What is the total length of this Studiospares cable?

This specific cable is 2.5 metres long, which is approximately 8.2 feet. This length is ideal for connecting equipment that is situated relatively close together in a studio or stage setup.

What types of connectors are used on this cable?

It features an XLR female connector at one end and a 6.35mm (1/4 inch) TRS male jack at the other end. Both connectors belong to the Studiospares Precision series, made from die-cast zinc.

Is this a balanced or unbalanced cable?

This is a balanced cable. It utilizes the three contact points of the XLR (F) and the three sections of the TRS jack (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) to carry balanced audio signals, which helps in noise cancellation.

What makes the Precision series connectors durable?

The connectors are designed without screws, which removes a common point of failure. They are constructed from die-cast zinc and include a chuck-style grip on the XLR end for superior strain relief.

What material is used for the cable's internal conductors?

The cable uses low-loss oxygen-free copper (OFC). This material ensures high-quality audio transmission and helps maintain sound clarity across all frequencies.

How does the cable handle interference and noise?

It features spirally wound copper screening that acts as a shield. This design effectively blocks external electrical interference and helps maintain a clean signal path.

Can this cable be used in cold environments?

Yes, it is designed with a flexible PVC jacket. This material is formulated to remain flexible even in cooler conditions, preventing the cable from becoming stiff or brittle.

How many contact points are inside the XLR connector?

The XLR female connector includes seven independent contact points. These ensure a secure and high-quality electrical connection for the audio signal.

Does the cable come with any accessories for organization?

Yes, it includes a hook-and-loop cable wrap. This helps keep the lead organised and prevents tangling when the cable is not in use.

What is the typical price for this cable?

The typical price range for this cable is approximately GBP 8. This makes it an affordable professional-grade option for various audio setups.

How does this cable compare to a Neutrik NA2MP adapter?

The cable provides a direct 2.5-metre connection between XLR and Jack formats. The Neutrik NA2MP is a compact adapter that requires an existing cable to function, whereas this product is a complete lead.

What are the common applications for an XLR (F) to TRS cable?

It is commonly used to connect microphones or balanced line-level equipment to audio interfaces, mixers, or powered monitors that feature 1/4-inch TRS inputs.

Gear article

Studiospares Standard XLR (F) to 6.35mm TRS Cable (2.5m)

The Studiospares Standard XLR (F) - 6.35mm (M) TRS Cable is a 2.5-metre balanced audio lead designed for professional studio and live sound applications. It features robust Precision series die-cast zinc connectors and oxygen-free copper (OFC) construction to ensure reliable signal transmission and interference rejection.

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Background and Design

Studiospares, a long-standing name in professional audio equipment, developed the Standard series to provide high-performance cabling for commercial and home recording environments. This specific 2.5-metre variant provides a balanced connection between XLR and 1/4-inch TRS formats, which is essential for interfacing diverse hardware components.

The cable is distinguished by its use of the Precision series connectors. These are manufactured from die-cast zinc and are notably designed without external screws, reducing the risk of components loosening or failing over time due to vibration or heavy use.

Technical Features and Shielding

The internal architecture of the cable focuses on signal integrity and noise reduction. It utilizes oxygen-free copper (OFC) for its conductors, a material chosen for its low-loss properties and ability to maintain frequency clarity.

To combat electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), the cable employs a spirally wound copper screening. This shielding is critical for preventing hum and buzz in environments with high electrical activity. The XLR female end is equipped with a chuck-style grip and seven independent contact points, ensuring a secure mechanical and electrical connection.

Practical Application

With a length of 2.5 metres, this cable is sized for short-to-medium distance runs, such as connecting a microphone to an audio interface or linking outboard gear in a rack. The outer jacket is made from a flexible PVC material, which is specifically engineered to remain pliable even in cooler temperatures, making it suitable for both climate-controlled studios and live stage settings.

For cable management, Studiospares includes a hook-and-loop wrap. This helps maintain the cable's longevity by preventing tight kinks and keeping setups organized during storage or transit.

Comparisons and Alternatives

Within the Studiospares range, users might also consider the Standard XLR (M) to XLR (F) cables for standard microphone connections or shorter 30cm/60cm patch versions for rack wiring.

When compared to premium alternatives like the Ernie Ball instrument cables or Neutrik-specific assemblies (such as those using the NC3FRX right-angled connector), the Studiospares Standard series offers a cost-effective solution without sacrificing the balance required for professional audio. For users needing to convert existing cables rather than purchasing a new lead, the Neutrik NA2MP adapter serves as a similar functional alternative for XLR-to-Jack interfacing.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the total length of this Studiospares cable?: This specific cable is 2.5 metres long, which is approximately 8.2 feet. This length is ideal for connecting equipment that is situated relatively close together in a studio or stage setup.
What types of connectors are used on this cable?: It features an XLR female connector at one end and a 6.35mm (1/4 inch) TRS male jack at the other end. Both connectors belong to the Studiospares Precision series, made from die-cast zinc.
Is this a balanced or unbalanced cable?: This is a balanced cable. It utilizes the three contact points of the XLR (F) and the three sections of the TRS jack (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) to carry balanced audio signals, which helps in noise cancellation.
What makes the Precision series connectors durable?: The connectors are designed without screws, which removes a common point of failure. They are constructed from die-cast zinc and include a chuck-style grip on the XLR end for superior strain relief.
What material is used for the cable's internal conductors?: The cable uses low-loss oxygen-free copper (OFC). This material ensures high-quality audio transmission and helps maintain sound clarity across all frequencies.
How does the cable handle interference and noise?: It features spirally wound copper screening that acts as a shield. This design effectively blocks external electrical interference and helps maintain a clean signal path.
Can this cable be used in cold environments?: Yes, it is designed with a flexible PVC jacket. This material is formulated to remain flexible even in cooler conditions, preventing the cable from becoming stiff or brittle.
How many contact points are inside the XLR connector?: The XLR female connector includes seven independent contact points. These ensure a secure and high-quality electrical connection for the audio signal.
Does the cable come with any accessories for organization?: Yes, it includes a hook-and-loop cable wrap. This helps keep the lead organised and prevents tangling when the cable is not in use.
What is the typical price for this cable?: The typical price range for this cable is approximately GBP 8. This makes it an affordable professional-grade option for various audio setups.
How does this cable compare to a Neutrik NA2MP adapter?: The cable provides a direct 2.5-metre connection between XLR and Jack formats. The Neutrik NA2MP is a compact adapter that requires an existing cable to function, whereas this product is a complete lead.
What are the common applications for an XLR (F) to TRS cable?: It is commonly used to connect microphones or balanced line-level equipment to audio interfaces, mixers, or powered monitors that feature 1/4-inch TRS inputs.