XLR microphone cables are a balanced audio cable with locking connectors that are used in professional audio applications. The cable was invented by James Cannon. It was originally called the Cannon X cable. After a latch was added, it became an XL cable, then an XLR when a rubber insulator was added.
XLR Connectors
XLR connectors are both male and female; the male version has three pins, arranged in a triangle. Pin one, on the top left, is the ground. Pin two, on the top right, is positive, or hot, while the bottom pin is cold, or negative.
Advantages
XLR cables offer several inherent advantages. For one, since the connectors lock, multiple XLR cables can be strung together for long runs. Because the cable has a ground connection built in, it eliminates ground hum. XLR cables are used to carry the signal in PA systems in live sound applications. The ability to make long runs of cable is crucial, as the soundboard is often located up to 100 feet in front of the PA system and stage.
Connecting Microphones
Connecting an XLR cable to a microphone is simple. The microphone has three male pins, so align the female end of the cable with the pins and slide it in. The cable will lock to the microphone. Plug the male connector end of the cable into your mixing board or microphone preamp.
Phantom Power
Many professional grade microphones require 48 volts of phantom power, sent on a DC signal, to operate. The balanced connector in an XLR cable can carry this phantom power; it is usually sent from the mixing board or a separate microphone preamp.
Grades
Many different grades of XLR cable are available for microphones. Generally, the higher priced ones have better external shielding and a better quality of cable, which often leads to richer sound. More expensive cables often last longer as well.
Home Audio
Some audiophiles prefer to buy components that have XLR outputs on them. Because the cable is grounded, it eliminates any ground hum from electrical components. Further, compared with standard RCA connections found on most home audio components, XLR outputs run three to six dB hotter than RCAs, and so can give a louder sound with no distortion.
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