What brand of connectors does the Stagg N-Series use?

The Stagg N-Series 3m Professional Microphone Cable features REAN connectors, which are manufactured by the Neutrik Group. These are known for providing a secure fit and high audio quality.

What is the specific length of this cable?

The cable is 3 metres long, which is approximately 10 feet. This length is ideal for lead microphones or studio recording applications.

Is this cable suitable for use with phantom power?

Yes, as an XLR-to-XLR balanced cable, it is fully compatible with 48V phantom power required by condenser microphones. The high-quality connectors ensure stable power delivery.

Can I use this cable for a live performance?

Absolutely. The cable is designed with a highly durable outer jacket and professional-grade connectors to withstand the physical demands of live stage use.

Is this cable balanced or unbalanced?

The Stagg N-Series is a balanced cable. It uses a three-conductor system (XLR) to help cancel out noise and interference over the length of the cable.

What is the typical price for the Stagg N-Series 3m cable?

The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £11.00, making it an affordable professional-grade option.

Does this cable have a specific model number?

Yes, the manufacturer refers to this specific 3-metre professional microphone cable as the NCM3R.

Are the connectors right-angled or straight?

The Stagg N-Series 3m cable typically features straight XLR connectors. For right-angled needs, a separate connector like the Neutrik NC3FRX would be required.

Can I use this cable to connect a guitar to an amp?

No, this is an XLR microphone cable. Guitars typically require instrument cables with 1/4 inch jacks, such as the Ernie Ball P06049, unless the guitar is going into a DI box.

How does this cable compare to a patch cable?

A patch cable, like the Studiospares 30cm XLR, is designed for very short connections between adjacent gear. The 3m Stagg cable provides enough length for a performer to move around.

Is the cable suitable for long cable runs?

The manufacturer describes it as being suited for long cable runs due to its high-quality construction, though 3m is considered a standard short-to-medium length for many setups.

What is 'signal integrity' in the context of this cable?

Signal integrity refers to the cable's ability to transfer the audio signal from the microphone to the mixer without degradation or added noise, aided by the Neutrik connectors.

Gear article

Stagg N-Series 3m Professional Microphone Cable

The Stagg N-Series 3m Professional Microphone Cable is a high-grade XLR to XLR interconnection designed for both studio and live sound environments. It features premium REAN connectors by Neutrik to ensure high signal integrity and mechanical durability over a three-metre length.

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Overview

The Stagg N-Series 3m Professional Microphone Cable (model NCM3R) serves as a critical link in audio signal paths, bridging the gap between microphones and preamplifiers, mixers, or audio interfaces. Recognised for its use of industry-standard terminations, the cable is engineered to meet the demands of professional audio environments where reliability and low noise are paramount.

While Stagg is known for a wide range of musical instruments and accessories, the N-Series represents their higher-tier cable offering. By integrating components from the Neutrik family, the cable aims to provide a secure fit and robust strain relief, common requirements for touring musicians and studio engineers alike.

Components and Construction

The primary feature of the N-Series cable is the inclusion of REAN connectors. REAN is a brand under the Neutrik Group, specialised in providing reliable connector solutions that adhere to strict mechanical tolerances.

Termination: The cable utilizes a standard 3-pin XLR Male to 3-pin XLR Female configuration.
Connectors: The use of Neutrik-designed connectors ensures that the pins maintain optimal contact with the socket, reducing the risk of signal dropouts or interference.
Length: At 3 metres, the cable is suited for short-to-medium distances, such as lead vocal microphones on a small stage or connecting equipment within a studio rack.

Sound Character and Performance

As a balanced cable, the Stagg N-Series is designed for transparent signal transmission. The objective of such a cable is to deliver 'optimal signal integrity,' meaning it does not intentionally colour the sound of the microphone it is connected to. The balanced nature of the XLR design, combined with the quality of the REAN connectors, helps in rejecting electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), which is essential for maintaining a low noise floor in professional recordings.

Applications

This cable is versatile enough for several distinct roles:

1. Live Performance: The durable design allows it to withstand the rigours of the stage, including frequent plugging/unplugging and being stepped on. 2. Studio Use: Its low-noise characteristics make it suitable for high-fidelity recording of vocals and instruments. 3. Patching: While longer than a standard patch cable, 3 metres is often an appropriate length for connecting outboard gear to a mixing desk where a standard 30cm patch cable would be insufficient.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the market, the Stagg N-Series competes with various other utility and premium cables. Compared to the Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) series, which offers extremely short lengths like 30cm and 60cm for patching, the 3m Stagg cable provides more mobility for performers. While instrument cables like the Ernie Ball P06049 use 1/4 inch jacks for unbalanced signals, the Stagg N-Series remains the standard for microphones requiring balanced phantom power. For users requiring specific angles, the Neutrik NC3FRX right-angled connector can be an alternative for tight spaces where the straight connector of the Stagg N-Series may not fit.

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Frequently asked questions

What brand of connectors does the Stagg N-Series use?: The Stagg N-Series 3m Professional Microphone Cable features REAN connectors, which are manufactured by the Neutrik Group. These are known for providing a secure fit and high audio quality.
What is the specific length of this cable?: The cable is 3 metres long, which is approximately 10 feet. This length is ideal for lead microphones or studio recording applications.
Is this cable suitable for use with phantom power?: Yes, as an XLR-to-XLR balanced cable, it is fully compatible with 48V phantom power required by condenser microphones. The high-quality connectors ensure stable power delivery.
Can I use this cable for a live performance?: Absolutely. The cable is designed with a highly durable outer jacket and professional-grade connectors to withstand the physical demands of live stage use.
Is this cable balanced or unbalanced?: The Stagg N-Series is a balanced cable. It uses a three-conductor system (XLR) to help cancel out noise and interference over the length of the cable.
What is the typical price for the Stagg N-Series 3m cable?: The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £11.00, making it an affordable professional-grade option.
Does this cable have a specific model number?: Yes, the manufacturer refers to this specific 3-metre professional microphone cable as the NCM3R.
Are the connectors right-angled or straight?: The Stagg N-Series 3m cable typically features straight XLR connectors. For right-angled needs, a separate connector like the Neutrik NC3FRX would be required.
Can I use this cable to connect a guitar to an amp?: No, this is an XLR microphone cable. Guitars typically require instrument cables with 1/4 inch jacks, such as the Ernie Ball P06049, unless the guitar is going into a DI box.
How does this cable compare to a patch cable?: A patch cable, like the Studiospares 30cm XLR, is designed for very short connections between adjacent gear. The 3m Stagg cable provides enough length for a performer to move around.
Is the cable suitable for long cable runs?: The manufacturer describes it as being suited for long cable runs due to its high-quality construction, though 3m is considered a standard short-to-medium length for many setups.
What is 'signal integrity' in the context of this cable?: Signal integrity refers to the cable's ability to transfer the audio signal from the microphone to the mixer without degradation or added noise, aided by the Neutrik connectors.