XLR Cable Length and Type Questions...

[Off The Mark]

How long can an XLR cable be if I want to patch from microphone (Samson CO2) into a preamp (Tascam DR-60D II) without increasing noise?

Is 15 feet ok? How about 25 feet?

I would like to boom the mic and then mount the DR-60D II close to the camera so I can then get a feed off of the 60D II into the camera mic jack as well (that would be optimum, not 100% required though)

And do I need a "balanced" XLR cable?

And are XLR cables shielded by default? Or do I need to seek out a cable that is specified as balanced.

If anyone has a link to good affordable XLR cables that would be great.

Thanks in advance.

 

[uncle dunc]

Not familiar with that mic, but if it takes regular 48v phantom power, you can go at least a hundred feet with no audio degradation. All XLR audio cables are shielded. It's part of the 3-connector spec - shield, hot, cold. Some manufacturers will claim their cables are better. I would be swayed by the brand of the connectors used on the ends of the cable. Switchcraft has been a standard for decades. Walk into any Guitar Center and take your pick.

 

[hindesite]

How long can an XLR cable be if I want to patch from microphone (Samson CO2) into a preamp (Tascam DR-60D II) without increasing noise?

Is 15 feet ok? How about 25 feet?

I would like to boom the mic and then mount the DR-60D II close to the camera so I can then get a feed off of the 60D II into the camera mic jack as well (that would be optimum, not 100% required though)

And do I need a "balanced" XLR cable?

And are XLR cables shielded by default? Or do I need to seek out a cable that is specified as balanced.

If anyone has a link to good affordable XLR cables that would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Use balanced XLR cables to get the advantage of shielding and low noise - that's the whole point of XLR, and also why your entire cable run from mic to input is balanced the whole way (avoid 3.5 or 6.3mm phono connections or adapters where possible).

The length of run depends on the quality of the cable, used to run mic cable for 100s of metres for broadcast purposes, but that was in olden days.

25' is nothing for decent cable, but you really need to be certain of what you are getting - it isn't uncommon for cables that you might assume to be shielded may not be. The quality of the shielding and conductors varies a lot - I'd be less worried about OFC in the spec and more about the size and number of strands in each core and the make up of the shielding itself, which may not exist or just be aluminium. All of which is good reason to stay away from the really inexpensive cables unless there is a really clear description of the exact cable you are getting (preferably with a photo).

It is actually very easy to make your own, XLR connectors are pretty large, rugged and durable, cheap and easy to work on. That way you'll know what you are getting and can make spares, too.

 

[LingoDingo]

A "balanced" XLR cable functions in such a way that it automatically eliminates noise, and the better brands like Canare StarQuad are very well shielded against RF noise.

Normally you can run XLR for 100 feet without any problems, but you will have to use inline XLR amplifiers if you want to run cable for several hundred feet.

Boosting Mic Signals for Modern Audio Recording

 

[Off The Mark]

Thanks so much for the insight.

Uh... they won't let me in to a Guitar Center; violates the conditions of my parole (busted for murdering Stairway To Heaven on a Saturday afternoon).

 

[Off The Mark]

Thanks so much for the info and the link.

 

[Off The Mark]

Thanks for the explanation.

I am not very handy with stuff... I will probably try to go the store-bought route. Although i do see your point about getting better parts if you DIY it together.

 

[jjdp]

I've used B&H's Kopul mic cables "3000 series" up to 100'. They're solid, and a lot less money than what I've typically seen at GC. Even the 4000 series is relatively cost-effective. Plus they come in a variety of colors, which is handy for multi mic setups. Just make sure to use the over-under method of coiling them (look it up). And get some velcro cable ties. (IIRC, long Kopul cables come with velcro ties, but they're very thin.)

 

[Off The Mark]

Thanks! I will check them out.

 

[calson]

There are quality XLR cables like the ones from Mogami that are less than half the thickness of the cheaper ones and they take a lot less space in your bag. If you get into multiple mic setups the thinner cables are nice to have.

 

[Sean Nelson]

There are quality XLR cables like the ones from Mogami that are less than half the thickness of the cheaper ones and they take a lot less space in your bag. If you get into multiple mic setups the thinner cables are nice to have.

XLR cables are used for speakers as well as for microphones. Speaker cables need to deal with a lot more power than microphone cables do, hence they need to be quite a bit beefier. Thin cables can work perfectly well with microphones as long as they're well built with abrasion-resistant sheathing, good strain reliefs and quality connectors.