What is the total length of this cable reel?

The reel contains 50 metres of continuous microphone cable.

Does this cable come with XLR connectors attached?

No, this is a raw cable reel. You must cut it to your desired length and solder on your own connectors, such as XLR or balanced jack plugs.

What is the thickness of the cable?

The cable has an outer diameter of 6mm, which is standard for most professional audio connectors.

What material is used for the outer jacket?

The cable features a PVC jacket and PVC insulation, providing durability and flexibility for general audio use.

Can I use this cable for passive speakers?

This is a microphone-grade cable intended for line-level or mic-level signals. It is not designed for the high-current demands of passive speaker connections from an amplifier.

Is this cable suitable for balanced connections?

Yes, it is designed as a balanced cable, making it ideal for XLR to XLR or TRS jack connections to reduce noise.

Can I use this cable for electric guitars?

While you could solder TS jacks to it, instrument cables are typically unbalanced and shielded differently. This cable is better suited for balanced microphone and line applications.

Is the cable easy to strip and solder?

Yes, the PVC insulation and standard 6mm construction are designed to be easily manipulated by those with basic soldering skills.

What is the typical price for the 50m reel?

The typical price range for this Gear4music cable reel is approximately £30.

Is this cable suitable for permanent installations?

Yes, the 50m length and customisable nature make it ideal for installing audio lines through walls or ceilings in studios and venues.

Can I make DMX cables out of this?

While it may work for short runs, dedicated DMX cables like the Adam Hall 5-pin lighting cable have different impedance ratings optimized for digital data.

What type of connectors are recommended for this cable?

It is compatible with any standard 6mm-entry connectors, including Neutrik NC3FRX female XLRs or NA2MP male XLR-to-jack adaptors.

Gear article

Gear4music 50m Microphone Cable Reel

The Gear4music 50m Microphone Cable is a bulk-length reel designed for custom cable fabrication and permanent audio installations. It features a 6mm outer diameter with a PVC jacket, allowing users to cut specific lengths for balanced XLR or jack connections.

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Overview

The Gear4music 50m Microphone Cable is a versatile raw material for audio engineers and installation technicians. Unlike pre-terminated leads, this product provides a continuous 50-metre run of balanced cable on a reel. It is constructed with a 6mm outer diameter and features PVC insulation and a PVC jacket, providing a balance between durability and flexibility for various audio environments.

Customisation and Application

This cable is specifically intended for users who require bespoke lengths for their audio setups. It can be cut to size and soldered to a variety of connectors, including:

XLR plugs (Male and Female)
Balanced (TRS) Jack plugs
Right-angled connectors for tight spaces

It is suitable for connecting microphones, active speakers, and other audio equipment that requires a balanced signal path. The 50-metre length makes it particularly useful for larger venues, studio rewiring, or permanent installations where pre-measured cables are impractical.

Construction Quality

The cable utilises standard PVC for both its internal insulation and external jacket. The 6mm diameter is a common standard for microphone cabling, ensuring compatibility with standard cable glands and strain relief systems found on connectors from brands like Neutrik. The balanced design is engineered to carry audio signals with minimal interference over long distances.

Target Audience

This product is primarily aimed at budget-conscious professionals and DIY enthusiasts. At a price point of roughly £30 for 50 metres, it offers a cost-effective solution for those who possess soldering skills. It is an ideal choice for schools, churches, and rehearsal studios that need to maintain a large inventory of leads or require specific cable runs that are not available in standard retail lengths.

Comparison to Pre-terminated Alternatives

While pre-made cables like the Studiospares Standard XLR series or Ernie Ball instrument cables offer plug-and-play convenience, the Gear4music 50m reel offers significantly more value per metre. However, it requires the additional purchase of connectors, such as Neutrik NC3FRX right-angled plugs or NA2MP adaptors, and the time and equipment to assemble them. For fixed installations, the reel is generally preferred over multiple short patch cables to maintain signal integrity and aesthetic tidiness.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the total length of this cable reel?: The reel contains 50 metres of continuous microphone cable.
Does this cable come with XLR connectors attached?: No, this is a raw cable reel. You must cut it to your desired length and solder on your own connectors, such as XLR or balanced jack plugs.
What is the thickness of the cable?: The cable has an outer diameter of 6mm, which is standard for most professional audio connectors.
What material is used for the outer jacket?: The cable features a PVC jacket and PVC insulation, providing durability and flexibility for general audio use.
Can I use this cable for passive speakers?: This is a microphone-grade cable intended for line-level or mic-level signals. It is not designed for the high-current demands of passive speaker connections from an amplifier.
Is this cable suitable for balanced connections?: Yes, it is designed as a balanced cable, making it ideal for XLR to XLR or TRS jack connections to reduce noise.
Can I use this cable for electric guitars?: While you could solder TS jacks to it, instrument cables are typically unbalanced and shielded differently. This cable is better suited for balanced microphone and line applications.
Is the cable easy to strip and solder?: Yes, the PVC insulation and standard 6mm construction are designed to be easily manipulated by those with basic soldering skills.
What is the typical price for the 50m reel?: The typical price range for this Gear4music cable reel is approximately £30.
Is this cable suitable for permanent installations?: Yes, the 50m length and customisable nature make it ideal for installing audio lines through walls or ceilings in studios and venues.
Can I make DMX cables out of this?: While it may work for short runs, dedicated DMX cables like the Adam Hall 5-pin lighting cable have different impedance ratings optimized for digital data.
What type of connectors are recommended for this cable?: It is compatible with any standard 6mm-entry connectors, including Neutrik NC3FRX female XLRs or NA2MP male XLR-to-jack adaptors.