is a raw cable reel. You must purchase connectors like XLR or TRS jacks separately and solder them yourself.
What is the thickness of the cable?: The cable has an outer diameter of 6mm, which includes the protective PVC jacket.
Can I use this for electric guitars?: While it can be used, this is a balanced microphone cable. Standard guitar leads are typically unbalanced mono cables; using this for a guitar may require specific wiring configurations.
Is this cable suitable for permanent installations?: Yes, the 100m length and bulk format make it ideal for wiring up studios, venues, or houses of worship where cables need to be run through walls or ceilings.
What type of outer jacket does the cable use?: The cable is encased in a PVC jacket which provides insulation and protection for the internal wiring.
Can this cable be used for active speakers?: Yes, it is suitable for connecting any equipment that requires a balanced XLR connection, including active PA speakers and studio monitors.
Do I need special tools to use this product?: Yes, you will need a cable cutter or wire stripper, a soldering iron, and solder to attach your chosen connectors to the cable.
Is this cable balanced or unbalanced?: This is a balanced cable, designed for use with XLR or TRS (balanced jack) connectors to help reduce noise and interference.
How does the price compare to pre-made cables?: At approximately £50 for 100m, the cost-per-metre is much lower than buying individual pre-terminated cables, though it requires manual labour to assemble.
What connectors are recommended for use with this cable?: High-quality connectors such as the Neutrik NC3FRX or standard XLR and balanced jack plugs are recommended for the best performance.
Can this be used for DMX lighting?: While it shares similar characteristics to 3-pin DMX cable, it is specifically designed for audio. For professional lighting setups, a dedicated DMX cable like the Adam Hall 5 STAR is usually preferred.