What is the primary use of the Studiospares 10m XLR cable?

It is primarily used for connecting microphones to mixing consoles or audio interfaces. The 10-metre length is ideal for bridging distances in medium-to-large recording rooms or live stages.

What material are the conductors made from?

The cable uses low-loss oxygen-free copper (OFC). This material is chosen for its high conductivity and ability to maintain signal clarity over longer distances.

Does this cable offer any protection against interference?

Yes, it features a spirally wound screen. This shielding helps protect the audio signal from external electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.

What mechanical features help prevent the cable from breaking?

The cable includes a chuck-style cable grip. This mechanism relieves pressure on the internal soldered connections by clamping the outer jacket of the cable securely.

Is the connector secure when plugged in?

Yes, it includes a retention clip. This ensures a firm connection that will not accidentally disconnect during a performance or recording session.

How is the manufacturing quality verified?

The cable is manufactured to ISO9001 standards. This indicates that the production process follows strict international quality management protocols for reliability.

What is unique about the female XLR connector on this cable?

It features a soft seal design. This provides a more secure physical fit and offers practical durability against environmental factors.

Can this cable be used for lighting (DMX) applications?

While it shares the 3-pin layout, it is an audio cable. For professional lighting, a dedicated 5-pin DMX cable like the Adam Hall 5-star Neutrik series is typically recommended to meet specific impedance requirements.

How does this cable compare to shorter XLR versions?

It offers the same construction as the 30cm or 60cm Studiospares patch cables but is designed for longer runs. The 10m length allows for greater mobility and reach across a studio or stage.

Is this a balanced or unbalanced cable?

This is a balanced XLR cable. It utilizes three conductors (hot, cold, and ground) to help eliminate noise picked up along the cable length.

What is the typical price for this 10m cable?

It typically retails for approximately 13 GBP. This makes it an accessible option for those needing professional-grade features on a budget.

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

No, most guitars require an instrument cable with 1/4 inch jacks, such as the Ernie Ball P06049. This cable uses 3-pin XLR connectors common in microphones and professional outboard gear.

Gear article

Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) Cable 10m

The Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) Cable 10m is a professional-grade balanced interconnect designed for signal transmission in live and studio environments. It features oxygen-free copper (OFC) conductors and a spirally wound screen to ensure signal integrity and electromagnetic shielding at an accessible price point.

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Overview

The Studiospares Standard XLR 10m lead is a fundamental audio utility component, providing a balanced connection between microphones, mixers, and outboard gear. It is positioned as a reliable solution for audio professionals who require high-volume cabling without the premium cost of boutique brands. The cable is manufactured to ISO9001 quality management standards, ensuring consistent performance across production batches.

Technical Design and Construction

The core of the cable utilises low-loss oxygen-free copper (OFC) to minimize signal degradation over its 10-metre span. Shielding is provided by a spirally wound screen, which serves as a barrier against external electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI).

Mechanical reliability is addressed through several specific hardware features: * Chuck-style cable grip: A mechanical internal clamp that secures the cable housing to the internal wires, preventing stress on solder joints when the cable is pulled. * Soft seal connector: The female XLR connector includes a soft seal designed to offer a snug fit and added protection against dust or moisture ingress. * Retention clip: A standard security feature ensuring the cable remains locked into its mating socket until manually released.

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

Sound Character and Performance

As a balanced audio cable, its primary role is the transparent transmission of electrical signals. The use of OFC conductors facilitates a clear signal path, while the balanced nature of the XLR architecture provides effective common-mode rejection of noise. This makes it suitable for both low-level microphone signals and line-level connections in electrically noisy environments.

Target Audience

This cable is specifically designed for audio professionals, venue installers, and project studio owners. Its length (10m) makes it particularly useful for larger stage setups, connecting microphones at the front of a stage to a wall box, or routing signals across a control room. It provides a middle ground for users who need better reliability than entry-level budget leads but do not require the specialist features of high-end DMX or boutique instrument cables.

Comparison and Alternatives

Within the Studiospares range, this model sits between the shorter 30cm or 60cm patch cables and longer runs. Compared to instrument cables like the Ernie Ball P06049, which is unbalanced and uses 1/4 inch jacks, this XLR cable is intended for balanced signals and typically higher-impedance applications. While brands like Neutrik offer standalone connectors such as the NC3FRX, Studiospares integrates similar robust connector features like chuck-style grips directly into this pre-assembled lead to provide a ready-to-use solution.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary use of the Studiospares 10m XLR cable?: It is primarily used for connecting microphones to mixing consoles or audio interfaces. The 10-metre length is ideal for bridging distances in medium-to-large recording rooms or live stages.
What material are the conductors made from?: The cable uses low-loss oxygen-free copper (OFC). This material is chosen for its high conductivity and ability to maintain signal clarity over longer distances.
Does this cable offer any protection against interference?: Yes, it features a spirally wound screen. This shielding helps protect the audio signal from external electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.
What mechanical features help prevent the cable from breaking?: The cable includes a chuck-style cable grip. This mechanism relieves pressure on the internal soldered connections by clamping the outer jacket of the cable securely.
Is the connector secure when plugged in?: Yes, it includes a retention clip. This ensures a firm connection that will not accidentally disconnect during a performance or recording session.
How is the manufacturing quality verified?: The cable is manufactured to ISO9001 standards. This indicates that the production process follows strict international quality management protocols for reliability.
What is unique about the female XLR connector on this cable?: It features a soft seal design. This provides a more secure physical fit and offers practical durability against environmental factors.
Can this cable be used for lighting (DMX) applications?: While it shares the 3-pin layout, it is an audio cable. For professional lighting, a dedicated 5-pin DMX cable like the Adam Hall 5-star Neutrik series is typically recommended to meet specific impedance requirements.
How does this cable compare to shorter XLR versions?: It offers the same construction as the 30cm or 60cm Studiospares patch cables but is designed for longer runs. The 10m length allows for greater mobility and reach across a studio or stage.
Is this a balanced or unbalanced cable?: This is a balanced XLR cable. It utilizes three conductors (hot, cold, and ground) to help eliminate noise picked up along the cable length.
What is the typical price for this 10m cable?: It typically retails for approximately 13 GBP. This makes it an accessible option for those needing professional-grade features on a budget.
Can I use this cable to connect a guitar to an amplifier?: No, most guitars require an instrument cable with 1/4 inch jacks, such as the Ernie Ball P06049. This cable uses 3-pin XLR connectors common in microphones and professional outboard gear.