What is the main use for a 30cm XLR cable?

The 30cm length is specifically designed for patching adjacent rack equipment or connecting gear that is located very close together. It helps prevent a 'spaghetti' of wires behind audio racks.

What are the connectors made of?

The cable uses Precision Series connectors featuring durable die-cast zinc housings. These are designed for longevity and repeated use in professional environments.

Does this cable support phantom power?

Yes, as a standard balanced 3-pin XLR cable, it is fully capable of carrying +48V phantom power from a mixer or interface to a condenser microphone.

What is the benefit of Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC)?

OFC conductors minimize signal loss and provide better transmission of high frequencies. This results in a cleaner, more pristine audio signal compared to standard copper cables.

Is this cable shielded against noise?

Yes, it features a spiral-wound copper screen. This shielding is essential for blocking unwanted interference such as hum or buzz in busy studio or live setups.

How does the chuck-style grip work?

The chuck-style grip inside the connector cinches down on the cable jacket when the shell is tightened. This provides superior strain relief and prevents the wires from being pulled out of their solder points.

Can I use this cable for DMX lighting?

While it uses the same 3-pin connector as some DMX gear, it is an audio cable with different impedance. For professional DMX applications, a dedicated cable like the Adam Hall 5-star DMX cable is recommended.

Is the cable jacket flexible?

Yes, the cable is encased in a flexible PVC jacket. This makes it easy to route around tight corners or behind busy equipment racks without it becoming stiff or brittle.

Does the cable come with any accessories?

Each cable includes a hook-and-loop wrap. This is provided to help with cable management and tidy storage when the lead is not in use.

Can I link multiple cables together to make a longer one?

Yes, you can plug the male end of one cable into the female end of another to extend the length, though using a single long cable is generally preferred for signal integrity.

What is the approximate price of this cable?

The Studiospares Standard 30cm XLR cable typically retails for approximately £5.00. This makes it a cost-effective solution for large-scale studio wiring.

How does it compare to a Mogami XLR cable?

Mogami cables are generally considered premium, high-end alternatives often used for critical recording paths. The Studiospares cable provides a reliable, professional-standard performance at a significantly lower price point suitable for general utility.

Gear article

Studiospares Standard XLR Patch Cable (30cm)

The Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) Patch Cable is a 30cm professional audio lead designed for low-latency, short-distance signal routing in studio and live environments. It features oxygen-free copper conductors and a spiral-wound shield to ensure high-fidelity audio transmission with minimal interference.

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Overview

The Studiospares Standard XLR Patch Cable is a specialized utility component for audio signal chains. At 30cm in length, it is specifically intended for 'patching'—the process of connecting adjacent hardware units, such as preamplifiers, compressors, or patch bays, where excess cable length would cause clutter or signal degradation. It utilizes the standard 3-pin XLR configuration, supporting balanced audio signals which are essential for noise rejection in professional setups.

Design and Construction

The cable is built using Studiospares' Precision Series connectors, which are housed in durable die-cast zinc shells. A critical feature of these connectors is the chuck-style grip, which acts as a robust strain relief mechanism to prevent internal wire breakage during handling.

Internally, the cable employs Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) conductors. OFC is preferred in audio electronics as it significantly reduces signal loss and better maintains high-frequency clarity over standard copper. Shielding is provided by a spiral-wound copper screen, designed to block electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference (EMI/RFI).

Performance and Character

Designed for transparency, the Studiospares Standard XLR cable aims for a neutral sonic character. By minimizing electrical resistance and using high-quality shielding, the cable ensures that the audio entering one end remains as close to the original source as possible. This makes it particularly effective for high-gain environments where hiss and hum must be avoided. The outer jacket is made of flexible PVC, allowing the cable to navigate tight bends behind equipment racks without kinking.

Target Audience

This cable is best suited for:

Studio Engineers: For connecting rack-mounted outboard gear or patching into a console.
Live Sound Technicians: For connecting wireless microphone receivers to mixers in a rack.
DJs and Performers: For short-span connections between mixers and active monitor speakers.
Home Studio Users: For maintaining a clean, cable-managed workspace without unnecessary loops of longer leads.

Comparisons and Alternatives

Within the Studiospares range, users often choose between this 30cm model and the 60cm version depending on the physical distance between device ports. For those requiring premium-grade boutique options, the Mogami 1m XLR cable serves as a higher-cost alternative, whereas the Adam Hall 5-star series offers specialized 5-pin DMX variants for lighting rather than audio. For users needing to interface with unbalanced gear, adapters like the Neutrik NA2MP (XLR to Jack) are commonly used in conjunction with standard patch leads.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main use for a 30cm XLR cable?: The 30cm length is specifically designed for patching adjacent rack equipment or connecting gear that is located very close together. It helps prevent a 'spaghetti' of wires behind audio racks.
What are the connectors made of?: The cable uses Precision Series connectors featuring durable die-cast zinc housings. These are designed for longevity and repeated use in professional environments.
Does this cable support phantom power?: Yes, as a standard balanced 3-pin XLR cable, it is fully capable of carrying +48V phantom power from a mixer or interface to a condenser microphone.
What is the benefit of Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC)?: OFC conductors minimize signal loss and provide better transmission of high frequencies. This results in a cleaner, more pristine audio signal compared to standard copper cables.
Is this cable shielded against noise?: Yes, it features a spiral-wound copper screen. This shielding is essential for blocking unwanted interference such as hum or buzz in busy studio or live setups.
How does the chuck-style grip work?: The chuck-style grip inside the connector cinches down on the cable jacket when the shell is tightened. This provides superior strain relief and prevents the wires from being pulled out of their solder points.
Can I use this cable for DMX lighting?: While it uses the same 3-pin connector as some DMX gear, it is an audio cable with different impedance. For professional DMX applications, a dedicated cable like the Adam Hall 5-star DMX cable is recommended.
Is the cable jacket flexible?: Yes, the cable is encased in a flexible PVC jacket. This makes it easy to route around tight corners or behind busy equipment racks without it becoming stiff or brittle.
Does the cable come with any accessories?: Each cable includes a hook-and-loop wrap. This is provided to help with cable management and tidy storage when the lead is not in use.
Can I link multiple cables together to make a longer one?: Yes, you can plug the male end of one cable into the female end of another to extend the length, though using a single long cable is generally preferred for signal integrity.
What is the approximate price of this cable?: The Studiospares Standard 30cm XLR cable typically retails for approximately £5.00. This makes it a cost-effective solution for large-scale studio wiring.
How does it compare to a Mogami XLR cable?: Mogami cables are generally considered premium, high-end alternatives often used for critical recording paths. The Studiospares cable provides a reliable, professional-standard performance at a significantly lower price point suitable for general utility.