What is the primary function of this cable?

It is designed to connect a microphone with a male XLR output to an audio device with a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) jack input. It is commonly used for mixers, amplifiers, or PA systems that do not have XLR inputs.

How long is the Gear4Music XLR (F) - Jack cable?

The cable measures exactly nine metres in length. This provides significant reach for performers who need to move around a stage or studio space.

What is 'Oxygen-Free Copper' (OFC) and why is it used?

OFC is copper that has been refined to reduce the level of oxygen and other impurities. In this cable, it helps to maintain high conductivity and prevent the corrosion that can lead to signal degradation over time.

Does this cable provide a balanced or unbalanced signal?

This is an unbalanced cable because it terminates in a mono (TS) jack plug. While the XLR end is a three-pin connector, the signal is combined into two conductors at the jack end.

What is the purpose of the strain relief spring?

The spring system protects the cable at the point where it enters the jack plug. It prevents the cable from bending at sharp, damaging angles, which significantly extends the lifespan of the lead.

Is this cable suitable for phantom-powered condenser microphones?

Generally, no. Condenser microphones requiring +48V phantom power usually need a balanced XLR-to-XLR connection to receive power from the mixer. This jack-terminated cable cannot typically carry phantom power.

Can I use this cable to connect a guitar to a mixer?

No, this cable features a female XLR connector on one end, whereas a guitar requires a 1/4 inch jack on both ends. You would instead need a standard instrument cable like the Ernie Ball P06049.

Will this cable work for connecting speakers?

This is a microphone-level signal cable and is not designed to carry the high-current loads required for passive speakers. Using it for speakers could damage the cable or your equipment.

How does the 'noiseless' feature work?

The cable is built with internal shielding and high-quality conductors to reject external electronic interference. This ensures that the audio signal remains clean and free from hum or buzz.

What is the difference between this and a DMX cable?

While they may look similar, this is an audio cable designed for sound signals. DMX cables, such as the Adam Hall 5-STAR, have a different impedance (usually 110 ohms) specifically for digital lighting control data.

Can I use an adaptor to turn this into an XLR-to-XLR cable?

While you could use a Neutrik NA2MP adaptor to change the jack end to an XLR male, it is usually more efficient to purchase a dedicated XLR-to-XLR cable if that is your required connection.

Is the jack plug straight or right-angled?

The manufacturer description specifies that this cable incorporates a straight jack plug. It is not a right-angled connector like the Neutrik NC3FRX series.

Gear article

Gear4Music XLR (F) - Jack Microphone Cable 9m

The Gear4Music XLR (F) - Jack Microphone Cable is a high-quality, noiseless audio lead designed for connecting microphones to equipment with unbalanced jack inputs. Featuring oxygen-free copper conductors and a nine-metre length, it is engineered for reliable signal transmission in live and studio environments.

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Overview

The Gear4Music XLR (F) to Jack cable is a utility-focused audio interconnect designed to bridge the gap between professional microphones and consumer or entry-level pro-audio equipment. Measuring nine metres in length, it provides ample reach for vocalists or instrumentalists on stage or within a recording booth. The cable utilises an unbalanced configuration, converting a three-pin XLR output to a standard 1/4 inch (6.35mm) mono jack plug.

Construction and Key Features

The primary design goal of this cable is signal integrity through the use of Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) cores. This material choice helps to prevent oxidation over time, maintaining conductivity and reducing noise floor.

A notable physical feature is the integration of a strain relief spring system on the jack plug. This spring extends from the connector housing to support the cable at its most vulnerable flex point, preventing internal wire breakage caused by sharp angles or frequent movement. The XLR end features a standard female housing with a secure locking mechanism to ensure a stable connection to the microphone.

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

Sonic Character

Described by the manufacturer as 'noiseless', the cable is engineered to deliver a transparent audio path. By using high-quality shielding and oxygen-free materials, it aims to minimise electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI). While it remains an unbalanced cable, the quality of the copper ensures that the natural frequency response of the microphone is preserved over the nine-metre distance without significant high-end roll-off.

Applications and Suitability

This cable is most suitable for musicians and public speakers who need to connect a dynamic microphone directly into a powered mixer, portable PA system, or guitar amplifier that lacks dedicated XLR inputs.

Due to its length, it is ideal for: * Small to medium-sized stages where mobility is required. * Home studios where the recording interface is positioned away from the performance area. * Karaoke setups and community hall PA systems.

Market Comparison

Within the budget audio market, the Gear4Music cable competes on value, offering a specific 9m length that is longer than standard 3m or 6m alternatives like the Ernie Ball P06049. Unlike pure XLR-to-XLR cables, such as the Studiospares Standard range, this cable provides the specific adaptation needed for jack-only inputs. Users requiring a more compact solution for patching might look at the Studiospares 30cm cables, while those needing specialised lighting connections would instead require DMX cables like the Adam Hall 5-STAR Neutrik series.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of this cable?: It is designed to connect a microphone with a male XLR output to an audio device with a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) jack input. It is commonly used for mixers, amplifiers, or PA systems that do not have XLR inputs.
How long is the Gear4Music XLR (F) - Jack cable?: The cable measures exactly nine metres in length. This provides significant reach for performers who need to move around a stage or studio space.
What is 'Oxygen-Free Copper' (OFC) and why is it used?: OFC is copper that has been refined to reduce the level of oxygen and other impurities. In this cable, it helps to maintain high conductivity and prevent the corrosion that can lead to signal degradation over time.
Does this cable provide a balanced or unbalanced signal?: This is an unbalanced cable because it terminates in a mono (TS) jack plug. While the XLR end is a three-pin connector, the signal is combined into two conductors at the jack end.
What is the purpose of the strain relief spring?: The spring system protects the cable at the point where it enters the jack plug. It prevents the cable from bending at sharp, damaging angles, which significantly extends the lifespan of the lead.
Is this cable suitable for phantom-powered condenser microphones?: Generally, no. Condenser microphones requiring +48V phantom power usually need a balanced XLR-to-XLR connection to receive power from the mixer. This jack-terminated cable cannot typically carry phantom power.
Can I use this cable to connect a guitar to a mixer?: No, this cable features a female XLR connector on one end, whereas a guitar requires a 1/4 inch jack on both ends. You would instead need a standard instrument cable like the Ernie Ball P06049.
Will this cable work for connecting speakers?: This is a microphone-level signal cable and is not designed to carry the high-current loads required for passive speakers. Using it for speakers could damage the cable or your equipment.
How does the 'noiseless' feature work?: The cable is built with internal shielding and high-quality conductors to reject external electronic interference. This ensures that the audio signal remains clean and free from hum or buzz.
What is the difference between this and a DMX cable?: While they may look similar, this is an audio cable designed for sound signals. DMX cables, such as the Adam Hall 5-STAR, have a different impedance (usually 110 ohms) specifically for digital lighting control data.
Can I use an adaptor to turn this into an XLR-to-XLR cable?: While you could use a Neutrik NA2MP adaptor to change the jack end to an XLR male, it is usually more efficient to purchase a dedicated XLR-to-XLR cable if that is your required connection.
Is the jack plug straight or right-angled?: The manufacturer description specifies that this cable incorporates a straight jack plug. It is not a right-angled connector like the Neutrik NC3FRX series.