• ZeHa
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Topic: XLR cable question

Hello,

sorry but I'm a complete cable noob wink but I'm sure you can answer me the following question:

My understanding is that XLR cables are less prone to noise and so on than normal 6.3mm audio jack cables. My mixing console only has those 6.3mm outputs. But my KRK monitors have both 6.3mm inputs and XLR inputs. Now, is there ANY difference between choosing a 6.3mm to XLR cable over simply choosing a 6.3mm to 6.3mm cable?

I'd guess no, but I'm not 100% sure, so please tell me if I'm wrong smile
ZeHa

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2 Reply by Scarface (edited by Scarface 2011-02-15 16:42:52)

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Re: XLR cable question

It's not a question what kind of connector you use, but how they're wired (balanced or unbalanced).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balanced_audio

XLR mostly means balanced but Jack (TipRingSleeve) can also be that. If that's the case than it doesn't make much difference electronically. XLR has the benefit of locking the connector to the chassis (more secure) which also can be a disdavantage (now I think of it) cause when you accidently trip over a cable you can damage the cable or take equipment with you in your fall....  tongue

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3 Reply by ZeHa (edited by ZeHa 2011-02-15 22:24:45)

  • ZeHa
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Re: XLR cable question

Okay thanks for the info!
But how can I find out if the Jack is also balanced? EDIT: Or is it just the cable, and it would work in no matter what Jack I would plug it?

Another question... if normal mono-Jack cables are unbalanced, and I have lots of them near each other, can there be interferences or something like that? If so, isn't it a problem then to use multicore cables?

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  • ronin
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Re: XLR cable question

radio/magnetic interference only really becomes a problem over long distances. anything up to 5 metres wouldn't be troublesome. make sure the audio cables don't run parallel to power cables however.

check the documentation to find out about the outputs.

  • ZeHa
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Re: XLR cable question

I read my mixer has balanced outputs. So I guess I'd just need a cable with a "stereo" Jack plug on one side and an XLR plug on the other side?

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  • ronin
  • cervine lugbot
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Re: XLR cable question

bingo!