What is the primary use for this cable?

This cable is primarily used to connect a microphone or an audio device with an XLR output to a balanced 1/4 inch input on a mixer, amplifier, or audio interface.

Is this cable balanced or unbalanced?

This is a balanced cable. It uses a female XLR connector and a TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) 1/4 inch jack to maintain a balanced signal path, which helps in reducing external noise.

How long is the cable?

The cable is 3 metres long, which is approximately 10 feet. This length is standard for studio monitoring or connecting gear within a rack or small workspace.

Can I repair the connectors if they fail?

Yes, the cable features a serviceable 1/4 inch headshell. This design allows you to open the connector to resolder or fix connections rather than replacing the entire lead.

What brand manufactures this cable?

The cable is manufactured by Gear4Music as part of their professional audio accessories range.

Is this cable suitable for connecting a guitar to an amp?

Generally no, as electric guitars use unbalanced TS jacks. This cable is specifically designed for balanced signals using XLR and TRS connectors.

Does the XLR end plug into a microphone?

Yes, the female XLR end is designed to plug directly into the male XLR output found on most professional microphones.

What does 'noise-free' mean in the description?

Noise-free refers to the cable's ability to reject interference through its balanced construction, ensuring that the audio signal remains clean from hum and buzz.

How does this compare to the Gear4Music Essentials range?

The Pro range typically features more robust, serviceable connectors and higher-grade shielding compared to the entry-level Essentials range, such as the Dual Jack to RCA Phono Cable.

Can I use this for DMX lighting?

No, this is an audio cable. Lighting applications require specific DMX cables, such as the Adam Hall 5-star DMX cable, which have different impedance ratings.

What is the typical price for this 3m cable?

The typical price range for this specific Gear4Music professional cable is approximately GBP 5.

Is the 1/4 inch jack mono or stereo?

While the connector is a TRS jack (often associated with stereo), in this context, it is used for a balanced mono signal. It is not intended for stereo audio transmission.

Gear article

Gear4Music XLR (F) - Balanced 1/4" Jack Pro Cable 3m

The Gear4Music XLR (F) - Balanced 1/4" Jack Pro Cable is a professional-grade 3-metre audio lead designed for noise-free signal transmission. It features a female XLR connector at one end and a balanced 1/4 inch TRS jack at the other, primarily used for connecting microphones or line-level equipment to mixers and audio interfaces.

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Overview

The Gear4Music XLR (F) to Balanced 1/4" Jack Pro Cable serves as a critical link in modern audio setups, facilitating the connection between balanced outputs and inputs. Measuring 3 metres in length, it provides sufficient reach for studio environments and small stage configurations without excessive cable clutter. The cable is designed to provide a noise-free signal path, which is essential for maintaining audio integrity in professional recording and live sound applications.

Construction and Design

A defining feature of this 'Pro' series cable is its physical durability. It incorporates a serviceable 1/4 inch headshell, allowing users to inspect or repair internal connections if necessary, rather than disposing of the entire cable. The female XLR end is designed to lock securely into microphone outputs or line-level hardware, while the balanced jack end utilizes a Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) configuration to maintain the benefits of a balanced signal path.

Signal Integrity and Noise Rejection

As a balanced cable, this product utilizes three conductors to carry the audio signal. By using two signal wires and a ground, the cable can effectively reject electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) through common-mode rejection. This makes the 3-metre cable suitable for use near electronic equipment and power sources that might otherwise introduce unwanted hum or buzz into the audio chain.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Gear4Music range, this Pro cable offers a more robust build compared to the 'Essentials' line, such as the Dual Jack to RCA Phono Cable. While brands like Neutrik provide individual components like the NC3FRX right-angled connector or the NA2MP XLR-to-Jack adaptor for custom solutions, this cable provides a pre-assembled, cost-effective alternative. It sits alongside other professional utility leads like the Studiospares Standard XLR series or Adam Hall 5-star lighting cables, though it is specifically tailored for audio signal conversion between XLR and Jack formats.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary use for this cable?: This cable is primarily used to connect a microphone or an audio device with an XLR output to a balanced 1/4 inch input on a mixer, amplifier, or audio interface.
Is this cable balanced or unbalanced?: This is a balanced cable. It uses a female XLR connector and a TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) 1/4 inch jack to maintain a balanced signal path, which helps in reducing external noise.
How long is the cable?: The cable is 3 metres long, which is approximately 10 feet. This length is standard for studio monitoring or connecting gear within a rack or small workspace.
Can I repair the connectors if they fail?: Yes, the cable features a serviceable 1/4 inch headshell. This design allows you to open the connector to resolder or fix connections rather than replacing the entire lead.
What brand manufactures this cable?: The cable is manufactured by Gear4Music as part of their professional audio accessories range.
Is this cable suitable for connecting a guitar to an amp?: Generally no, as electric guitars use unbalanced TS jacks. This cable is specifically designed for balanced signals using XLR and TRS connectors.
Does the XLR end plug into a microphone?: Yes, the female XLR end is designed to plug directly into the male XLR output found on most professional microphones.
What does 'noise-free' mean in the description?: Noise-free refers to the cable's ability to reject interference through its balanced construction, ensuring that the audio signal remains clean from hum and buzz.
How does this compare to the Gear4Music Essentials range?: The Pro range typically features more robust, serviceable connectors and higher-grade shielding compared to the entry-level Essentials range, such as the Dual Jack to RCA Phono Cable.
Can I use this for DMX lighting?: No, this is an audio cable. Lighting applications require specific DMX cables, such as the Adam Hall 5-star DMX cable, which have different impedance ratings.
What is the typical price for this 3m cable?: The typical price range for this specific Gear4Music professional cable is approximately GBP 5.
Is the 1/4 inch jack mono or stereo?: While the connector is a TRS jack (often associated with stereo), in this context, it is used for a balanced mono signal. It is not intended for stereo audio transmission.