What is the primary use for the SubZero XLR Cable 6m?

It is primarily used as a balanced microphone cable to connect mics to mixers or interfaces. It can also be used as a patch cable or for connecting active monitors.

Is this cable balanced or unbalanced?

The SubZero XLR Cable is a balanced cable. It uses a three-pin configuration designed to reject noise and interference over its 6-metre length.

What is the diameter of the cable?

The cable has a 6mm outer diameter. This thickness includes the PVC jacket and internal insulation for durability.

Can I use this cable for DMX lighting?

This is a 3-pin audio cable designed for sound signals. For DMX lighting, a dedicated 5-pin cable like the Adam Hall 5 STAR DMX is generally recommended to meet data standards.

What connectors does this cable feature?

It features one 3-pin Female XLR connector and one 3-pin Male XLR connector. This is the standard configuration for most microphone and line-level audio equipment.

Is the jacket material durable?

Yes, the cable features a PVC jacket and insulation. PVC is commonly used in audio cables for its balance of flexibility and resistance to wear.

Can this cable be used to connect a guitar to an amp?

Only if the guitar or amp uses XLR connections, which is rare. Typically, guitars use 1/4 inch TS cables like the Ernie Ball P06049; however, this cable could be used with an XLR-to-Jack adapter.

How long is the cable in imperial measurements?

The cable is 6 metres long, which is approximately 19.7 feet. This is longer than a standard 10ft (3m) cable but shorter than a typical 10m stage cable.

Does this cable provide phantom power to microphones?

Yes, because it is a balanced 3-pin XLR cable, it is capable of carrying +48V phantom power from a mixer to a condenser microphone. It does not generate power itself but allows it to pass through.

What is the difference between this and a 30cm patch cable?

The SubZero 6m is designed for longer runs, such as from a performer to a mixer. A 30cm Studiospares patch cable is intended for short connections within an equipment rack.

Who is the manufacturer of this cable?

The cable is manufactured by SubZero, a brand known for providing functional audio equipment and accessories at an accessible price point.

Can I use this to connect a mixer to a power amplifier?

Yes, if both the mixer and the power amplifier feature XLR inputs and outputs. The balanced design helps ensure a low-noise signal path between the devices.

Gear article

SubZero XLR Cable 6m

The SubZero XLR Cable 6m is a balanced microphone and utility cable designed for professional audio applications. Measuring six metres in length, it features standard XLR (Male) to XLR (Female) connectors and is constructed with a 6mm PVC jacket for insulation and durability.

See live prices

Overview

The SubZero XLR Cable 6m serves as a versatile interconnect in both studio and live sound environments. As a balanced cable, it is specifically designed to carry audio signals over long distances while minimising external interference and noise. The six-metre length provides a functional middle ground between short patch cables and long stage snakes, making it suitable for connecting microphones to mixers, audio interfaces, or active monitors.

Technical Construction

The cable is built around a 6mm outer diameter, which provides a balance between flexibility and physical protection. The core is protected by a PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) jacket and internal insulation, designed to shield the conductors from mechanical stress. The termination consists of a standard 3-pin Male XLR at one end and a 3-pin Female XLR at the other, ensuring compatibility with the vast majority of professional audio hardware.

Applications

While primarily marketed as a microphone cable, the SubZero XLR 6m is multi-functional:

Microphone Connectivity: Used to connect dynamic or condenser microphones to preamplifiers or mixers.
Instrument Interconnect: Used for instruments that provide balanced XLR outputs, such as certain bass amplifiers or synthesizers.
Patching: Suitable for connecting outboard gear, such as compressors or EQs, to a patch bay or interface.
Powered Speakers: Often used to send line-level signals from a mixer to active PA speakers.

Performance and Character

As a balanced cable, the SubZero 6m utilizes a three-conductor system to cancel out electromagnetic interference. This results in a clean, transparent signal transmission. The PVC insulation ensures the cable remains pliable during use, reducing the risk of permanent kinks or internal wire breakage, which is essential for maintaining signal integrity over time.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the market, the SubZero cable competes with options like the Studiospares Standard XLR series, which offers shorter variants such as 30cm or 60cm for rack patching. While brands like Ernie Ball offer specialised instrument cables (such as the P06049) with 1/4 inch jacks, the SubZero focuses on the XLR standard. For users requiring lighting-specific data transmission, the Adam Hall 5-pin DMX cables are the appropriate alternative, whereas the SubZero is strictly for 3-pin audio applications.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary use for the SubZero XLR Cable 6m?: It is primarily used as a balanced microphone cable to connect mics to mixers or interfaces. It can also be used as a patch cable or for connecting active monitors.
Is this cable balanced or unbalanced?: The SubZero XLR Cable is a balanced cable. It uses a three-pin configuration designed to reject noise and interference over its 6-metre length.
What is the diameter of the cable?: The cable has a 6mm outer diameter. This thickness includes the PVC jacket and internal insulation for durability.
Can I use this cable for DMX lighting?: This is a 3-pin audio cable designed for sound signals. For DMX lighting, a dedicated 5-pin cable like the Adam Hall 5 STAR DMX is generally recommended to meet data standards.
What connectors does this cable feature?: It features one 3-pin Female XLR connector and one 3-pin Male XLR connector. This is the standard configuration for most microphone and line-level audio equipment.
Is the jacket material durable?: Yes, the cable features a PVC jacket and insulation. PVC is commonly used in audio cables for its balance of flexibility and resistance to wear.
Can this cable be used to connect a guitar to an amp?: Only if the guitar or amp uses XLR connections, which is rare. Typically, guitars use 1/4 inch TS cables like the Ernie Ball P06049; however, this cable could be used with an XLR-to-Jack adapter.
How long is the cable in imperial measurements?: The cable is 6 metres long, which is approximately 19.7 feet. This is longer than a standard 10ft (3m) cable but shorter than a typical 10m stage cable.
Does this cable provide phantom power to microphones?: Yes, because it is a balanced 3-pin XLR cable, it is capable of carrying +48V phantom power from a mixer to a condenser microphone. It does not generate power itself but allows it to pass through.
What is the difference between this and a 30cm patch cable?: The SubZero 6m is designed for longer runs, such as from a performer to a mixer. A 30cm Studiospares patch cable is intended for short connections within an equipment rack.
Who is the manufacturer of this cable?: The cable is manufactured by SubZero, a brand known for providing functional audio equipment and accessories at an accessible price point.
Can I use this to connect a mixer to a power amplifier?: Yes, if both the mixer and the power amplifier feature XLR inputs and outputs. The balanced design helps ensure a low-noise signal path between the devices.